Geospatial assessment of environmental impacts in mining areas of Tekkali Mandal, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

In conclusion, the remote sensing assessment of temporal changes in the environmental impact of mining in Tekkali Mandal, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, reveals significant shifts in land cover and land use patterns from 2016 to 2023. Waterbodies exhibited a slight increase, highlighting the importance of even modest changes in water coverage for local hydrology and biodiversity. Conversely, the notable decrease in deciduous forests raises concerns about habitat loss and carbon sequestration. Flooded vegetation and agricultural land remained relatively stable, while built-up land expanded, reflecting urbanization and infrastructure development pressures. Of particular concern is the substantial increase in mining areas, which expanded from 143 hectares to 334 hectares, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable mining practices to mitigate adverse environmental impacts. Mining activities pose various challenges, including habitat destruction, pollution, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity, necessitating concerted efforts to balance economic development with environmental conservation and sustainable resource management. Rehabilitating degraded landscapes, implementing sustainable land management practices, and restoring ecosystem functions are crucial for promoting landscape resilience and biodiversity conservation in mining-affected regions.

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