CHAPTER 2

URBAN PROGRESSION IN CHANDIGARH

2.1 INTRODUCTION

One of the emerging examples of rapid urbanization and developmental activities in

India is the city beautiful, Chandigarh where urbanization has increasingly intensified in
the last few decades. French architect Le Corbusier‟s aesthetically designed green city
Chandigarh is today witnessing a rapid urbanization resulting in environmental and
ecological degradation. The impact of land use on water resources depend on many
ecological and socio-economic factors. Major natural factors include climate, topography
and soil structure, while socio-economic factors include economic ability and awareness
of the farmers, management practices and the development of infrastructure. Rapid
urbanization and unsustainable development have led to environmental pollution which
is now a global phenomenon.

Planning and managing cities in the new era of globalization and economic liberalization
would be a demanding task calling for new skills and approach. Land use/land cover
(LULC) changes play a major role in the study of global change. On one side rapid
urbanization has bought opportunities in terms of new urban development and suffered
losses to arable land, forest land and water bodies on the other side. There appears to be a
clear link between land use and the quality of water from a catchment and a much more
sporadic link between LULC and the quantity of water available and a variable link
between LULC and the constancy of flow.

Although remotely sensed images have been used to study urban growth pattern the
world over, very few studies have employed these methods to examine the growth of
Indian cities. Remote sensing is very helpful for dynamic monitoring of the process of
urbanization. A satellite image provides low cost and up to date spatial data that can be
used to derive useful information to city managers and planners (Sarvestani, et al., 2011).
In the last ten years, much more attention has been paid to urban land use/land cover
change because ecosystem in urban areas are strongly affected by human activities and
have close relations with the life of almost half of the world‟s population (Stow and
Chen, 2002). The land use /land cover pattern of a region is an outcome of socio-
economic factors and their utilization by man in time and space. Land use and land cover
change has become the central component in current strategies in managing natural
47
resources and monitoring environmental changes. Urban expansion has increased the
demand of resources leading to the marked change in the land use and land cover
patterns. The importance of remote sensing was emphasized as a unique view of the
spatial and temporal dynamics of the processes in urban growth and land use change
(Herold, et al., 2003). Geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing are
well established information technologies that demonstrated a great potential to
understand the landscape dynamics-detect, identify, map and monitor differences in land
use and land cover patterns over time. Available data on LULC changes can provide
critical input to decision making of environment management and planning the future.
These advance technologies are recognized worldwide as valuable technologies in
environmental application and are very useful in monitoring the environmental changes
due to human activities (Gao and Skillcorn, 1995; Riaza, et al., 1998; Yeh and Li, 1998).
The relationships between land use and water quality have been studied around the world
by various researchers (Woli, et al., 2004; Williams, et al., 2005; Schoonover, et al.,
2005; Conway, 2007; Tu, et al., 2007; Tu and Xia, 2008; Li, et al., 2009; Liu, et al.,
2009; Kang, et al., 2010; Tran, et al., 2010). They found that percentages of land use
types related to human activities and economic development, such as agricultural land
and urban land including residential, commercial, transportation, and industrial lands,
usually have positive relationship with concentration of water pollutants. On the other
hand, percentages of undeveloped land (natural forest) have negative relationship with
water pollutants. In other words, higher percentages of urban or agricultural lands are
usually associated with worse water quality, while higher percentages of forest are
related to better water quality (Tu, 2013).

Among all the States and Union Territories, National Capital Region of Delhi is the most
urbanized with 93% urban population followed by Union territory of Chandigarh with
89.8% and Pondicherry with 66.6% (Ministry of Urban Development, India). Population
pressure and increased socio-economic necessities has resulted in unplanned and
uncontrolled changes in LULC. The concentration of the people in densely populated
urban areas, especially in developing countries, calls for the use of monitoring systems
like remote sensing (Jat, et al., 2008). Remote sensing and GIS are powerful tools to
derive accurate and timely information on the spatial distribution of LULC changes over
large areas. GIS provides a flexible environment for collecting, storing, displaying and
analyzing digital data necessary for change detection. Information on LULC in the form

48
of maps and statistical data are very vital for spatial planning, management and
utilization of land for agricultural studies, economic production and related activities.

