Geospatial Assessment of Long-Term Changes (1937-2019) in Mangrove Vegetation and Shoreline Dynamics of Godavari Estuary, East Coast of India

Godavari mangroves are the second largest mangrove ecoregion of India located on its eastern coast. Mangroves perform major ecological functions including shoreline stabilization and coastal protection. They have undergone serious alterations, largely induced by human activities resulting in increased vulnerability to coastal flooding. A reliable database on mangroves distribution and temporal changes is essential for their effective management and conservation. Present study analyzes the long-term changes in mangroves, as well as the geomorphological changes along the coast of Godavari Estuary over a span of 82 years (1937-2019), using topographical maps, remotely sensed multi-temporal satellite imageries for five time periods. Results indicated that the rate of land uses conversions of agricultural fields, degraded areas, mudflats and mangrove vegetation into aquaculture significantly increased during the late 1990s. About 40 percent of it was constructed on mangrove areas between 1980 and 2019. The area under aquaculture was estimated to be 6,388.62 ha in 2000, almost doubling-up to 11,924.67 ha in 2019. Mangrove cover in this region increased by 15.95 percent between 2000 and 2019 (including 11.9 percent in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary) due to increased protection, consequent regeneration and accretion. Shift in Hope Island spit was observed in north and northwest directions, gradually growing nearly 3.84 km. High-resolution declassified satellite data were found very helpful for long-term mangrove mapping and analyzing geomorphological changes; enabling a better understanding of these regions to help decision makers/planners to find better solutions to existing coastal issues. The paper concludes with some recommendations to restore and conserve the existing mangrove cover in the study area.