Spatial and Temporal Analyses of Urbanization of Mardan City, its Causes and Impacts on Environment
Abstract
Urbanization is an emerging problem causing many environmental issues especially in developing world. In this study we analysed the Mardan city temporal and spatial urban expansion, using satellite images of the year 2001, 2008 and 2014. We found a drastic increase in the built up area having adverse impacts on agriculture land production, vegetation loss and local biodiversity just in 14 years. Our results showed that Mardan expanded on the most fertile and agriculturally available land, causing agricultural and biological decline as well as a negative impact on water quality.
The identified reasons were the strong efforts and political well of Awami National Party government in the region who brought mega projects to this area such as institutions of higher and professional education, Campuses of Agriculture and Engineering Universities, Intermediate and Secondary Education Board, Sports Complex and new roads. All these institutional developments triggered a new start of many residential societies both legal and illegal. With this new era of commercialization and increase in shopping centers, new businesses and market chains were launched. Pak Army having Punjab Regiment Center in the heart of Mardan, started buildings and commercial plazas as well, and played very active role in expanding the City. These were the driving forces behind the rapid expansion of the city in a very short time. We recommend that Local Government needs to address the problem of haphazard urban growth, which needs proper planning and policy for future land use and cover change. The local government must identify the sites suitable for housing keeping in view all the rules and regulations with strict EIA implementation. Illegal residential societies must be banned and the Government must take serious action for land conservation. Provide basic needs to local rural population will decrease migration to urban areas.
Keywords
Land use change, Urbanization, Vegetation and Biodiversity loss, Mardan City, Pakistan
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