Several authors have used percent total impervious area (percent TIA) as a means of
quantifying the level of watershed development (Arnold and Gibbons 1996; Horner et
al., 1997; Klein, 1979; May et al., 1996; Schueler and Claytor, 1996) as it indicated the
amount of rainfall that is converted to direct runoff. Therefore in the present chapter total
impervious area (TIA) has been calculated using the Landsat images to know the present
status of the Union Territory of Chandigarh in terms of urban pressure. The present study
was undertaken with the objective of analysis of LULC changes in the city Chandigarh
between 1989 to 2011 with a view to detect the land consumption rate and the changes
that has taken place particularly in the built-up land using both GIS and RS data. This
will also help in monitoring the dynamics of land use resulting out of changing demand
of increasing population.

2.2 TREND OF URBANIZATION IN INDIA

According to the 2011 Census, urbanization in India has increased faster than expected
in India. The urban population grew from 286 million in 2001 to 377 million in 2011 –
an increment of 91 million, which is larger than the rural population increment of 90.5
million for the first time since independence. A substantial increase in the urban
population is due to a net rural-urban classification and rural-to-urban migration (Bhagat,
2011). Occupational shift from agriculture to urban-based industry and services is one
important component which led to this change. Rural-urban distribution in India is
shown in Fig. 2.1.

Rural-Urban Distribution in India

31%

Urban
69%
Rural

Fig. 2.1 Rural-urban distribution in India

49
2.2.1 Demographic approach

Table 2.1 showed that the annual exponential growth rate of urban population has
increased from 3.23 percent during 1961-71 to 3.79 percent during 1971-81, but declined
to 2.75 percent during 1991-2001. The decline in growth rate was slightly reversed back
during 2001-2011. During the same period, the share of urban population in the total
increased from 17.97 percent in 1961 to 31.16 percent in 2011. This indicated the
increasing trend of India‟s urbanization over the last five decades. Fig 2.2 clearly
indicated that from mid 1950‟s till 2011, there has been exponential increase in urban
population. It may be attributed to the fact that the start point (i.e. 1950‟s) coincides with
the beginning of industrialization in our country.

Table: 2.1 Trend of urbanization in India (1961-2011)

Census Year Urban Population Percentage Annual

(in millions) Urban Exponential
Growth Rate (%)R
1961 78.94 17.97 -
1971 109.11 19.91 3.23
1981 159.46 23.34 3.79
1991 217.18 25.72 3.09
2001 286.12 27.86 2.75
2011 377.10 31.16 2.76

(Source: After Bhagat, 2011)

4000
Urban Population ( in lakhs)

3000

2000

1000

0
1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011
Census year

Fig.2.2 Urban Population growth in India from 1901 to 2011

(Source: Census of India, 2011)
50
2.2.2 Geographic approach

It is observed that the smaller states and union territories recorded significant
urbanization levels with Delhi topping the list, 93 per cent of the Delhi population is
urban. Chandigarh stands second with nearly 90 per cent of population as urban.
Pondicherry, Goa and Mizoram also have more than 50 per cent of their population in
urban areas. On the contrary, Himachal Pradesh reported less than 10 per cent of its
population in urban areas while states like Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Orissa,
Assam, Sikkim, and Bihar have less than 20 per cent of urban population.

Table 2.2 showed that the number of census towns increased from 1362 in 2001 to 3894
in 2011, an increase of about 186 percent. On the other hand, the number of statutory
towns registered a marginal increase of about 6.37 percent during 2001-2011. The
number of urban agglomerations has increased from 384 in 2001 to 475 in 2011, an
increase of about 23.7 percent. The results indicated an increasing trend of number of
urban agglomerations (UAs) /towns and out growths (OGs) from 2001 to 2011 (Census
of India, 2011).

Table 2.2 Number of urban agglomerations/Towns and out growths

Sr.No. Types of town Census 2001 Census 2011 Percentage change

1 Statutory Towns 3799 4041 6.37

2 Census Towns 1362 3894 185.9

3 Urban Agglomerations 384 475 23.7

4 Out Growths 962 981 1.98

(Source: Census of India, 2011)

Significant increasing trend of urbanization in India from 1901 – 2011 is clearly depicted
in Fig. 2.3.

51
Fig. 2.3 Trend of urbanization in India from 1901 to 2011
(Source: Census of India, 2011)

52
2.3 FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR URBANIZATION

2.3.1 General

The major reasons for increasing urban population are rural to urban migration, including
International migration to a lesser extent and the re-classification or expansion of existing city
boundaries to include populations that were hitherto classified as being resident outside the city
limits. These are estimated to contribute about 60 percent of the region‟s urban growth, while
natural increase counts for some 40 percent.

