A Spatio-Temporal Assessment Of Land use Land Cover Change on Agriculture Productivity in Punjab, Pakistan

Introduction/Importance of Study: The agricultural sector is crucial to the development of any nation, particularly where food security is a concern. In Punjab province, urban settlements are increasingly encroaching on established agricultural lands, posing a significant threat to agriculture in the region. This issue is compounded by the continuous urban expansion and encroachment on fertile lands. The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes on agricultural productivity in Punjab. Utilizing the Earth Engine, this research performs LULC classification and estimates wheat crop yields in the province. Novelty Statement: This study presents an innovative application of Earth Engine analytics to monitor and analyze the effects of LULC changes on agricultural productivity in Punjab province. Material and Method: The research employs 20 years of Land Use and Land Cover data from the MODIS dataset, accessed via Google Earth Engine (GEE). In addition, wheat crop production is estimated using the capabilities of GEE. Result and Discussion: The findings indicate a substantial shift in land cover in Punjab, which has significantly affected wheat crop production. The study emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. Continuous monitoring of LULC changes using GEE can enable timely interventions to mitigate negative impacts. Concluding Remarks: By integrating urban growth management strategies with the preservation of agricultural lands, long-term agricultural sustainability and development can be achieved. This research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies and collaborative efforts to counteract the adverse effects of urban expansion on agricultural productivity

A Spatio-Temporal Assessment Of Land use Land Cover Change on Agriculture Productivity in Punjab, Pakistan

Introduction/Importance of Study: The agricultural sector is crucial to the development of any nation, particularly where food security is a concern. In Punjab province, urban settlements are increasingly encroaching on established agricultural lands, posing a significant threat to agriculture in the region. This issue is compounded by the continuous urban expansion and encroachment on fertile lands. The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes on agricultural productivity in Punjab. Utilizing the Earth Engine, this research performs LULC classification and estimates wheat crop yields in the province. Novelty Statement: This study presents an innovative application of Earth Engine analytics to monitor and analyze the effects of LULC changes on agricultural productivity in Punjab province. Material and Method: The research employs 20 years of Land Use and Land Cover data from the MODIS dataset, accessed via Google Earth Engine (GEE). In addition, wheat crop production is estimated using the capabilities of GEE. Result and Discussion: The findings indicate a substantial shift in land cover in Punjab, which has significantly affected wheat crop production. The study emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. Continuous monitoring of LULC changes using GEE can enable timely interventions to mitigate negative impacts. Concluding Remarks: By integrating urban growth management strategies with the preservation of agricultural lands, long-term agricultural sustainability and development can be achieved. This research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies and collaborative efforts to counteract the adverse effects of urban expansion on agricultural productivity

Comprehensive Multi-Criteria Evaluation for Landfill Site Selection in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Introduction/Importance of Study: Solid waste management (SWM) has become a critical issue in urban planning due to population growth and urban migration, particularly in developing countries. In Pakistan, there are no standardized regulations for landfill site selection. Faisalabad, often referred to as the "Manchester of Pakistan" due to its industrial base and growing population, faces significant challenges in this regard. Identifying a suitable landfill site is essential to minimize health and environmental risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of both urban and peri-urban areas. Novelty Statement: This study aims to propose an optimized landfill site in Faisalabad, combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to guide sustainable solid waste management practices. Material and Method: The study utilized raster, vector, and attribute data based on eight key criteria: proximity to settlements, groundwater depth, roads, airport, surface water, power stations, railway infrastructure, and population density. Using AHP within the MCDA framework and GIS modeling with weighted overlay operations, we identified potential landfill sites for Faisalabad. Population data was incorporated to validate site suitability. Results and Discussion: Through geospatial analysis, we identified and prioritized three potential landfill sites. After a population analysis, we recommended Site-1, covering 147 acres, as the most sustainable option for the next 50 years. This site offers a balance between accessibility and environmental safety. Concluding Remarks: The integration of AHP and GIS under MCDA proved to be an effective method for landfill site selection. These tools can significantly aid decision-makers in achieving environmentally sustainable outcomes. Future research incorporating real-time data and community feedback could enhance site selection and decision-making processes

Comprehensive Multi-Criteria Evaluation for Landfill Site Selection in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Introduction/Importance of Study: Solid waste management (SWM) has become a critical issue in urban planning due to population growth and urban migration, particularly in developing countries. In Pakistan, there are no standardized regulations for landfill site selection. Faisalabad, often referred to as the "Manchester of Pakistan" due to its industrial base and growing population, faces significant challenges in this regard. Identifying a suitable landfill site is essential to minimize health and environmental risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of both urban and peri-urban areas. Novelty Statement: This study aims to propose an optimized landfill site in Faisalabad, combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to guide sustainable solid waste management practices. Material and Method: The study utilized raster, vector, and attribute data based on eight key criteria: proximity to settlements, groundwater depth, roads, airport, surface water, power stations, railway infrastructure, and population density. Using AHP within the MCDA framework and GIS modeling with weighted overlay operations, we identified potential landfill sites for Faisalabad. Population data was incorporated to validate site suitability. Results and Discussion: Through geospatial analysis, we identified and prioritized three potential landfill sites. After a population analysis, we recommended Site-1, covering 147 acres, as the most sustainable option for the next 50 years. This site offers a balance between accessibility and environmental safety. Concluding Remarks: The integration of AHP and GIS under MCDA proved to be an effective method for landfill site selection. These tools can significantly aid decision-makers in achieving environmentally sustainable outcomes. Future research incorporating real-time data and community feedback could enhance site selection and decision-making processes