Analyzing Changes in Land Use and Cover (LULC) in the Quetta Valley Over Four Decades (1990-2020) Using Geospatial Techniques

LULC changes have profoundly impacted environmental conditions, socio-economic development, and resource management in various regions. This study examines LULC changes in Quetta Valley, Baluchistan, Pakistan, over the past four decades (1990-2020) using geospatial techniques. The observed transformations primarily result from rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and population growth. LULC changes were analyzed using geospatial data from Landsat satellites, employing GIS and remote sensing (RS) methods. The findings indicate a steady increase in urban areas, with built-up land rising from 3.4% in 2000 to 7.17% in 2020, reflecting ongoing urbanization trends. This urban expansion has been accompanied by an increase in agricultural land, especially between 2010 and 2020, driven by the need to enhance food security. Vegetative cover has shown fluctuations, influenced by climatic variations and changing land management practices. Although barren land remains the predominant land cover type, its proportion has decreased slightly over time. These trends highlight the growing need for sustainable urban planning, effective agricultural management, conservation efforts, and integrated land management strategies. Policymakers should consider these LULC changes and their underlying causes when developing policies to ensure careful land use development and resource management, thereby promoting long-term environmental and socio-economic stability in Quetta Valley. This investigation provides insights into the dynamics of LULC changes and offers recommendations for sustainable land use planning in the region.