A systematic literature review of land use and land cover dynamics in Manipur, India

Abstract Understanding land use and land cover change (LULCC) is essential for analyzing human-environment interactions. Manipur, located in Northeast India, is particularly sensitive to LULCC due to its ecological diversity and increasing anthropogenic pressures. This study systematically reviews existing literature to examine the trends, drivers, and implications of Land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in the region. The review is based on 30 peer-reviewed studies selected through the ICA framework. Empirical studies focused on LULC within Manipur’s geographical boundary were included. Findings reveal an accelerated rate of LULC transformation across the state. Valley districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal, show rapid urban expansion accompanied by significant declines in agricultural land, forests, and wetlands. In contrast, the hill districts like Ukhrul and Senapati display mixed patterns, with both forest degradation and notable regeneration reflecting conservation and afforestation efforts. Remote sensing and GIS were the primary tools used in these studies to detect land cover shifts and assess spatio-temporal patterns. Interconnected drivers such as population growth, infrastructure development, and economic activity continue to shape LULC transitions with considerable implications for air quality, land surface temperature, biodiversity, and ecological stability, particularly affecting sensitive zones such as Loktak Lake. This review underscores a notable research gap, characterized by the limited academic focus on hilly regions, and insufficient investigation into the underlying drivers and their socio-economic impacts. Bridging these gaps requires the integration of remote sensing data with socio-economic insights. The study examines the importance of implementing region-specific land management strategies, ecological restoration, and sustainable urban planning to enhance environmental resilience across the state.