Spatial-Computational Assessment of Land-Use Strategies Impacting Wildlife and Infrastructure in Dooars Region

Abstract

The Indian Dooars region, an ecologically rich zone at the Himalayan foothills, is a mosaic of forests, grasslands, riverine systems, and human-modified landscapes. This area is a vital corridor for megafauna such as the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), and Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), yet faces unprecedented pressures from agricultural expansion, infrastructural development, and tourism. This paper presents a computational framework for assessing the effectiveness of land-use policies designed to mitigate the economic and infrastructural impacts on wildlife in the Dooars. Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches, graph-theoretic connectivity models, and predictive conflict mapping, the proposed framework enables policymakers to evaluate policy alternatives before implementation. The methodology is designed to quantify ecological, socio-economic, and infrastructural outcomes in a spatially explicit manner, ensuring that conservation and development objectives can be pursued in tandem. This study focuses on policies such as Joint Forest Management (JFM), Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) delineation, and eco-tourism regulations, exploring their potential to enhance habitat connectivity, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and promote sustainable livelihoods. The analysis emphasizes participatory governance, adaptive policy-making, and the integration of computational insights into real-world decision-making processes.