CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

„Urban growth‟ refers to the process of growth and decline of economic

agglomerations. The pattern of concentration of economic activity and its evolution have
been found to be an important determinant, and in some case the result, of urbanization,
the structure of cities, the organization of economic activity, and national economic
growth. According to Clark (1982), „urban growth is a spatial and demographic process
and refers to the increased importance of towns and cities as a concentration of
population within a particular economy and society. It occurs when the population
distribution changes from being largely hamlet and village based to being predominantly
town and city dwelling.‟ Urban growth is conceived as a dynamic process. It is an
absolute increase in the physical size and total population of urban areas. Urban growth
involve the growth of towns and cities, changes of economic and socio-cultural variables,
changes in Land Use pattern over time and conceptions of explanatory inter-relationship
between them and value judgments of the directions and qualities of changes. Urban
growth can therefore be the result of any city-specific or economy-wide changes that
augment the strength or scope of agglomeration forces or reduce the importance of
congestion forces (Chatterjee&Carlino, 1999).

Man‟s concept of intervening or manipulating land is the concept of Land Use.

The history of Land Use is as old as the history of mankind. „Land Use is any kind of
permanent cyclic human intervening to satisfy human needs, either material or spiritual or
both from the complex of natural and artificial resources which together are called
„Land‟. Land is a part of physical environment and there is a marked variation in the
physical environment, type of economy, mode of production, types and levels of
technology, society, culture etc. from place to place. The changes in technology, society,
economy and culture over time change the concept of Land Use and this is strongly
linked with the advances of human civilization.

„Land Use‟ is the human use of land. Land Use involves the management and
modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as fields,

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pastures and settlement. It has also been defined as the „arrangements, activities and
inputs people undertake in a certain land cover type to produce, change or maintain it‟
(FAO, 1997a, FAO/UNEP, 1999). Land use varies considerably across the world. The
United Nations‟ Food and Agriculture Organization Water Development Division
explains that „Land Use concerns the products and benefits obtained from use of the land
as well as the land management activities carried out by humans to produce those
products and benefits‟.

Since the beginning of 20th century, standardized classification of Land Use have
been adopted by different countries (Table 1.1). Standardized classification and uniform
definitions of the Land Use in India, was first recommended in 1950. Till 1949-50, land
area in India was classified into five categories known as the five-fold land utilization
classification. These categories were (i) Forests, (ii) Area not available for cultivation,
(iii) Other uncultivated land, excluding the current fallows,(iv)fallow lands and (v) net
sown area. Different organizations in the Country adopted their own Land use/land cover
classification system as per their requirement (Table 1.2). India, like other countries
experienced rapid urban expansion since the beginning of 20th century. The standardized
Land Useclassifications of Silchar town were also adopted according the available land
uses (Table1.3).

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 Table 1.1Land use/Land cover classification system for use with remote sensor data

Source: Anderson, J.R, et al, 1976

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 Table 1.2 Land use/Land cover classification in India, 2006

Source: NUIS Design and Standards, TCPU, Govt. of India, MOUD

Table 1.3 Land use/Land cover classification of Silchar Town

Urban growth leads to many different fine-scale patterns of Land Use in

metropolitan areas. Over the last decades, urban population in developed countries have
been moving from dense, compact urban centers to new low-density urban areas on the

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outskirts of present cities. Meanwhile, a combination of high population growth and lack
of planning has led to a large expansion of urban land in many developing countries.
Expansion of urban area may lead to a greater than proportional loss in fertile farmland as
new urban areas not only occupy the best agricultural lands but also attract industry and
infrastructure that claim an additional share of former rural land. These changes are of
particular importance since they are usually irreversible over a long time period.

