The figure shows the satellite images of Mondha Village, Nagpur. Find out the changes in land use pattern and write a note.

2003

2010

2017

All the three images clearly illustrate the changes in land use pattern that has occurred in the village over the time span of years. Land use is the purpose or way in which a particular stretch of land is used. It is the modification and changes that are brought into the natural environment for the development of built environment, settlements, agriculture or management of forests. It determines that pattern in which the land is used.

The image of 2003 shows the abundance of agricultural fields, pastoral lands, and areas with dense flora growth. The built infrastructure is negligible in the time with no visible building and other structures. With the passage of time, the agricultural fields and pastoral areas have paved the way for the development of built infrastructure in the region. In 2007, a bulk of densely forested area had been cleared, and buildings have come up in the place. But the changes in agricultural fields is negligible. But in 2017, most of the agricultural areas have also been cleared. The area has lost its green cover, and the buildings and other structures are clearly visible. Thus the images show the transition of an area with the changes in the demands of the populace.

With the growing population in India, the demand for the increase in the area under cultivation is rising. Thus more land has to be brought under cultivation in the case of India. India is well-endowed with the natural resources and the climate that gives the country an edge in increasing its agricultural productivity. Also, the demands of the increasing population have resulted in the conversion of such areas to other residential and community areas. But this can have serious environmental impacts. The indiscriminate clearing of pastures and other areas for agricultural purposes can affect the ecosystem in which we survive. It can lead to the endangering and the extinction of many flora and fauna and ultimately a threat to ourselves.