Modelling urban growth using Urban growth deterministic model in Kolkata Metropolitan Area: a geo-statistical approach

Abstract

Urbanization and urban growth have been categorized as one of the key indicators of development in most of the cities of the World. The rate of urban growth is more rapid in developing countries than the developed countries. India is one of the developed countries and Kolkata is one of the major cities in India, where this study has been carried out. Kolkata city has been developing very fast in recent decades because of huge infrastructural development from the end of the Nineteenth century. Peripheral areas of Kolkata city are more unplanned than the city core areas which are the main obstacles to transform Kolkata city into a smart city. The objective of this study is to identify the spatial determinants of urban growth in Kolkata city. This study introduces a model, namely, Urban Growth Deterministic Model to control the rate of urbanization and urban growth. For the analysis, both satellite images and statistical analysis have been done. Findings reveal that among the factors population density, male workforce, female workforce, secondary workers, waste land, built-up area, availability of bus service and railway service are the major determinants of urban growth in Kolkata city.This study will help the policy makers to formulate policies to minimize various problems of Kolkata city which will be helpful for future planning and management of the area.