2.3.2 Rural -urban migration

Primary driving forces of rural-urban migration include the opportunities and services offered in
urban areas - especially jobs and education, while in some cases, conflict, land degradation and
exhaustion of natural resources in rural areas are also important. The patterns of rural-urban
migration may be city-specific, reflecting, among other things, changes in the city‟s economic
base, labour market and age structure. They also reflect social, economic and political changes
within the region and nation and are influenced by economic factors in the surrounding and
distant rural areas, such as landowning structure, agricultural practices and crop prices, and
overall rural productivity. Most evidence suggests that increasing the income and level of
education of rural populations accelerates migration and this phenomenon, coupled with the
greater access to urban areas, has led to an inevitable increase in rural populations seeking
employment opportunities in urban areas.

2.3.3 Links to globalization

The steady increase in the level of urbanization reflects the fact that the size of the world‟s
economy has grown many times and has also changed from one dominated by relatively closed
national economies or trading blocs to one where most countries have more open economies and
where production and the services it needs, including financial services, are increasingly
integrated internationally. These trends appear to be strengthening, reinforced especially by the
freer and faster flows of information and knowledge under the impact of new information
technologies. Technology has increased the already dominant economic role and importance of
urban areas worldwide, indicating the growing importance of cities in the global economy.

53
2.3.4 Mismanagement

It is often pointed out that many urban environmental problems are the result of poor
management, poor planning and absence of coherent urban policies rather than of urbanization
itself. The problem of urbanization has significantly been exacerbated by inappropriate incentive
systems, such as the “growth-first” strategy adopted by the Governments of many countries in
the region, especially in developing countries. In order to attract investment, industrial promotion
policies are designed to offer privileges and incentive packages, including low-taxes lax
regulations and subsidized infrastructure, with target to urban areas. Industrial growth, combined
with inadequate infrastructure, inappropriate pricing of resources and services, and inadequate
institutional mechanism to ensure environmental protection, further accelerates environmental
degradation in urban areas.

2.4 IMPACTS OF URBANIZATION

The process of rapid urbanisation poses serious challenges to towns and cities, which are
struggling to provide and maintain the already inadequate level of urban services. Among the
major environmental problems faced by urban areas are air, water, and soil pollution and
growing volume of wastes including hazardous waste. The cities are experiencing critical
environmental degradation and are pushing beyond their limit to sustain human life. Although
the entire urban population is affected, the urban poor are the most vulnerable. It is poor
performance of local governments in the delivery of basic urban services that lead to
environmental degradation and lower quality of life in urban areas (Sivaramakrishnan, 1998).

The impact of all this growth on space, environment and quality of life will be tremendous. The
provision of infrastructural facilities required to support such large concentration of population is
lagging far behind the pace of urbanization. As a consequence, the urban environment,
particularly in large cities, is deteriorating very rapidly. All cities have severe shortage of water
supply, sewerage, developed land, housing, transportation and other facilities. The level, quality
and distribution of services have been very poor. Several studies have indicated large segments
of urban population do not have access to drinking water, sanitation, basic health services and
education. These deficiencies have serious health impacts particularly affecting the urban poor.
Deteriorating infrastructure, weak municipal institutions and poor delivery systems have
constrained the urban economy and its ability to generate employment, incomes and services for
the poor. Fisher et al. (2000) also discovered that land use had impacts on the quality of surface
54
water. The impact of urbanization may be considered in the context of urban infrastructure
services comprising water supply, sanitation and solid waste management, land and urban
environment. Tang et al. (2005) indicated that urban expansion was a major driving force in
increasing non-point source pollution.

2.5 TRENDS OF URBANIZATION IN UNION TERRITORY OF CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh a rapidly growing, midsized Indian city, is an icon of modern planning and design.
Its master plan was developed in 1951 by a team of architects led by Le Corbusier, who oversaw
the planning of the city as well as design of many of its institutional buildings. Over the past 50
years, Chandigarh has become a thriving metropolis and an economic hub of modern India. Once
well defined and contained, urban area has grown far beyond the boundaries of the initial
Corbusian grid. Chandigarh is India‟s second most urbanized union territory (UT) after the NCT
of Delhi, with an overwhelming 97.25 per cent of the population living in urban areas, a decadal
increase of 7.48 per cent over the 2001 Census. Chandigarh is the only union territory with more
than 90% of developed area, and only a 2% or so people living in villages
(Fig. 2.4).

