Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Urban Expansion and Ecological Vulnerability in Mysore, India
Running title: Urban expansion and ecological vulnerability in Mysore
Authors details
Sri Raghava1*, Anjali Honnegowdahalli Mallikarjunappa2, Priyadarshini Nelamane Rajegowda2
1Department of Biotechnology, Karnataka State Open University, Mukthagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka, INDIA
2Department of Environment Science, Karnataka State Open University, Mukthagangotri, Mysore, Karnataka, INDIA
Corresponding Author *
Dr. Sri Raghava
Department of Biotechnology,
Karnataka State Open University,
Mukthagangotri, Mysore,
Karnataka, INDIA
Email: sriraghava33@gmail.com; dr.sriraghava@ksoumysuru.ac.in
Abstract
Urban expansion is a major driver of environmental transformation in rapidly growing cities. This study evaluates the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban growth and associated ecological vulnerability in Mysore, India, between 2000 and 2024 using remote sensing and geospatial analysis. Multi-temporal Landsat imagery and Bhuvan datasets were used to generate land use/land cover maps through supervised classification, while vegetation condition was assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Results reveal that built-up area increased from 10% in 2000 to 35% in 2024, accompanied by a decline in vegetation cover from 70% to 45%. NDVI values decreased from 0.65 to 0.45, indicating progressive vegetation degradation. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong inverse relationship between urban expansion and ecological indicators. Regression-based projections suggest that built-up land may exceed 50% by 2040, with green space declining below recommended thresholds. The findings highlight intensifying thermal stress, degradation of urban ecosystems, and increasing ecological vulnerability. The study emphasizes the need for climate-sensitive urban planning, green infrastructure development, and geospatial monitoring to support sustainable urban growth in emerging Indian cities.
Keywords: Urban expansion; Ecological vulnerability; Remote sensing; GIS; NDVI; Land use/land cover; Urban heat island; Sustainable urban planning; Mysore, India
