Exploring spatial dynamics of urbanization and solid waste generation in Kota city using the Google Earth Engine

The current study investigates the relationship between urbanization, solid waste generation, and environmental changes in Kota city from 2000 to 2023. The study employs Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze land use and land cover (LULC) classification, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference modified water index (NDMWI), normalized difference built-up index (NDBI), land surface temperature (LST), and predict future LULC changes up to 2043. The results show that the built-up area increased by 122.38%, correlated with a 294.16% increase in solid waste generation and a significant increase of 24.6% in urban temperature (R2 = 0.9936). Vegetation cover and water resources declined during this period, and NDVI and NDMWI values indicate environmental degradation. Future LULC forecasts for 2043 show that urban expansion will continue, with built-up areas expected to increase by 16.74% at the expense of natural resources. To mitigate these effects, the study emphasizes the need for sustainable urban planning, which includes green infrastructure, advanced waste recycling systems, and strategies to mitigate urban heat islands. These findings provide significant insights for policymakers who seek to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability and proficient waste management.