ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

A Geographical Assessment of Land Use Pattern in Amethi District

Land use and land cover (LULC) analysis is a vital component of geographical studies as it reflects the dynamic interaction between human activities and the natural environment. The present study examines the spatial and temporal patterns of land use and land cover changes in Amethi District of Uttar Pradesh from a geographical perspective. Amethi, a predominantly agrarian district located in the eastern part of the state, has experienced noticeable transformations in its land use structure due to population growth, urban expansion, infrastructural development, agricultural intensification, and changing socio-economic conditions. The study aims to analyze the distribution of major land use and land cover categories, assess their changes over time, and identify the driving factors responsible for these transformations. The analysis is based on secondary data obtained from district statistical handbooks, agricultural surveys, census records, and satellite-based information supported by remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Various land use categories such as agricultural land, forest cover, fallow land, barren and wasteland, water bodies, and built-up areas have been systematically examined. The results indicate a gradual decline in agricultural and forest land, accompanied by an increase in non-agricultural uses such as residential, commercial, and infrastructural development. Expansion of built-up areas, reduction in water bodies, and an increase in fallow and degraded land in certain blocks highlight emerging environmental and resource management challenges. The study reveals that rapid urbanization, pressure on land resources, inadequate land management practices, and climatic variability have significantly influenced land use and land cover patterns in the district. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable base for planners, policymakers, and researchers concerned with sustainable land management and regional development.