Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
AP Chavhan, Dr. JS Kumbhar, Dr. US Bondar and CS Shinde

Abstract:
Land is a limited natural resource throughout the whole world and its judicious utilization is crucial for economic acceleration and progress of any country throughout the whole world. It is crucial for both the areas, be it agricultural or non-agricultural. An investigation of the structural modifications to the land use pattern for a certain period of time gives room for thoughtful and well-planned land management. Accordingly, the current research on ‘Ecological Implications of Land Use Dynamics in Western Maharashtra’ was carried out. For the analysis, Secondary data sources were consulted in order to assemble the required state-level time series data on the area classified under land use categories such as ‘Statistical Abstract of Maharashtra’ and other publications issued by the Government. The total time period of 1960-61 to 2019-20 was subdivided into three distinct periods, viz; Pre- liberalization (from 1960-61 to 1990-91), Post-liberalization (from 1991-92 to 2019-20) and Overall time period (from 1960-61 to 2019-20). Annual rates of change were calculated to research the movement in land usage within and between sectors. Ecological repercussions of land use dynamics in Western Maharashtra concluded that, land shift under wasn’t found commending in Period II, where the desirable ecology's land usage has been shifting in the direction of the agricultural and non-agricultural sections, the shift of land from a desired sector to undesirable environmental state could have long-term detrimental effects on the environment. The land use shift from a desirable to an undesirable environmental sector might have detrimental long lasting effects on the ecosystem. Therefore, strategies to promote rural and agricultural development should be integrated, such as, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMSKY), National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), etc., are essential for holistic development of rural areas, the administration of natural resources, and ecological restoration, as well as for using barren and unsuitable for cultivation land for cultivating crops.