Archaeological landscape of Thotlakonda and Bavikonda near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: insights from remote sensing and GIS analysis

India’s rapid economic development, marked by industrial growth, expanding transportation networks and urbanization has brought many benefits but also poses a significant threat to the nation’s cultural and natural heritage. A recent NIAS Policy Brief highlights the urgent need for clear regulatory boundaries and effective enforcement to protect cultural heritage sites from urban sprawl and degradation. Citing examples such as Nalanda, Halebeedu, Srirangapatna and Bodh Gaya, it emphasizes that unchecked development can erode the historical integrity of heritage landscapes. It advocates for a multi-tiered approach using modern technologies like geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing, along with community engagement and stricter land-use controls, to ensure sustainable preservation. Thotlakonda and Bavikonda, two significant Buddhist heritage sites in Andhra Pradesh, were declared protected by the Government of Andhra Pradesh on 2nd May 1978. However, imprecise descriptions of the protected area have led to conflicting interpretations, fuelling litigation between parties aiming to preserve the sites and parties pushing for development. This study utilizes remote sensing and GIS to examine these sites and their surrounding landscapes, identifying potential archaeological features and assessing the impact of recent land-use changes in preserving these historically important areas.