Patterns Determinants and consequences of urban sprawling in Kolkata Metropolitan Area

Abstract

newline Kolkata situated in eastern India has the distinction of being the largest metropolitan area and primate city in the region. A research endeavor has been undertaken to examine the urbanization of the Kolkata metropolitan region, focusing on the patterns of expansion and sprawl, as well as the significant driving forces and their resulting impacts. Primary and secondary data sources along with remote sensing, geospatial modelling and statistical softwares were used for carrying out the detailed investigations. The phenomenon of urban sprawl was assessed and examined using quantitative methods such as Shannon entropy, relative entropy, and entropy decomposition theorem. To accurately measure the urban development patterns, The Land Expansion Index (LEI) was used to classify it into three distinct growth patterns: leapfrog, edge expansion, and infill. The phenomenon of urban sprawling is an outcome of multifaceted and interconnected factors. An in-depth examination of the determinants that have facilitated the continuous expansion of the Kolkata Metropolitan Area is undertaken. The ramifications of urban sprawling extend far beyond spatial boundaries, encompassing diverse spheres such as the environment, socio-economic dynamics, and quality of life. The research on sprawl depicted several implications, including the loss of land use and land cover (LULC) categories, the emergence of urban heat islands, contamination of surface water, and the encroachment of urban areas on wetlands. The comprehensive analysis of the patterns, determinants, and consequences of urban sprawling in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) offers significant insights into the dynamics of urbanization and provides a foundation for informed policy decisions. Through a reflective lens, the research encapsulates the journey of exploration and discovery, offering a comprehensive perspective on the intricate dynamics of urban sprawling in the KMA.