Risk Assessment of Unesco World Heritage Site And Its Preparedness Under Changing Climate Scenarios
Authors: P Manju Kumar , Soraganvi Veena S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The Pattadkal Village in Badami taluk at Bagalkot district of Karnataka state of India is a world heritage site designated by UNESCO for having cultural and historical significance. Under changing climatic scenario the world is being subjected to extreme climatic conditions and pollution. It is imperative that, we need to protect such sites from extreme events resulting into damage or deterioration of such monuments. The Pattadkal lies on the banks of Malprabha River. Due to construction of dams upstream and also extreme rainfall events in the area, the river is being subjected to flood conditions resulting in damage to large stretches of agricultural lands and villages in northern Karnataka especially in Bagalkot district. Therefore, in this study, flood plain analysis of Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district is taken up, using geospatial tools. Various thematic maps are integrated to study the flow pattern of the river and also Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes in the landscapes around the heritage site in previous years. The monuments in the site are geotagged and a database of the temples and architectural monuments is prepared. Previous year’s satellite maps are utilized to study the historical flood events and damages caused is assessed. The flood risk analysis and LULC changes in the area are observed using satellite images, ground truthing and available geospatial and other secondary tools. The probability of recurrence of such events in future is forecasted and preparedness to such events and precautions and measures to be taken will be suggested. The following methodology is framed with specific objective to identify the risk and threats concerning the heritage site for the future preparedness. The current study area selected, the Pattadkal a UNESCO world heritage site, its extent is to be demarked by the Geospatial tools referring the toposheets, satellite images and also by ground truth data. The extent will be digitized using QGIS software and the necessary at-tributes are updated for each generated layer. Further, considering the Pattadakal heritage site, a buffer of certain km (based on the extent) is demarked to study the changes, encroachments, dis-appearance of artifacts/monuments if any over a period by using spatio-temporal change assessment technique using satellite images and Google earth tool to observe the changes in landscapes. The LRI of Pattadkal village was started to arrange site-specific cadastral level information helpful for farmer level planning and growth of the area. The basic information on soils, characteristics, geographic distribution, and classification. The soil based thematic maps and soil map, land suitability for several crops and land use maps. The objectives of the Study area, the Pattadkal village covering an area of 988.91 ha are detailed characterization of the Current Land use at parcel level in the village, geotagging of monuments, Buffer zoning,Village level digital land resources database us using remote sensing and GIS. The outcomes from the study shows maps, graphs and tables indicates sustainable planning.