Rural land transformation in Chandigarh periphery a case study of Chandigarh Kharar road using geoinformatics

Abstract

The research examined the spatial patterns of land transformation in Chandigarh Periphery in general and along the Chandigarh-Kharar Road in particular. Further, it studied determinants of land transformation, its magnitude, intensity and direction using satellite data. Various analytical techniques were applied to analyse land transformation. The results were duly validated by field visits and verification from other sources during the accuracy assessment. The study validated the fact that the areas located along major roads, especially agricultural land were the first to get affected by the developmental and transformational processes. Large waves of in-migration into the hinterlands demanded affordable dwelling units as well as self-sufficient markets near their employment sites. Due to a marked shortage of planning and strategic policies, the migrants tend to settle haphazardly in the periphery, which called for a substantial land transformation, especially in the surrounding agricultural land. The periphery has been transformed from being the provider of fruits, vegetables and dairy products to the city during the earlier days Chandigarh, to the provider of residential/commercial hubs and colonies for people working in the city and its surrounding areas. The livelihoods concentration was mostly agriculture-based, either as a farmer or dairy products producer. With time people started constructing shops along the road to boost their source of income. Most of the educated youth went to the city to find jobs. The periphery was intended to serve as a vital support system for the planned city, Chandigarh. It was the wholesome supplier of food and dairy products to the main city. The role of the periphery has, however, changed. Not only does it provide vegetables, fruits and dairy products but also resources in terms of labour and human capital. newline