Chandigarh has been planned with focus on urban design, architectural aesthetics, preservation
of natural environment, conservation of buildings and open spaces, hierarchical roads with large
roundabouts. However keeping in view the changing scenario in terms of development of
Chandigarh and its surrounding, its population growth rate has exceeded 4% during 1981-91 and
1991-2001 and the city has crossed the million plus mark with a population of 10.05 lakh in 2011
and the decadal growth rate of 17%. With the limited area of 114 sq km, there would be
tremendous pressure on infrastructure/facilities which was not visualized at the time of Le
Corbusier Plan‟s as the same was planned for an ultimate population of 5 lakh. The Plan did not
take into consideration the dynamics of urban change and spillover of the developments beyond
the city limits. Le Corbusier thought of regulated development in and around the periphery of
Chandigarh and perceived a 16 km periphery which he envisaged as green buffer. However, with
limited geographical spread of 114 sq. km, the city is unable to take on the burden of the influx
of migrants and hence in the absence of effective enforcement in the periphery, the area has
witnessed growth and unplanned development virtually contrary to the planning principles of
Chandigarh.

55
Chandigarh being one of the planned cities also did not take into consideration the needs of the
informal sector and slums. The way it was planned, it was never thought, that city may encounter
the problem of slums. Le Corbusier‟s vision of Chandigarh could have included new Sector 48 to
56,the township of Manimajra and slums that came up due to increase in number of migrants to
the city. Chandigarh has always been seen as a planned city. Le Corbusier‟s vision did not
include new sectors 48 to 56 and physical development beyond the periphery. Hence a Regional
Plan exercise should be undertaken on the lines of the National Capital Region Plan and there is
a need for institutional mechanisms to manage and coordinate development.

The Periphery Control Act, 1952 and The Building Regulations, 1952, were framed to ensure
that Chandigarh grew systematically. However with numerous amendment construction activities
increased and residents resorted to transformation not necessarily in consonance with Le
Corbusier Plan. Further, in order to accommodate changes and increased infrastructure burden,
any attempt to widen the existing road, redesigning the rotaries to take care of traffic volume,
allowing construction of additional floors and group housing and proposing Mass Rapid Transit
System may not only permanently alter the cityscape but also the city may also lose the original
built up.

It has been mentioned in the CSIMer Plan, that the population of northern sectors (Layer I) shall
be 2.5-3.0 lakh by 2021 and the corresponding population in southern sectors(Layer II) shall be
2.5-5 lakh. This is doubtful, whether the re-densification of the Layer-II to such an extent would
be desirable as there already exists a higher level of population density in this area. This may
lead to the excessive burden on the infrastructure of Mohali. Moreover the areas on the west and
north-west of Chandigarh are highly fertile and not appropriate for urbanization. However,
before going for planned urbanization it is essential to ascertain barren or wasteland which is not
used for cultivation and which may be considered for planned urbanization. Thus there is a need
to create and upgrade infrastructure facilities with low density population without compromising
environmental consideration and large scale conversion of fertile land.

56
 Rural-Urban Distribution in Union Territory of
Chandigarh
3%

Urban
Rural
97%

Fig 2.4 Rural-urban distribution in Union Territory of Chandigarh

2.5.1 Growth of Union Territory of Chandigarh

2.5.1.1. Master Plan of Chandigarh

The pattern of demographic and economic growth, particularly in large cities, in the Post-
Independence period was to be determined by master plans. This brought in physical planning
controls on the location of economic activities and urban land use.

The Chandigarh Capital project took birth in 1949. Albert Mayer, assisted by Matthew Nowicki,
prepared the master plan in 1950. This proved abortive, Nowicki tragically died in an air crash
and Mayer found it difficult to pursue the assignment on his own. Le Corbusier assisted by
Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew, were then contracted and fresh Master Plan was ready by 1951.

