Spatial Pattern of Urban Sprawl of Class – 1 Towns in Non- NCR Sub-region of Haryana

Abstract

This study analyzed the spatial pattern of urban sprawl in Class-I towns of the non-NCR sub-region of Haryana over the past three decades. The primary objective was to examine the extent and growth patterns of urban expansion from 1991 to 2021 and to identify the driving forces behind this transformation, including industrialization, transportation networks, and demographic shifts. The research utilized secondary data sources, including topographical sheets from the Survey of India and satellite imagery obtained from GLOVIS/BHUVAN and USGS. Landsat 4, Landsat 7, and Landsat 8 satellite images from 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021 were analyzed to assess urban growth trends. High-resolution imagery from Google Earth was further used to delineate built-up areas, which were digitized into vector layers for spatial analysis. Advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were applied to map and quantify urban sprawl across different time periods. The findings revealed a significant outward expansion of urban areas in the non-NCR Class-I towns of Haryana. Hisar, Karnal, Panipat, and other major towns exhibited consistent growth, with urban areas expanding by over 100% in some cases. The spatial pattern demonstrated a combination of concentric and corridor-based growth, influenced by infrastructural development and land availability. However, the rapid urbanization resulted in the loss of agricultural land, environmental degradation, and increasing pressure on urban infrastructure. The study underscored the urgent need for sustainable urban planning policies to balance economic growth with environmental conservation and efficient land use.