The present study emphasizes at outlining the urban growth of Silchar and its
changing Land Use pattern. Study of Land Use pattern of a city is undoubtedly a basic
need for fuller comprehension of urban system. The Land Use pattern in the town
explicitly speaks of planned or unplanned growth. Therefore, an attempt has been made
in this study to find the relationship of land use changes with urban growth.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Silchar town has witnessed several changes from time to time. Silchar has been
experiencing urban growth particularly during the post-independence period. Being the
border district, urban growth here is attributed to partition of the country, communal
disturbance, influx of refugees etc. During partition, the influx was so huge that it
changed the demographic set up of the entire region. The population growth rate from
1941-51was recorded as 105.16 percent. There was also migration of people from the
nearby rural areas, whereas the basic infrastructure to support this population was
inadequate. This increased the number of slums in the town and has put pressure on the
basic amenities. The rapid urban growth resulted to urban sprawling which was also
responsible for the expansion of the boundary of the town. The area of the town was
6.55sq.km in 1901 which has now expanded to 15.75 sq. km in 2011. Here, changes in
urban morphology are taking place at a relatively rapid speed. New business houses are
being established on the fringes and outskirts of the town. Many of the agricultural land
in the outer fringes have been used for residential and commercial purposes, which has
changed the Land Use pattern of the town and the erstwhile rural areas are coming within
the urban fold. This process however, does not promise to lead the town along the path of
ideal urbanization. It simply effects a concentrically conglomerated urban settlement,
which has already posed severe crisis, and if not managed before it is late, this process

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might lead to an awful catastrophy in the socio-economic life of the town and its
surrounding rural areas.

The alarming growth of population mainly due to migration resulted to urban

growth, but, under the condition of inadequate infrastructure, it has also created numerous
problems to a large number of inhabitants in the town. The problems that are evident in
Silchar also emanate from underdevelopment as its economic base is not related to
vigorous industrialization and as much of its growth has been grossly unplanned. The
town looks more like a sprawling village with urban traits noticeable here and there. The
inadequate planning has resulted to haphazard urban growth of the town, which if not
managed well, will very soon assume menacing proportion. This may seriously hamper
the growth potential of the entire South Assam with negative effects on the neighbouring
states.

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

In recent years although intensive work have been done on urban growth in
different parts of Assam, but very little work has been donesofar on this region although
so much of changes have been witnessed. Therefore, it is pertinent to look into this
issue.Urban growth and a probe into its relevant knowledge are essential by virtue of the
fact that, first, urban growth has been now felt pervasively in developing nation in general
as well as in Silchar town in particular.Secondly, It is a fact that urbanism has its impact
on our social life to the extent that people‟s attitude towards values have altogether
changed. Even the surrounding rural milieu has changed by urban appendages. Thirdly,
the town has become centers of power and is capable enough to determine economy,
polity and social relationships.The last point of significance characterize a number of
problems which are outcome of the continuous urban growth like urban sprawl, housing,
transportation, employment, appearance of slums etc. in the city life.

1.4 STUDY AREA

Silchar, an unknown village before the advent of the British in Cachar, which did
not even find place in the revenue map of the district, came into prominence after the
annexation of Cachar by the British in 1832. Silchar is located at the southern part of
Assam, at 24.820N latitude and 92.80E longitude. It is situated 420 kilometers south-east

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of Guwahati. The town of Silchar has tremendous commercial importance and is the
second largest in the state of Assam after Guwahati. It is consequently witnessing the
settlement of a sizeable population of traders from distant parts of India. It is situated by
the banks of Barak River. Silchar is inundated frequently due to excessive rainfall and
flooding by river Barak.

According to 2011 census Silchar has a population of172,830. Males constitute

51 percent of the total population and females 49 percent. Silchar has an average literacy
rate of 79 percent, which is higher than the national average of 59.5percent.The town has
recorded exceptional rise in the population over the decade, i.e. the decadal growth rate of
-5.09 percent during 1901-1911 to 19.93 percent in 1991-2011.

Silcharis connected to the rest of the country by narrow gauge railway, air and
road transport, but National Highway 41 plays the major role. It connects Guwahati and
Silchar via Meghalaya. The road condition and the terrain play a vital role. Due to heavy
landslide and poor road conditions the highway remains closed frequently during
monsoon season.

Approximately, 90 percent residents of Silchar are Bengalis, the rest being

Marwari, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Manipuri-Meiteis and some tribal groups like Nagas.
Being a very peaceful place in the otherwise disturbed North-East, it earned the name of
“Island of Peace” from India‟s former Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

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 Map 1.1 Location of the Study Area

1.5 OBJECTIVES

Any effective plans for the improvement or arrangement of the future city must take
into account the present pattern of Land Useof the city, the factors which have produced
this pattern and the facilities required by activities within particular area. Therefore, the
present study has been centered on the following broad objectives:

1. To study the causes of urban growth in Silchar town.

2. To study the spatial temporal patterns of growth.

3. To compare land use changes during the period 1991 to 2015.

4. To analyse the impact of urban growth on the Land Use changes.

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1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The major research questions placed for the research are:

1. With time land use land cover pattern of an area changes drastically. Therefore, it
is pertinent to find out the extent of land use/land cover changes in Silchar town.