The Master plan prepared by Le Corbusier was broadly similar to the one prepared by the team
of planners led by Albert Mayer and Mathew Novicki except that the shape of the city plan was
modified from one with a curving road network to rectangular shape with a grid iron pattern for
the fast traffic roads, besides reducing its area for reason of economy (Fig. 2.5). The city plan
was conceived as post war „Garden City‟ wherein vertical and high rise buildings were ruled out,
keeping in view the socio economic-conditions and living habits of the people. Due to economic
constraints, the master plan was to be realized in two phases, catering to a total population of half
a million. Phase-I consisting of 30 low density sector spread over an area of 9000 acres (Sector 1
to 30) for 1,50,000 people whereas Phase-II consisting of 17 considerably high density Sectors (
Sectors 31 to 47) spread over an area of 6000 acres for a population of 3,50,000

57
The city was conceptualized as an urban organism with its various segments being equated with
different parts of human body. Neighboring unit or sectors, rectangle of about one square
kilometer each, defined its basic fabric. Sectors were interlinked with circulation system,
composed of seven types of roads.

Some design elements in the master plan was never built. The Governor‟s Palace, sited at the
upper end of the capital complex, has not come up. The chief Minister‟s residence was planned
in sector 6. It was built elsewhere. A canal was to laid from the Sukhna lake to Rajendra park, it
is missing. A hundred bed hospital and dental college were to be developed where we find the
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) today. Public library was
provided for sector 10, its actual location is in sector 17 (Statistical Abstract, 2012).

Fig.2.5 Master plan of Chandigarh

(Source: Department of Urban Planning, Chandigarh)

58
2.5.1.2 Pre Chandigarh landscape

Prior to construction of Chandigarh, the present site was a typical rural tract, with a rain fed
subsistence agricultural economy. It was dotted with the 24 village settlements, surrounded by
cultivated land parceled into unconsolidated, irregular small fields. Each settlement usually had a
number of mango groves remnants of which are still visible in parts of city.The majority of
houses were kutcha or partially pucca. A network of kutcha roads, linking the various
settlements, was an important element of the landscape. Some villages such as Kalibar, Kailar
and Burail enjoyed a higher degree of nodality and functioned as rural service centers. A narrow
metalled road, connecting Kalka and Ropar, cut diagonally through the site.

Among the physical features, the choes, with their broad, shallow and dry sandy beds,
constituted an important element of landscape. These represented undulation in an otherwise
level topography. Hills and mountains provided a panoramic background. Fig. 2.6 shows the 54
villages which, in whole or in part, were spread out over the present Union Territory of
Chandigarh in 1951. The development of Chandigarh transformed this typically rural landscape
into a modern urban complex.

Fig. 2.6 Pre-Chandigarh landscape of Chandigarh

(Source: Department of Urban Planning, Chandigarh)

59
2.5.1.3 Physical evolution of Chandigarh

The physical development of Chandigarh is being realized in phases. Phase I covered sector 1 to
30, with projected population of 1,50,000. Phase II extends over sectors 31 to 47, with a
projected population of 3, 50,000. The city was designed for a population of half-a-million. Le
Corbusier put question mark over any necessary phase III. Phase III was not planned. On the
other hand Sector 48 to 56 are now being developed as phase III (Fig. 2.7). Construction of the
city started with the Capital complex and its adjoining low density sectors, sectors 23 and 24 to
provide residence to government employees and sector 16 for housing administrative officers.

In 1956, PEPSU was merged with Punjab. This made additional demands on the administrative
apparatus of the state. Housing in the city picked up momentum. Sectors 18 to 21 experienced
impressive development through construction on private plots. The Panjab University, PGI and
the Engineering College were the prominent institutions raised. Sector 17 had started taking
shape. There was filling in of northern sectors. The reorganization of Punjab in 1966 and the
associated constitution of the Union Territory of Chandigarh resulted in the city becoming a
triple capital of Haryana, Punjab and the Union Territory. A spurt in its physical growth was
inevitable. Sectors 9 to 11 and sectors 27 to 30 of phase I and sectors 31 to 37 of phase II
experienced extensive development through private and public investment. Equally noticeable
was the filling in of the industrial area phase I.

Things continued a pace during 1976-86, Sectors 31 to 39 were getting infilled rapidly. Panjab
University was now spreading over to its enclave in sector 25. Development of Industrial area
Phase II has begun. The year 1986 onwards were devoted primarily to completion of Phase II
sectors. Another noticeable feature of this period was the allotment of land to cooperative
housing societies. Overall, a variety of stakeholders are involved in shaping the morphology of
the city. These include the government, Chandigarh housing board, private sectors and residents
of unauthorized colony.

