- Built-up areas in Vellore and Katpadi have surged dramatically—from approximately 5.9 % in 1997 to 25.9 % by 2024—reflecting intense urban growth over the past three decades.
- Water bodies shrank from around 3.15 % to just 1.02 %, while vegetation cover and agricultural land similarly declined, amplifying climate and environmental stress.
- The land surface temperature (LST) has steadily risen as built-up areas increase, with strong negative correlations between LST and vegetation or water indices (NDVI, NDWI, MNDWI).
- High-resolution analysis of land-use, thermal patterns, and water dynamics provides critical data to inform urban planning — vital for mapping vulnerabilities and designing nature-based cooling solutions.
In Tamil Nadu’s Vellore District, a profound transformation is unfolding as rapid urbanisation reshapes both its landscape and climate.
A recent study, published in Results in Engineering, employs advanced geospatial tools and predictive modelling to chart these shifts, providing a strategic framework for sustainable growth.
Led by Sai Saraswathi Vijayaraghavalu from the School of Advanced Sciences at Vellore Institute of Technology, the research reveals notable land use changes. Urban areas increased from 13.23% in 2017 to 17.14% in 2023, while forest cover and agricultural land have steadily declined.
Projections indicate that by 2050, urban zones could occupy 27.1% of the district, with forest and agricultural areas reducing to 48.91% and 9.15% respectively.
The study also foresees significant climate impacts. Average temperatures, which stood at 27.7°C in 2018, are projected to rise to around 32°C by 2100. This warming trend is expected to be accompanied by heightened rainfall variability and more frequent extreme weather events.
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These findings carry urgent implications for the energy sector and urban planning.
The research advocates Nature-Based Solutions such as sustainable urban design, targeted reforestation, climate-resilient agriculture, and integrated water resource management.
According to Vijayaraghavalu, these are “actionable strategies” essential for balancing development with climate resilience.
The integration of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and machine learning in the study offers a scientifically robust method for monitoring and predicting both land use and climate trends.
This methodology could serve as a model for other rapidly urbanising regions seeking to align development with environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, the research calls upon policymakers, urban planners, and energy professionals to collaborate in shaping growth that safeguards natural resources. Decisions made today, it warns, will determine whether the Vellore of tomorrow thrives sustainably or faces escalating environmental challenges.