2. There are various factors which result to rapid urban growth in an area. Thus, it is
of significance to look into these factors responsible for the growth of Silchar
town.

3. Urban growth leads to the changes in land use pattern. Therefore, it is important
to find whether urban growth has any impact in the change of land use pattern in
Silchar town.

1.7DATABASE AND METHODOLOGY

The data is the backbone of any research. Geography is a science, based on

empirical studies, which requires data collection from various sources. The data for the
current study comprises both primary and secondary sources. Secondary data has been
collected through various publications and records, whereas primary data has been
collected through questionnaire based household survey. Further, to study the temporal
changes of the Land use pattern and urban growth, remote sensing data was used.

1.7.1 Objective 1-To study the causes of urban growth in Silchar town

1.7.1.1 Database

1.7.1.1.1 Primary Database

In order to study the demographic, socio-economic characteristics and the level of

access to various amenities and services across the 28 wards of Silchar Municipal Board,
a questionnaire-based household survey was conducted. The following sections describe
the strategy, size and mode of sampling for household survey. The data were analyzed by
employing several analytical techniques discussed in the subsequent sections.

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1.7.1.1.1a Questionnaire-based Household Survey

Silchar, evolved as a town from the beginning of 20th century. It has undergone
serious demographic and socio-economic changes over time. Moreover, the collection of
data on the accessibility of various amenities and services was important to understand
the overall picture of the town. Thus, it required a questionnaire-based household survey
across the 28 wards of Silchar Municipal Board.

1.7.1.1.1bMethod of Sampling

The sampling was carried out based on a structured questionnaire (Appendix1) aimed
at capturing the dimensions of:

1. General Information
2. Household Demography
3. Socio-Economic Background
4. Nativity
5. Housing
6. Mobility and Accessibility
7. Energy Sources
8. Water and Waste Disposal

1.7.1.1.1c Sampling Strategy and Sample Size

The entire study was based on Silchar Municipal Board. According to Census of
India 2011, the total number of households in Silchar Municipal area is 38647. For a
sample size 1percent households from each ward was calculated and selected as sample.
The total sample size selected for the study was 376 households.

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 Table 1.4 Ward wise Sample Size

1.7.1.1.1d Data Collection

Purposive Sampling was undertaken capturing all the socio-economic classes in

each ward. The size of the sample varied from 3 (the lowest sample) to 40 (the largest
sample size). Therefore, in order to cover all the areas equally, Simple Random Sampling
method was selected for the survey.

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1.7.1.1.2 Secondary Data Base

Data on Silchar town has been collected from Silchar Municipal Board, District
Gazetteers, Statistical Handbook, Census of India, Government Reports etc. Some
important data sources are;

1. Census Publication: Population data, Population data, Infrastructure data (medical

institutions, educational institutions, banking institutions, sanitary facilities,
electricity, recreational centres etc.)
2. Silchar Municipal Board: Town map, Municipal ward map.
3. Town and Country Planning Department: Road map, Master Plan, Ward-wise
area data.
4. Various Statistical Handbooks, published and unpublished thesis and other
records related to the study.

1.7.1.2 Methodology

The analysis of primary and secondary data began with their tabulation, sorting
and exploratory data analysis. Exploratory data analysis is restricted to estimation of
averages and percentages for each of the parameters. The corresponding results were later
tabulated and analyzed undertaking various statistical techniques.

1.7.1.2.1 Decadal Growth Rate

This method has been used to calculate the growth rate of population over the
decades. The formula used for the calculation;

𝑷𝑪 − 𝑷𝑶
𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒍 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑷𝑶

where, PC = Population of the current year

PO= Population of the base year

1.7.1.2.2 Interpolation

During 1981, Census could not be held for Assam, due to insurgency problem.
Therefore, some of the data had to be interpolated, using Linear Interpolation between
two known points.

