Spatial Econometric Analysis of Biomass Carbon Density Across CD Blocks of North Bengal, India

Asad Ali Sarkar; Sebak Kumar Jana

doi:10.55524/ijirem.2026.13.1.11

Abstract

Precise quantification of biomass carbon density (BCD) is imperative for localized climate mitigation and sustainable forest governance; however, spatial dependencies at micro-administrative granularities remain critically under-researched. This investigation examines the spatial distribution and multivariable determinants of BCD across 72 administrative CD blocks in North Bengal, West Bengal India—a physiographically diverse region spanning a sharp altitudinal gradient from the Himalayan highlands to the Gangetic plains. The methodological framework used Global Moran’s I and Getis-Ord G_i^* statistics to detect spatial autocorrelation, subsequently employing a comparative performance assessment between Ordinary Least Squares regression and the Spatial Lag Model. Empirical results demonstrate substantial positive spatial clustering, with BCD concentrations ranging from 10.75 Mg C/ha, in peri-urban sectors to 627.45 Mg C/ha within montane forest ecosystems. Lagrange Multiplier diagnostics corroborated the statistical superiority of the SLM, which yielded a significant spatial lag coefficient. This indicates that approximately 28% of a block’s carbon density is endogenously mediated by the ecological attributes of contiguous administrative units through spatial spillover mechanisms. While forest canopy cover and elevation were identified as the primary positive determinants of carbon sequestration, anthropogenic expansion of impervious surfaces constituted the principal driver of biomass degradation. The study recommends policy frameworks transition toward integrated, landscape-scale management paradigms that prioritize the preservation of high-altitude "carbon cores" and mitigate habitat fragmentation through trans-boundary ecological corridors and green buffers in urbanizing zones.

Keywords

Biomass Carbon Density, Spatial Lag Model, Moran’s I, North Bengal, Spatial Spillover, Climate Mitigation, Sustainable Forest Management

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Cites this article as

A. A. Sarkar, S. K. Jana, "Spatial Econometric Analysis of Biomass Carbon Density Across CD Blocks of North Bengal, India", International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering and Management (IJIREM), Vol-13, Issue-1, Page No-87-100, 2026. Available from: https://doi.org/10.55524/ijirem.2026.13.1.11