Harmonizing Urban Growth: an Ecological Approach to Counteract Spatial Ad Hocism on Bhopal’s Fringes

Abstract

Urban expansion on the fringes of cities often leads to unplanned development, environmental degradation, and social inequities. Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh in India, is no exception to this phenomenon. The rapid and unregulated growth on the outskirts of Bhopal has resulted in fragmented landscapes, loss of biodiversity, and strained infrastructure. In response to these challenges, the research proposes an ecological approach to harmonize urban growth and mitigate the adverse effects of spatial Ad Hocism. Spatial Adhocism refers to the idea of improvisation and making do with whatever is available, often in response to immediate needs or constraints. It is characterized by sporadic and unplanned growth which disrupt ecological connectivity and create barriers to wildlife movement, impacting the integrity of natural ecosystems and reducing their resilience to environmental stressors. To avoid such issues and manage urbanization effectively, development plans play a crucial role as statutory instruments guiding land use, expansion, and zoning for the next two to three decades. Bhopal's spatial growth reflects the consequences of lacking a robust development plan resulting in unsustainable growth, necessitating a focused examination of the vulnerable fringes of the city. Therefore, this study aims to tabulate the character and susceptibility of one such ecological fringe located in the north-eastern region of Bhopal, Ayodhya Nagar situated next to Hathaikheda Dam. The study focuses on the consequences of inadequate planning and infrastructure provision due to ad hoc urbanization, identifies causes of unsustainable development, and analyses the fragmented and disjointed nature of the urban fabric as a result of Adhocism-driven expansion. By integrating principles of ecological urbanism, landscape planning, and sustainable development, this approach seeks to create resilient urban ecosystems that balance the needs of both humans and nature. By adopting an ecological lens, urban designers and policymakers can steer Bhopal's growth towards a more sustainable and inclusive future, where the city's fringes serve as vibrant and resilient ecological buffers rather than areas of haphazard development. To address the challenges posed by spatial Adhocism and harness its potential benefits, it would be essential to adopt a comprehensive approach to urban design.