"International Journal of Geography, Geology and Environment"

Author(s): Nihar Ranjan Parida, Subhasmita Parida and Pinaki Samal

Abstract: This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of vegetation and the impacts of cyclonic disturbances within the Balukhanda Wildlife Sanctuary (BKWLS), a fragile coastal ecosystem along the Puri-Konark marine corridor of Odisha, India, for the period 2020-2024. Multi-temporal satellite imagery from Landsat and Sentinel sensors was analyzed to derive the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and assess seasonal vegetation patterns. During the pre-monsoon season (March-June), NDVI values were generally lower, reflecting elevated vegetation stress due to high temperatures, limited rainfall, and reduced soil moisture. Casuarina equisetifolia plantations exhibited moderate NDVI levels, indicating relative resilience to drought and salinity, whereas scrub and dune vegetation showed lower greenness. The study further highlights the influence of major cyclones, including Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021), on canopy structure and vegetation cover, with NDVI-based change detection revealing zones of temporary degradation and subsequent regeneration. These results underscore the ecological sensitivity of the sanctuary to seasonal climatic variations and extreme weather events, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring to inform adaptive management strategies for coastal forest conservation and biodiversity protection.

DOI: 10.22271/27067483.2025.v7.i10b.436

Pages: 113-123 | Views: 71 | Downloads: 41

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