SPATIO-TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF GAP-SAGAR LAKE IN DUNGARPUR CITY OF RAJASTHAN: A GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF HUMAN INTRUSION

This study investigates the spatio-temporal dy- namics of Gap-Sagar Lake, Dungarpur City, Rajasthan, from 2002 to 2022 using GIS techniques to analyse the change detection and evaluate the impact of human activities on wa- ter quality. Gap-Sagar Lake, a vital freshwater resource, has faced significant anthropogenic pressure, leading to reduced surface area and deteriorating water quality. Geospatial technology, specifically Landsat-7 ETM (2002) and Landsat- 8 OLI/TIRS (2022), were employed to assess land use and land cover changes (LULC) in the lake’s surroundings. The results highlight a 16.5-hectare decrease and transformed in built-up areas and a sharp decline in water quality, marked by rising levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates, and phosphates, indicative of ongoing eutrophication. This study underscores the urgent need for sustainable management practices to mitigate further ecological degradation and to protect this crucial water body for future generations.