A GIS-integrated norm-based approach for gap analysis and land suitability in rural infrastructure planning: A case study of Kharkhoda block, Sonipat

Abstract

Public facilities shape everyday life in rural settlements. This study identifies where new facilities should go in Kharkhoda Block, Sonipat, using a simple GIS‑based workflow and panchayat land information. We group villages into six population‑balanced clusters, compare existing services with Indian planning norms and then test vacant panchayat land against practical siting rules for area and distance from settlements. The analysis covers education, health, drinking water, banks, parks, playgrounds, community centres, post offices, police posts and bus services. We present cluster‑wise gaps and propose suitable panchayat parcels for missing or under‑provided services. The approach uses openly reported norms and straightforward GIS steps, so it can be repeated by local teams for micro‑level planning and phased implementation.