Dynamics of urbanization in Dharamshala city of Himachal Pradesh, India: A case study

Abstract

This research paper focuses on the dynamics of urbanization in the city of Dharamshala in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The research focuses on the city of Dharamshala's urbanization patterns. The rapid expansion of Dharamshala has caused numerous environmental issues as well as disrupted the area's ecological balance. An attempt has been made to explain the dynamics patterns of urbanization and analyze the changes of demographic profile during 1971-2011. Also the focus is on the changes in the land use patterns and associated environmental problems in Dharamshala city. Results show that there are major changes in the land use patterns. The areal growth of the city has increased over many years. The residential areas have increased from the past many years and agricultural land has declined. Slums in the city has been increased rapidly from 2001-2011. The slums are having low standard of living, and slum developers are suffering from poverty, and shortage of facilities, etc. Poverty, ignorance and illiteracy are responsible to grow the problems of housing, crime, ill health and pollution in the Dharamshala city. City faces a number of ecological consequences such as air pollution, water pollution, congestion, traffic joins, etc. Transport sector, open burning, vehicular exhaust level, developmental works etc. are major contributors of deteriorated air quality in the Dharamshala city. The positive impacts of the development of the city are increasing employment opportunities, rise in the living standards of the people, development of the roads and expansion of markets. But still many problems i.e., over population, unemployment, spread of slums, water and air pollution in city are rising gradually.