<p>Understanding LULC changes is vital for biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. This paper highlights the need for accurate, timely LULC data and the key role of spatial resolution in enhancing classification accuracy. Focused on the Telangana state Agglomeration, India, the research examines LULC transformations across four time intervals: 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2023, utilizing Landsat 5, Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 satellite imagery. Landsat satellite images were processed using remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) and the Object-based Image Analysis (OBIA) approach was employed to produce LULC maps for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2023, investigating, forest, agricultural land, built-up land, shrubland, wasteland and waterbodies. Throughout the study period (1990–2023), two noticeable trends can be observed; a significant rise in built-up area (urban space) and a slight rise in forest area, and a considerable loss in agricultural land, wasteland, shrubland and waterbodies. The considerable expansion in the built-up land, i.e. by ~ 14% is observed, especially in Hyderabad region. Further, there has been a slight increase in forest area (~ 0.5%) and minor decrease in waterbodies (~ 0.5%) and agricultural land (~ 0.1%), while shrubland and wasteland have significantly declined by ~ 3% and ~ 2%, respectively.. The data indicates that the Telangana state has seen rapid urban expansion with minimal changes in forests, agriculture, and waterbodies. This LULC shift has led to habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem disruption. Continued urban growth may strain water resources, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring to manage land, water, and environmental protection effectively.</p>