60
 Fig. 2.7 Physical evolution of Chandigarh from 1951-96
(Source: Department of Urban Planning, Chandigarh, 2014)

2.6 SPATIAL CHANGES IN THE LAND USE AND LAND COVER PATTERN

The pressure of increased commercialization has driven change in land use pattern over a period
of time in Chandigarh. The Plan did not take into consideration the dynamics of urban change
and spillover of the developments beyond the city limits. The city has witnessed the remarkable
expansion, growth and developmental activities such as building, road construction,
deforestation and many other anthropogenic activities. A lot of commercial activity has come up
in the form of the industrial area and shopping complexes. Also, more population means more of
transportation and traffic, which has triggered changes in land use pattern for locomotion. This
pressure has driven a change in land use pattern over the time. Urban sprawl has been quantified
by considering the impervious area as the key feature of urban sprawl, which can be obtained
through remotely acquired data. Growth patterns of the study area have been analyzed for the
period 1989, 2000 and 2011 using remotely sensed data and GIS.

61
2.6.1. Methodology

Urban dynamics was analysed using temporal remote sensing data of the period 1989-2011.
Landsat TM and Landsat ETM data along with the demographic information from census data
has been used in detection of the change in land use and land cover over the period of time in
Chandigarh city. Flow chart of the methodology adopted for classifying the landscape and
computation of metrics is shown in Fig. 2.8.

2.6.1.1 General procedure for data processing

Land cover was studied using remote sensing techniques. LANDSAT TM (Thematic Mapper)
and ETM+ images have been employed to classify the study area. The TM data are the most
frequently used data for environmental assessment and monitoring. Remote sensing data
(Landsat series) for Chandigarh acquired for different time period were downloaded from United
State Geological Survey (USGS) and Glovis (http://www.glovis.usgs.gov). Survey of India (SOI)
topo-sheets of 1:50,000 scale were used to generate base layers of city boundary. Powerful tools
such as Arc GIS 9.0 and ERDAS Imagine 9.2 were employed for extracting land use and land
cover layer. Fig. 1 shows the flow chart of methodology used for land use/land cover change
analysis of the study area. Three images acquired on 11 October 1989, 4 November 2000 and 27
December 2011 were selected from data available for this study.

2.6.1.2 Data processing

Pre processing involved the scanning and digitization of Survey of India Toposheets at 1:50000
scale to serve as the base map. To establish the relationship between an image coordinate system
and a map coordinates system we need to align or georeference the raster data. The images were
geometrically rectified and registered to the same projection namely, Transverse Mercator WGS
84 to lay them over each other. After georeferencing the base map, remote sensing image is
registered with base map using the same technique.

2.6.1.3 Image classification

The initial LANDSAT (1989) and final (2011) imageries were subjected to a classification
zones. Visual image interpretation was utilized to classify the rectified images to different
landuse categories. In order to classify the images, four classes were delineated in the images
namely, built up area, water bodies, vegetation and others. The overall testing accuracy for year

62
1989 was 80%, for year 1990 it was 84% and for year 2001 it was 88%. Land use land cover
maps of Chandigarh for the year 1989, 2000 and 2011 is shown in Fig. 2.11, Fig. 2.12 and Fig.
2.13 respectively.

Methodology

Satellite Imageries of Landsat SOI Toposheet

TM of year 1989, 2000 and 2011.

Georeferencing Scanning

Landuse survey and Ground Georeferencing, Mosaicking & final

verification rectified toposheet

Image digitization, Classification, Interpretation and Generate separate geo

database for the landuse map of respective years (1989, 2000 & 2011)

Landuse/landcover map Landuse/landcover map Landuse/landcover map

of 1989 of 2000 of 2011

Landuse/landcover change detection

Accuracy Assessment

Fig. 2.8 Procedure adopted for classifying the landscape and computation of matrics

2.6.2 Land Use/ Land Cover change pattern in Union Territory of Chandigarh

Land use statistics and transition matrices are important information to analyze the changes of
land use. The change analysis is based on the statistics extracted from the land use /land cover
maps of the Union Territory of Chandigarh by using GIS. Urban built up area of Chandigarh has
63
a noticeable increase, it has been observed that the pressure of increased commercialization has
driven change in land use pattern over a period of time in Chandigarh (Fig. 2.9). Urban
development change is very high in the city area, as the area under the built up has increased
from 37.46 % (4271.5 ha) of total area in 1989 to 45.56% (5194.71 ha) in 2011.On the other
hand vegetation data has shown increasing trend from 1989 to 2000 i.e. 24.64 % (2810.06 ha) of
total area in 1989 to 28.90 % (3295.08) while study observed the decrease in the vegetative land
from 28.90 % (3295.08 ha) to 27.46 % (3131.55 ha) due to acquisition of land for various
purposes. Analysis showed that water covered area was 1.23 %, 1.21 %, 1.91 % in 1989, 2000
and 2011 respectively which signifies that not much fluctuation has occurred in the water
covered area over the years. While other land use has shown significant decreasing trend from
1989 to 2011 (Table 2.3). Due to expansion and fast development in the city Chandigarh,
vegetative land is decreasing and simultaneously, residential area/urban population and industrial
area are increasing. Trend of land use land cover change in Chandigarh, 1989-2010 is shown in
Fig. 2.10.

