Transformations in peri urban area case of Alipur, Delhi NCT

Abstract

Zone of transition and continuum between rural and urban areas are known as peri-urban areas. These areas are currently experiencing an enormous change due to the expansion of urban infrastructure and activities in Indian cities. It is recognized that peripheral areas have many advantages to accommodate the agglomeration of urban functions. As a result, the rapid pace of development has been reshaping land-use pattern, economic structures and social life of these areas. This research attempts to address these issues. Urban development in Delhi National Capital Territory has recently been characterized by the high rate of land conversion, especially in peripheral areas. High consumption of land for both commercial and residential use in city centers has stimulated development in city outskirts. Large areas of agricultural land have been occupied by individual or institutional investors. These areas have become the arena which developers and land speculators pursue to control the urban land market. By focusing on the case of Alipur town of Delhi NCT, the study concerns with the transformation that takes place within the area of diverse administrative boundaries. This concern is then explored by: (1) understanding the importance of rural-urban linkages; (2) transformation in the spatial and socio-economic form in the lives of the residing people; and (3) by studying the government policies. Data was collected through a combination of methods including spatial data from satellite images, survey’s questionnaires, direct observations and in depth interviews. In-depth interviews involved several groups of expert respondents including government officials, village heads and planners. The research has its focus on the concept of urban-rural linkages and the reasons of transformations in peri-urban areas, which were done through literature search. After this, the focus shifts to the case study area, where the attempt has been made to see the nature of transformation happening in the area. The study have been done on the various kinds of livelihood strategies and how they have changed following the land use. It also find out the factors causing these changes and the ii perception of the affected people. The Lal dora norms were also studied as some part of the study area comes under the Lal dora land as the major driving factor for these changes is the massive land use change due to urban expansion project, which has attracted large scale land acquisitions. Finally, after drawing some conclusions, this study makes an attempt to give some policy recommendations and regulations for peri-urban areas and how to tackle these transition zones.