Monitoring Urban Growth and Its Impact on Arable Land Consumption in the Lower Turag Basin of Dhaka: A Google Earth Engine Based Study

Abstract

As population increases, urban expansion occurs leading to the need for more food production. However, expanding urban areas at the cost of agricultural land is common worldwide, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study examines the impact of urban growth on agricultural land in the Lower Turag Basin, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 2000 to 2020, using Google Earth Engine (GEE) for satellite-based analysis. Rapid urban expansion has dramatically reduced agricultural areas, prompting concerns about food security and sustainable land use. Land use and land cover (LULC) were mapped and quantified across three-time points—2000, 2010, and 2020—highlighting significant declines in arable land, particularly in Dhaka North City Corporation and Savar Upazila. Results align with SDG Indicator 11.3.1, as the ratio of agricultural land consumption to population growth reveals a faster rate of land loss compared to population increase, with agricultural land per capita dropping by 76% over the last two decades. This study suggests the urgency for policies promoting sustainable urban development to preserve essential arable spaces. Thus, it emphasizes the importance of integrating satellite data for urban planning and supports data-driven decisions to balance urbanization and agricultural preservation.