Srinagar, Sep 4: Srinagar’s built-up area increased by 75.58 per cent between 2000 and 2020, while vegetation and water bodies declined substantially during the same period, according to a satellite-based study published in Discover Cities.
The study found that the city’s built-up area increased from 34.53 square kilometres in 2000 to 60.63 square kilometres in 2020.
During the same period, vegetation declined by 40.2 per cent, water bodies by 25.41 per cent and dense forest cover by 62.74 per cent.
The researchers analysed land-use and land-cover changes using satellite remote-sensing data and examined their relationship with land-surface temperature.
The study identified urban expansion, population growth, migration and increasing construction activity among the factors associated with the changing land-use pattern.
It also pointed to development activity, including construction of hotels and amusement facilities, encroachment along the Jhelum and wetlands, unplanned urbanisation and industrial activity, as factors contributing to changes in the city’s land-use pattern.
The findings show that the areas around Lal Chowk, Natipora, Hyderpora, Rajbagh, Nowgam, Dargah, Chhatabal, Batamaloo and Bemina witnessed significant urbanisation during the study period.
The researchers said the findings could assist urban planners and policymakers in understanding the environmental consequences of Srinagar’s expansion. [KNT]