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 If the two known points are given by the coordinates (XO,YO) and ( X1, Y1 ), the
linear interpolant is the straight line between these points. For a value X in the interval
(XO,X1), the value Y along the straight line is given from the following equation:

𝑌 − 𝑌𝑂 𝑌 − 𝑌𝑂
= 1
𝑋 − 𝑋𝑂 𝑋1 − XO

where, X = Unknown Value

Example, Population 1971 = 52596

1981 =?

1991 = 115483

1981 −1971 1991 −1971

Therefore, =
X −52596 115483 −52596

10 20
=
X − 52596 62887

628870 = 20 (X – 52596)

628870 = 20X – 1051920

628870 + 1051920 =20X

1680790 = 20X

1680790
X=
20

Therefore, the interpolated population of 1981 is 84039.

1.7.1.2.3 Intensity (Per Sq. Km.):

This method has been used to calculate the intensity of facilities such as Medical
Facilities, Recreation and Cultural facilities, and Banking and Credit Facilities every per
sq. km. area. The formula used for the calculation is:

No. of Facilities
Intensity = X 100
Total Area

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1.7.1.2.4Availability (Per 1000 persons):

This method has been used to calculate the availability of particular facilities
such as Schools, Higher Educational Institutes etc. per 1000 persons. The formula used
for the calculation is:

No. of Facilities
Availability = X 1000
Total Population

1.7.1.2.5 Mean Ranking Method:

To calculate the accessibility of the basic amenities and services, mean ranking
method has been used (Table 1.5). The criteria used for ranking is as follows;

Table 1.5 Ranking Criteria for Accessibility

Rank Distance
1 Below 500m
2 500m-1km
3 1km-2km
4 2km-5km
5 Above 5km

1.7.1.2.6Composite Index

Composite Index Value has been calculated to find the Health Infrastructure
Index and Education Infrastructure Index. Various indicators have been identified and
used to find the composite index value for analyzing the level of health and education in
Silchar town over the time.

1.7.1.2.7 Traffic Flow Volume

Premtala point, the busiest traffic point was selected for the survey. The survey
has been conducted on the basis of two categories, i.e. peak hours and normal hours.
Three time period has been taken for peak hours such as 9 am to 11 am, 1pm to 3 pm and
5 pm to 7 pm, whereas two time period for normal hours, i.e. 11 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to

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5 pm. The survey has been conducted on two days of the week such as one day during
weekday and another on Sunday. The main aim of the survey is to find the volume of
traffic flow on different time periods during the day, and on a weekday and Sunday. The
Vehicle Volume count has been done at an interval of every 15 minutes i.e. 9.00 to 9.15,
a gap of 15 minutes and again 9.30 to 9.45 and so on. The average value of the vehicle
counted during a particular time period has been taken into consideration. After this,
traffic flow charts were prepared.

1.7.2 Objective 2- To study the spatial temporal patterns of growth

1.7.2.1 Database

1.7.2.1.1 Primary Database

1.7.2.1.1aSatellite Remote Sensing Data

The remote sensing data for land use/land cover maps were collected from USGS.
The details of the satellite imageries collected are as follows;

1.7.2.1.2 Secondary Database

1. Published and unpublished Journals – Land use categories and its definitions.

1.7.2.2Methodology

The land use/land cover of Silchar town was classified according to the available
land use/land cover in the town (Table 1.5). Further, Land use/ Land cover maps were
prepared in ARCGIS 9.3 Software.

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 Table 1.6 Land use/Land cover categories

1.7.3 Objective 3-To compare the land use changes during the period 1991 to 2015

1.7.3.1 Database

1.7.3.1.1 Primary Database

1.Land use/Land cover maps of 1991, 2001 and 2015 prepared for Objective 2.

1.7.3.1.2 Secondary Database

1. Journals and articles: Change Detection, Shannon Entropy Estimation, Site Suitability.

1.7.3.2Methodology

1.7.3.2.1 Change Detection Analysis

For the purpose of detecting the changes in land use/land cover categories during
the period 1991, 2001 and 2015, overlay method was used. The land use categories of all
the periods were overlaid over each other and change detection maps 1991-2015, were
prepared.

