Assessment of environmental stress due to urbanization in hilly settlements

Abstract

Hilly areas are environmentally sensitive and constantly face urbanized development. The boost of tertiary economic activities in these areas has led to overcrowding and created increased pressure on already sensitive land. This has overall regional implications, which are usually neglected. Land use planning in these areas, including urbanization, vulnerability to disasters, and increased economic pressure from tertiary economic activities, would be assessed at a regional scale. Nainital as a city is already highly populated along with the floating population, which negatively impacts the city's carrying capacity. So, the aim is to “Assess the environmental stress due to urbanisation”. The scientific evaluation of land carrying capacity is a regional coordination and development prerequisite. To determine the weight, a multi-objective comprehensive evaluation model and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) will be used to assess the carrying capacity of Nainital as a region. For balanced spatial development, carrying capacity analyses of many aspects, particularly infrastructural components, can be improved to meet expanding demand. In addition, finding economic sustainability is essential for the welfare of society and the leading economic players.