MULTI-DECADAL BLUE-SPACE DYNAMICS OF THE NORTHERN PLAINS OF NORTH BENGAL, INDIA (1995–2024): A REMOTE SENSING-BASED ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Water bodies (blue spaces) are fundamental components of terrestrial ecosystems that provide essential ecological, agricultural, and socioeconomic services. The Northern Plains of North Bengal, India, represent a densely riverine floodplain landscape where blue spaces face mounting pressures from urbanization, agricultural intensification, and climate variability. Despite their critical importance, comprehensive long-term assessments of blue-space dynamics in this region remain limited.