A multi-index remote sensing analysis for Characterizing water stress, and environmental indicators in Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 01 | Page :
    By

    Aditya Dharaiya,

  • Girish Limaye,

  • Ashwini Supekar,

  • Nishith Dharaiya,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Geology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. PhD Scholar, Department of Environmental Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  4. Director, Center of Excellence for Wildlife and Conservation Studies (CWCS), Junagadh, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Water scarcity is a critical concern in arid and semi-arid regions, with implications for ecological stability, public health, and sustainable resource management. The Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, presents a case where ecological fragility intersects with cultural and religious pressures. This study employs satellite remote sensing and GIS-based approach to characterize water stress parameters within the sanctuary. Key spectral indices along with Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) were integrated through Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) to generate Water Scarcity Vulnerability Index (WSVI). Strong geographical variation within the sanctuary is revealed by the data, which show ecological resilience with lower vulnerability and higher vegetation cover and soil moisture. Conversely, peripheral zones dominated by barren lands and built-up areas emerge as hotspots of ecological stress and water scarcity, exacerbated by anthropogenic activities and limited perennial water sources. Seasonal dependence on streams and reservoirs further underscores vulnerability of both flora and fauna, potentially intensifying human-wildlife conflict during dry periods. This research highlights urgent need for integrated conservation strategies, including artificial waterhole creation, watershed restoration, and regulation of pilgrimage-related activities. By advancing geospatial framework, the study not only informs targeted water management and bio-conservation in Girnar but also offers methodological template for other protected areas.

Keywords: Water scarcity vulnerability, Ecological resilience, Conservation, GIS, Sustainable water management

[This article belongs to Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS ]

How to cite this article:
Aditya Dharaiya, Girish Limaye, Ashwini Supekar, Nishith Dharaiya. A multi-index remote sensing analysis for Characterizing water stress, and environmental indicators in Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS. 2026; 17(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Aditya Dharaiya, Girish Limaye, Ashwini Supekar, Nishith Dharaiya. A multi-index remote sensing analysis for Characterizing water stress, and environmental indicators in Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS. 2026; 17(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jorsg/article=2026/view=238338


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 17
Issue 01
Received 04/12/2025
Accepted 06/01/2026
Published 06/02/2026
Publication Time 64 Days
93

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