A Geostatistical Analysis of Land degradation due to water erosion in Uttar Pradesh

This study presents a geostatistical analysis of land degradation caused by water erosion in Uttar Pradesh, India. The research focuses on understanding the spatial distribution and clustering patterns of water erosion at the district level. The water erosion data was collected from BHUVAN data store. The analysis utilizes district-wise data on water erosion percentages to identify hot spots and cold spots across the region. Additionally, the study employs the Global Moran's I test to assess the presence of spatial autocorrelation and evaluate the significance of the observed clustering pattern. The results reveal distinct spatial patterns of water erosion across districts in Uttar Pradesh. Hot spots, characterized by high water erosion percentages, are identified in several districts, including Banda, Chandauli, Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Kanpur Dehat, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Mirzapur, and Sonbhadra. On the other hand, cold spots, indicating lower levels of water erosion, are observed in districts such as Ambedkar Nagar, Amroha, Azamgarh, Basti, Bareilly, Budaun, Bulandshahr, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Gonda, Gorakhpur, and others. The Global Moran's I test confirms a significant spatial clustering pattern of water erosion in the study area, indicating that the observed distribution is unlikely to occur by random chance. The positive Moran's Index and high z-score further support the presence of spatial autocorrelation. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and mitigation strategies to address water erosion in the identified hot spot districts. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights for land management and policy formulation in Uttar Pradesh. By directing resources and implementing appropriate measures in the identified hot spots, authorities can effectively combat land degradation and minimize the associated environmental and socio-economic impacts. Regular monitoring and reassessment of water erosion patterns are essential for sustainable land management and the preservation of valuable land and water resources in the region