GIS-Based Assessment of Urban Land Regulation and Environmental Change in Shahbad City

Abstract

The rapid urban growth has led to a continuous land-use change in Shahbad City, growth of built-up areas and pressure on environmental resources and urban infrastructure. In the present study, the management of urban growth in Shahbad has been discussed focusing on sustainable land-use regulation, control of pollution, environmental protection and spatio-temporal analysis using satellite data. The study emphasizes the problems of distribution of infrastructure, traffic congestion, environmental degradation and loss of green spaces due to unregulated expansion, ribbon development along the main transport corridors, conversion of agricultural land and the development of unauthorized settlements. Therefore a proper and effective land-use control system based on zoning, implementation of master-plans, building bylaws, urban growth boundaries and GIS based monitoring is vital to provide organised guidance on land-use development.

Other environmental issues highlighted in the study include air pollution, water pollution, solid waste, noise pollution, vegetation loss and the urban heat-island effect. There has been a significant rise in land resource pressure, and a decrease in agriculture and open land, along with a loss of vegetation and green cover, between 2000 and 2020. Environmental stress was further exacerbated by vehicular emissions, construction activities, untreated wastewater, and waste disposal and encroachment on natural drainage areas in an unscientific manner. Satellite images offer valuable insight into the small city centre, the linear development, the mixed use pattern and the incremental spreading outward into the surrounding farmland of Shahbad. The study suggests that zoning enforcement should be promoted, environmentally sensitive areas should be protected, public transport should be improved, sewage and solid waste management should be improved, green infrastructure, rainwater harvesting and community participation should be promoted. Shahabad City requires sustainable urban growth management to achieve an appropriate synergy between the economic development, the environment, social inclusion and infrastructure capacity.