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1.7.3.2.2 Shannon Entropy Estimation

For the purpose of studying pattern of urban growth in Silchar town, urban built
up area has been taken into consideration. The entire study area has been divided into
multiple buffer rings of 500 m interval from the city centre and the growth patterns have
been studied based on urban built up density with respect to each circular buffer. Further,
by clipping out the built up of each buffer zone, the density of built up area in each zone
was computed. Finally, the pattern of urban growth in Silchar town has been examined
with the help of Shannon Entropy.

The Shannon Entropy (Hn) value was calculated using the following formula;
Hn= - ∑ Pi loge ( Pi)

Where Hnis the relative entropy, Pi is probability or proportion of built up in the

ith zone, it can be found out through,

Pi = Xi / ∑ Xi

Where, Xi is the density of land development, which equals the amount of built up
land and divided by the total amount of land in the ith zone. Entropy value ranges from 0
to log (n), where log (n) = Maximum limit of entropy. Here, if the value is closer to zero,
the distribution is very compact and if the value is closer to log (n) the distribution is
dispersed. The higher the value, the higher is the dispersion.

1.7.3.2.3Site Suitability

Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) has been done for built up site selection of the
town. The criteria chosen for the purpose were main road, commercial centre, medical
institutions, educational institutions, banks, recreational facilities and population density.
Maps for all the criteria were prepared for overlay and buffer analysis. The suitable sites
for built up were classified into 3 categories i.e. highly suitable, moderately suitable and
less suitable. The site was considered highly suitable for if is satisfied all the criteria such
as distance less than 500 m from main road, 500m from commercial centre, 500m from
medical institute, less than 500m from banks, 500m from recreation centre and low
population density areas. The moderately suitable areas are of distance 500m-1km from
main road, 1km from commercial centre, 1 km from medical institute, 500m-1km from

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education institute, 1km from banks, 1km from recreational centre and moderate
population density area. Less suitable sites are at distance above 1km for main road,
commercial above 1km, medical institute above 1km, education above 1km, banks above
1 km, recreation centre above 1 km and high population density areas.

Expert classification shell has been incorporated in the ArcGIS software and this
expert classifier has been used to locate suitable sites for built up in this study.

1.7.4 Objective 4- To analyse the impact of urban growth on the land use changes

1.7.4.1 Database

1.7.4.1.1Primary Database

1. Land use/Land cover maps prepared for objective 2.

2. Household survey data used for objective 1.

1.7.4.1.2 Secondary Database

1. Census of India – Population data, infrastructure (Medical institutions,

Educational Institutions, Banking institutions, Recreational facilities, sanitary
facilities etc.)

1.7.4.2Methodology
In order to analyse the impact of urban growth on the land use pattern of the
Silchar town, several statistical tools such as regression analysis, correlation, cross
tabulation, density etc. has been used in the study.

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The general framework of the work is summarized in the flow chart below:-

Figure 1.1 Flow Chart of General Framework of Work

1.8 ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY

The thesis has been organized into 7 broad chapters:

The first chapter includes introduction, statement of the problem, and significance
of the study, study area, objectives, research questions, database and methodology and
organization of the research undertaken.

The second chapter deals with review of literature under several heads such as
conceptual background, pattern of urban growth, causes of urban growth, effects of urban
growth and socio-economic evolution of urban development.

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 The chapter three deals with the detail background study of the study area. It has
been divided into three subheads i.e. physical background, socio-economic background
and historical perspective. Physical background includes physiography, geology, soil,
climate, vegetation and drainage. Social background include age composition, sex
composition, marital status, educational level, religious composition, linguistic
composition, ethnic composition, type of family, population and nativity, whereas
economic background includes occupation structure, income, housing, mobility, energy
sources, water sources etc.

The chapter four deals with the cause of urban growth, under which major
indicators of urban growth has been studied such as population, migration, health
services, education, sanitary facilities, banking and credit facilities, recreation and cultural
facilities, electricity, transportation accessibility and urban governance.

The chapter five deals with land use changes in the Silchar town. Land use maps
of three temporal periods i.e. 1991, 2001 and 2015 has been prepared and change
detection and net change in the land use classes has been studied.

The chapter six deals with the analysis of the effect of urban growth on land use
changes. It includes population and land use, migration and land use, infrastructure and
land use, accessibility and land use, urban morphology.

The chapter seven is the summary and conclusion of the entire research work.

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