Impact of Rainfall Variability on LULC and NDVI in Polavaram District, Andhra Pradesh: Using Geoinformatics

Abstract

Rainfall patterns significantly influence land use, land cover and vegetation health, which is commonly assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). This study examines the influence of rainfall patterns on land use, land cover and vegetation health in Polavaram district, utilising data from 2017 and projections for 2025. Variations in rainfall, ranging from low to very high, significantly affect agricultural practices and ecological stability. In 2017, tree cover accounted for 70.97% of the area, while agricultural land comprised 11.8%. By 2025, tree cover is projected to decrease to 67.83%, and agricultural land to 11.36%, indicating shifts in land utilisation. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index revealed spatial differences in vegetation health, with higher values corresponding to robust ecosystems. NDVI analyses for 2017 and 2025 further demonstrated changes in land cover, with water bodies and built-up areas exhibiting minimal vegetation. These results underscore the need to understand the impacts of rainfall variability on land management, agriculture and biodiversity. The study provides valuable insights for stakeholders to address climate change, enhance agricultural resilience and manage extreme weather events, thereby supporting sustainable development in the region. The research provides valuable insights into how changing precipitation patterns affect land use and vegetation health, which are essential for effective resource management and planning.