Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESMENT DUE TO THE SOIL MINING OF HILLS IN KASARAGOD DISTRICT OF KERALA BY USING LANDSAT MSS IMAGES

P.M. Beebi Razeena and M. Mini

Abstract

Kasaragod district lies on the North West boundary of Kerala between 11° - 18’ and 12° - 48’ N latitudes and between 74 º-52’ and 75º-26’ E longitudes. Presence of midl and laterite hill is the unique feature of this district and has various ecological attributes. Among the various ecosystems existing in our earth the hill ecosystem occupies its uniqueness by providing to the various floral and faunal species, resources for nations development and habitations. The present study aims to analysis and compare the soil excavating areas of Kasaragod district from March 2000-March 2014 by using Landsat MSS images digital analysis. The study highlights the significance of GIS analysis of the satellite data in accurately assessing the changing environmental conditions. Comparative analysis of classified Land Sat MSS images of previous years (2000 -2014) revealed that the area of excavation has increased from 614580 Sq.m to 1387830 Sq.m Result observed that an alarming increase in soil mining during last 15 years and it affected on the biodiversity and water table. The mining of these hills destroys two ecosystems-Hills and wetlands.The soil taken from these hills filled to wetlands (paddy fields). An ecosociolological problem may arise because of this tremendous increase in soil mining for land development. Present study observed that the destruction of hills leads to the more ecological problem like water scarcity in lowlands, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and changes in rain pattern . Soil mining endangers buildings and houses. Soil mining leads to an ecological unstability and the loss of two ecosystem–hills and wetlands. So soil mining must be controlled by implementing strict rules and regulations. Results of the present study is expected to create awareness among the generations on the need and importance of conservation of the midland laterite hillocks as a treasure of biodiversity.