Assessment of degradation of the coastal wetlands using geoinformatics: a comprehensive study in south western part of Sundarban

The Ganges and Brahmaputra stream systems consolidate to frame the Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta depleting into the Bay of Bengal, containing the world's biggest delta at 105,000 km2 spreading over Bangladesh and the Indian territory of West Bengal. Wetlands give various socio – environmental benefits to our community. However, present conditions of wetlands are much vulnerable in point of Biodiversity and human wellbeing. The rapid urban growth and other Land use changes are the main drivers behind it. Besides, development planning, policy making, the transforming process and their conservative measures should be taken into account. In this study, the eco – social transformation of East Kolkata Wetland has been analyzed. Also the conversion vulnerability has been assessed here, 45% out of 38 km2 wetland area has converted to other land use classes, near about 55% of the total area are found in high to very high vulnerable zone. A decent land use planning and fruitful action of local authorities is inevitable to minimize the degradation level.