PREDICTING URBAN EXPANSION AND WATER RESOURCE DEPLETION IN JAIPUR: A GOOGLE EARTH ENGINE-BASED LAND USE AND LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION

Abstract

Google Earth Engine (GEE) has emerged as a powerful tool for mapping land use and land cover (LULC) urban area changes in India. This study investigated urban expansion based on LULC changes in Jaipur City, Rajasthan, using Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS sensor data from 2014 and 2024, processed through Google Earth Engine (GEE). LULC classification was performed using GEE scripts, categorizing land into four classes: water, cropland, barren land, and built-up areas. The results show a significant increase in built-up areas from 8,118.59 sq km in 2014 to 54,638.60 sq km in 2024, while water bodies decreased from 2,302.50 sq km to 1,981.08 sq km during the same period. Cropland increased by 38,857.73 sq km, suggesting a trend of agricultural intensification, while barren land decreased by 85,056.31 sq km. The study also predicts LULC changes for the future decade from 2024 to 2034, revealing a significant reduction in water resources due to urbanization and an increase in built-up areas. The predicted GEE map shows a gradual decrease in cropland area, a steady decline in water area, a steady increase in buildup area, and a notable increase in barren land area. The accuracy of LULC prediction using GEE increased significantly, from 93.4% in 2014 to 99.945% by 2034. The findings suggest a trend of urbanization and agricultural intensification in the region, with barren lands being converted into agricultural areas and built-up areas. The study highlights the need for future landscape development with significant planning and resource management to address the potential water crisis in Jaipur City in India.