Analysis of Paddy Expansion on Topographically Unsuitable Land Using GIS: A Study of Sardulgarh Block

Abstract

Groundwater depletion has become a critical concern in the semi-arid regions of Punjab due to the expansion of water-intensive rice cultivation. This study analyzes the spatial and temporal relationship between groundwater decline and rice crop distribution in Sardulgarh block, Mansa district, using geospatial techniques. Multi-temporal datasets, including Digital Elevation Model (DEM), groundwater level data (2015 and 2023), and satellite imagery from AWiFS (2015) and Landsat (2025), were utilized. Unsupervised classification was applied to map rice cultivation, while change detection analysis was conducted to assess variations in groundwater levels and cropping patterns.

The results indicate a significant decline in groundwater levels, with a shift toward deeper water table categories across the study area. Despite this, rice cultivation has expanded considerably, including in topographically unsuitable areas identified through slope analysis. The findings reveal a clear mismatch between land suitability and cropping practices, highlighting unsustainable agricultural trends. The study emphasizes the urgent need for crop diversification and improved groundwater management strategies to ensure long-term sustainability in the region.