Urban Expansion and Climate Change: A Spatio-temporal Analysis of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Dehradun City, India

Abstract

Dehradun is currently facing significant challenges as a result of increased tourism. While tourism plays a vital role in boosting the local economy, it also brings a range of environmental and infrastructural issues. The growing influx of tourists has led to environmental degradation, poor waste management, and increased pressure on the city's infrastructure. Additionally, unregulated tourism contributes to deforestation, air and water pollution, and heightens the risk of natural disasters such as flash floods and wildfires. To address these concerns, there is a pressing need to adopt sustainable tourism practices and implement stricter regulations. Such measures are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism and to preserve Dehradun's natural beauty and ecological balance for future generations. The present study was conducted to analyze the impact of frequent forest fires and excessive tourism on the forest cover in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand over a multi-decadal period. These factors have significantly contributed to forest degradation, biodiversity loss, and environmental imbalance in the region. The study also explores various preventive measures, including afforestation, community participation, and sustainable tourism practices, to protect and conserve the forest area.