Analysis of the shoreline changes using geoinformatics in Ghoramara Island of Hugli Estuary, West Bengal in India

Conceptual Framework: Coastal decrepitude is the loss of topographical resources along the coast as a result of silt, temperature fluctuations, tidal shifts, and wave breaking. Hydraulic activity, scraping, abrasion, and erosion are the major causes of erosion; other factors that affect it include the condition of the shore, rocks, joints, fissures, marine chemical reactions, and wave force. Objectives: The primary objectives of this study are to analyze the coastline changes between 1972 and 2022 utilizing remote sensing and GIS data and forecast the changes in the shoreline in 2032. Methods: The study examined coastal areas from 1972 to 2022 using multi-temporal satellite data from Landsat TM and Landsat OLI/TIRS. Shoreline change and the calculations related to it were examined using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System using near-infrared bands and tasseled cap transformation, to determine the rate of change in the shoreline, the study also employed Shoreline Change Envelope and End Point Rate techniques. Results: Coastal erosion caused substantial damage to the island between 1972 and 2022. The northern, southeastern, and western regions of the coast are seeing the highest levels of coastal erosion. The south coast experiences considerable erosion, whereas the west and southeast coasts experience the least. The EPR of Ghoramara Island has mean, minimum, and maximum changes of −10.59, −4.13, and −35.93, respectively. A notable inshore shift has occurred in the northern portion of Ghoramara, extending from 676 m to 855 m. The study also uses tidal gauge records and Revised Local Reference data from the Haldia Gauge Station to track long-term sea level variations. According to the study, Ghoramara Island's shoreline will change by 2032, with the greatest negative changes expected to occur around the island's western and southern borders. Conclusion: The study shows a significant decrease in Ghoramara's shoreline regions between 1972 and 2022, with a 3,000-population shifted from the place in 2016 due to Lohachara's submergence. Changes in the island's morphology and human activities have reduced cultivation. The study suggests increasing mangrove vegetation to combat coastal erosion and prevent further displacement of people to neighboring islands.