Integrated assessment of wetland health, ecosystem services and hydrogeomorphic change in Hulaskhera Wetland, India

ABSTRACT

Graphical abstract illustrating an integrated assessment framework for wetland health. The workflow progresses from interaction with the wetland community and documentation of archaeological heritage to hydrogeomorphic and ecological assessment, evaluation of ecosystem services, and development of a Wetland Health Index. Photographs show community consultation, archaeological remains, wetland vegetation, lotus-based resources, and local livelihood activities. Satellite imagery and field maps represent wetland boundaries and landscape characteristics.

Hulaskhera wetland located in the southern rural region of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, is an ecologically and culturally significant wetland with archaeological heritage dating back to the sixth century BC. Historically, it has supported surrounding communities by providing water, shelter and diverse ecosystem services. This study integrates field-based socio-economic surveys with geospatial analysis to evaluate the ecological condition and livelihood dependence associated with the wetland. Community surveys documented local perceptions regarding hydrology, resource availability and changing patterns of wetland use. Simultaneously, a Wetland Health Index was developed on a 30 × 30 m grid using four indicators: Modified Normalised Difference Water Index, hydro-geomorphic units, shoreline dynamics derived from DSAS and vegetation trends based on NDVI. The findings indicate substantial ecological degradation, with 28.7% of the wetland classified as poor and 41.1% as moderate in health condition. Geospatial analysis further reveals that more than 43% of the post-monsoon wetland area has been lost since 1990, accompanied by significant shoreline contraction. Socio-economic assessment highlights a decline in ecosystem services, including lotus, fodder, medicinal plants and wetland mud, as well as reduced domestic dependence on wetland water. The study underscores the urgent need for sustainable, community-centred conservation and management strategies.