Urbanization and its impact on environment in Pudukkottai, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Urbanization takes place rapidly all over the world due to many reasons. newlinePopulation increases in urban areas due to two major reasons: migration of rural population to urban areas and increase in population by birth. As a result ,the boundaries of any urban area expands by encroaching the nearby rural areas. Pudukkottai is no exception to this urban growth. Urbanization without proper planning, leads to environmental degradation in many forms. Pudukkottai was the capital of the only princely state of Tamilnadu during the British time (1686 to 1948) and presently is district headquarters. It is one of the planned towns of India, home of one among the earliest cave temples (about 1300 years old) with a continuous traditions till date. It was a notable centre for arts and temple architecture during the period of royalty. The Government Museum, the Palace and impressive public buildings are a few other attractions. This town is located on Tiruchirappalli - Rameswaram NH 210, about 50 km south-east of Tiruchirappalli and about 60 km south of Thanjavur. It is situated in the valley of the Vellaru - 6½ km to the north of the river. It stands on a ridge that slopes gradually towards the south. In this present study the impact of urbanization in Pudukkottai on air environment, water environment, soil environment, biotic environment and socioeconomic environment was determined and assessed. In order to assess the impact on air environment, air samples were collected at selected places for one year at different seasons and the concentration of SPM, SO2 and NO2 were estimated. Urban growth in Pudukkottai has deteriorated air quality to a reasonable extent. SPM, SO2 and NO2 and noise levels exceeded the standards. Increased vehicular traffic due to urbanization was attributed to the deterioration of air quality. In order to assess the impact on water environment, surface water and ground water samples were collected at selected places for one year at different seasons.