Results have aided in visualizing and quantifying the burgeoning urban footprint at Chandigarh.
Change in land use pattern has exerted a great impact on the land of the city. Aggregation and
sprawl of built-up land has occurred on the cost of fragmentation of various other classes like
agricultural land and urban green spaces.

6000

5000

4000
Area (ha)

3000

2000

1000

0
Water body Built-up land Vegetation Others
1989 141.01 4271.5 2810.06 4399.15
2000 138.9 4285.06 3295.08 3861.9
2011 218.25 5194.71 3131.55 3075.75

Fig. 2.9 Land cover of the study area in 1989, 2000, 2011

64
 Table 2.3 Land use statistics of Chandigarh city, 1989-2011

Years 1989 2000 2011

Land Use ha % ha % ha %

Urban/built- 4271.50 37.46% 4285.06 37.58% 5194.71 45.56%

up

Water body 141.01 1.23% 138.90 1.21% 218.25 1.91%

Vegetation 2810.06 24.64% 3295.08 28.90% 3131.55 27.46%

Others 4399.15 36.64% 3861.90 32.28% 3075.75 25.04%

Total 11400.00 100 11400.00 100 11400.00 100

Water body
5000 Built-up land
Vegetation
Others

4000
Area (ha)

3000

2000

1000

0
1989 2000 2011

Fig 2.10 Trend of land use land cover change in Chandigarh, 1989-2010

65
Fig.2.11 Land use map of 1989

66
Fig.2.12 Land use map of 2000

67
 Fig. 2.13 Land use map of 2011

2.6.3 Driving factors of the urbanization in Chandigarh

Land use/land cover changes in the city has been governed by the combination of geographical,
environmental and socio-economic factors. Although population growth is the primary cause for
rapid urbanization, the contribution causes economic development and physical factors also need
to be assessed.
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2.6.3.1 Demographic factor

The UT of Chandigarh is a uni-district territory which came into existence on 1st of November,
1966 with an area of 114 sq. km Chandigarh was planned for the population of half a million and
present data shows that the population has grown double than planned for i.e 10, 54,686. Due to
all the type of facilities provided by the city, the population is increasing at the exponential rate
since 1961. During the last 6 decades (1951-2011), Chandigarh has witnessed a population
increase of more than forty four times with the absolute population increasing from 1,19, 881 in
1961 to 10, 54,686 in 2011 (Fig. 2.14). This is perhaps due to the rapid pace of urbanization
taking place in the city and migration of population from the states of Punjab and Haryana as
well as service providers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has contributed to increase the population
figure in the U.T. Chandigarh.

The details of the total population, decadal absolute growth and decadal growth rate are given in
Table 2.4

Table 2.4 Demography of Chandigarh (1961-2011)

Year Population Male Female Decadal absolute Decadal growth rate

variation of population (%)

1961 119881 72576 47305 95620 -

1971 257251 147080 110171 137370 +114.59

1981 451610 255287 196332 194359 +75.55

1991 642015 358614 283401 190405 +42.16

2001 900635 506938 393697 258620 +40.28

2011 1054686 580282 474404 154051 +17.10

(Source: Census of India, 2011)

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 Population Growth in Union Territory of Chandigarh

1000000

800000
Population(in million)

600000

400000

200000

0
1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011
Year

Fig. 2.14 Population growth in Union Territory of Chandigarh

2.6.3.2 Commercialization and modernization

Most of the big companies in productions and marketing have also set up their sub offices in city
Chandigarh to transact their business in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. A
lot of commercial activities have come up in the form of industrial area and shopping complexes.
Also, more population means more of transportation and traffic which has triggered change in
land use pattern for locomotion. Due to fast development and urbanization, agriculture land is
decreasing and simultaneously, residential area/urban population and industrial area are
increasing. The agricultural area is decreasing continuously in Chandigarh due to acquisition of
land for various purposes. The farmer families in the city have decreased from 880 in 2008 to
680 in 2011. The gross irrigated area has reduced from 4800 acres in 2008 to 2750 acres in 2011
revealed the report.

