Growth dynamics of rapid urbanisation and potential growth nodes in peri urban areas of Surat city

Abstract

India is witnessing a rapid urbanisation rate as it increased from 25.72% to 31.1% from 1991 to 2011. (GoI, 2011) The growth rate of statutory towns (53.70%) and census towns (185.90%) in the past decade (2001 – 2011) highly indicates the inmigration of people towards urban areas. (Bhagat R. B., 2011) India, China, and Nigeria are predicted to account for 35% of the global urban population between 2018 and 2050, according to the UN report World Urbanisation Prospects 2018. India is expected to see an increase of 416 million urban residents. With every passing year and noticeable changes can be seen in the developing urban areas in terms of sprawl and character and at the same time, these peri-urban areas are the most vulnerable and under constant pressure for rapid change and urbanisation and bringing up many challenges in managing and controlling their expansion. (Tiwari, 2019) Surat, situated in the state of Gujarat, holds the distinction of being the secondlargest city in the state, following Ahmedabad. With regards to population, it ranks as the eighth-largest city in India and stands as the ninth-largest urban agglomeration in the country. (GoI, 2011) Surat is the fastest-growing city in Gujarat. (Economic Times 2018) In this rapid urbanisation; Peri-urban areas of Surat city can play a vital role but these areas face challenges like managing and controlling urban sprawl, haphazard development, scattered real estate projects, unplanned settlements along transport corridors, increase in resource pricing, reduction of agricultural land, rural-urban disparities, increase the load on existing infrastructure, less recreational spaces, the gap in planning & implementation, etc. Considering the rate of development and increasing demand for limited natural resources in peri-urban areas of Surat city, there is a need for planning interventions/strategies to control haphazard development in peri-urban areas to reduce the pressure on the main city. The research focuses on the growth pattern, development trends, spatio-temporal changes, and growth direction over the past two decades. The study analysed growth dynamics and major drivers that lead to rapid urbanization in the peri-urban areas of Surat city. The study predicted urban sprawl, identified potential growth nodes for 2041 and give comprehensive planning interventions/strategies to control haphazard development in peri-urban areas.