Assessment of Physical, Social, and Economic Drivers of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Jharsuguda District, Odisha: A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Land use and land cover (LULC) change reflects the interaction of physical, social, and economic processes. Although previous studies have documented LULC change using remote sensing and GIS techniques, limited attention has been given to the combined influence of these factors in rapidly industrialising mining regions. This study assesses the physical, social, and economic factors associated with LULC change in Jharsuguda district, Odisha, using a descriptive analytical approach. Secondary data from Bhuvan LULC datasets, census publications, government reports, and departmental statistics were analysed through trend analysis and temporal comparison. LULC statistics for 2005–06, 2011–12, and 2015–16 were examined alongside rainfall, population, urbanisation, agricultural activity, mining and industrial development, and workforce indicators. The results reveal substantial landscape transformation, with mining land increasing from 23.16 km² in 2005–06 to 62.65 km² in 2015–16. Agricultural land exhibited fluctuations, while built-up land changed in response to urban and industrial expansion. Forest cover and water bodies remained relatively stable. Population growth, urbanisation, mining and industrial expansion, workforce transformation, rainfall variability, and topographic conditions were found to be associated with observed LULC changes. The study demonstrates that landscape transformation in Jharsuguda results from the interaction of multiple physical, social, and economic factors, with mining and industrial development emerging as the dominant influences. The integrated analytical framework provides a useful basis for understanding LULC change and supporting sustainable land-use planning in rapidly developing mining regions.