A detailed study conducted by the UT senior town planners has revealed that out of the total area
of 28170 acres, total periphery is accounted to 11741.87 acres and vacant land is 3082.67 acres.
Forest occupies 2113.97 acres (7.5 percent) and commercial land is 1339.73 acres (4.75 percent).
The industrial area including Information Technology park spreads over 1326.5 acres (4.7
percent), residential area is 10672.16 acres (37.8 percent) and recreational land is 2428.47 acres
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(8.6 percent) among others. The report has recommended adopting a coordinated approach with
the neighboring state governments of Haryana and Punjab to ensure effective implementation of
Punjab New Capital Periphery (Control) Act, 1952. Due to expansion of Chandigarh, the
cultivated area is decreasing. Change in land use pattern has exerted a great impact on the land of
the city. The Chandigarh Urban Complex is poised for a higher growth in coming decades. In
fact, there is a clear shift from UT villages to the city, with the village population registering a
negative decadal growth of 68.51 per cent, as against a growth of 26.86 per cent in the urban
population over the 2001 Census.

2.6.3.3 Expansion of peripheral zone

Also, the 16 kms periphery belts created around Chandigarh, primarily, to ensure planned
development of the city is now turning into a threat to ecologically fragile zones here. As
Chandigarh‟s population continues to expand, the direct impact is seen in the periphery, the semi
urban areas, which are being developed in an unorganized manner resulting in non conforming
land use and defective circulation patterns. Due to expanding population, Chandigarh has not
been able to retain its identity as a fully planned urban area surrounded by green belt of
countryside. Not only has there been considerable non planned development within the city but
also extensive haphazard growth has taken place in its periphery even though the Periphery
Control Area Act was enacted in 1952 to pre-empt this. Under the act a peripheral zone was
delineated up to a distance of 8 km on all sides from the boundary of the land acquired for capital
project. This limit was later extended upto 16 km in 1962. The stipulated objectives were to
check the expansion of the city beyond the planned site, prevent speculation in land and provide
green environment to city beautiful. However with the violation of the Chandigarh periphery
zone the pressure on Chandigarh‟s infrastructure continues to intensify. The States of Punjab and
Haryana have developed new cities, SAS Nagar and Panchkula, respectively in the immediate
periphery area. Others areas exerting a pressure on city‟s infrastructure are Mansa Devi Complex
in Haryana and Zirakpur, Dera Bassi and Kharar town in Punjab. Unauthorized development in
North-West of Chandigarh (Naya Gram, Forest Hill Resort in Karoran etc.) also violates the
Periphery Controlled Area Act.

Sadly, urbanization is swallowing up the green city epithet of Chandigarh. The pressure of
increased commercialization has driven change in land use pattern over a period of time in
Chandigarh. Pointing out the same, the State Environment Report Chandigarh 2012 has stated
that the waste generated from industrial activities, encroachment and urbanization has adversely
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impacted the land use pattern in the city. Chandigarh has witnessed rapid population growth
from 1961 to 2011 i.e. from 1, 19,881 to 10, 54, 686. It has witnessed a big leap taken in
commercialization and urbanization in a short span of few decades. This pressure has driven
change in land use pattern over the period of time. From the analysis, we can see that acquisition
of the land for the urban development is very high in the city from the 1989-2011. Land use
pattern in Chandigarh is driven by anthropogenic activities. More population means more of
transportation, which triggers changes in land use pattern for locomotion. Also, waste generated
from industrial activities, encroachment and urbanization impacts the land use pattern.
Agricultural land is affected the most by an increase in commercialization in Chandigarh. It is
evident from the data that it is decreasing over the period of time. Many major projects are going
on in Chandigarh which may further reduce the agricultural activities of the study area. Due to
all the type of facilities provided by the city beautiful, the population of the city is increasing at
the exponential rate since 1961. Therefore urban land expansion has been largely driven by
elevation, population growth and economic development. The above problems are bound to grow
in magnitude unless advance actions are undertaken now. The more urban growth a city or
county experienced the greater potential it has to increase surface runoff. Urban growth has
played a critical role in the changing relationships between rainfall and surface runoff.

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