Abstract:
The thesis is an attempt to comprehend the relationship between north India's hilly
topography and its social and spatial systems. Increased urbanisation in towns as a
result of tourism has had a negative impact on their physical environment. There is a
strong need to maintain the urban form of hill settlements due to drastic changes in
the physical environment and the urban form of such environmentally fragile areas.
With the core of the towns being developed irrespective of their carrying capacity,
there is a need for alternative tourist centres to accommodate further growth. The
suburbs of tourist towns are gaining popularity as they offer a glimpse into the Pahari
people's culture and way of life.
In order to accommodate further growth, alternative centres that are beginning to
urbanise require guidance in order to maintain a balance between the physical
environment, the social system, and the built form. Hence, this study shall identify
the local development practices and reflect them while enhancing the sense of place
along with safeguarding the environment with the help of urban design as a tool
