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This paper proposes and applies a novel interdisciplinary framework to study peri-urban land use dynamics in India, which is theoretically embedded in the concepts of land use transition, land change science and neoliberlisation of nature. The framework is operationalised by a mixed methods approach cutting across scale and time to provide a comprehensive understanding of land use transitions. The paper proves the applicability of land use transition theory in India by establishing that the core state Delhi is in the "urbanised/industrialised" stage of land use transition, whereas the peripheral states are in a transition from "frontier" to "agricultural" stage of land use transition. The paper also provides evidence for different political economy-derived logics of nature's neoliberalisation. Field visits as well as expert and household interviews uncover a nexus between the state, civil society and economy in exploitation and degradation of natural resources for their vested interests. The use of local and global open access data in the framework makes it transferable to similar regions of the Global South facing data constrains. • Interdisciplinary framework is applied to India's land use transition analysis. • Theoretical approach is embedded in land change science and political economy. • Mixed methods approach cutting across scale and time is applied. • Stages of land use transition trajectory are detected for peri-urban areas in India. • Urban expansion is faster than population growth and depleted arable land and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the importance of distance as specified by Central Place Theory and New Economic Geography, this paper investigates the distance effect on urban transformation in the Capital Region of India by using spatial data and recently released census data on employment and urban amenities. This study applies a multiple-ring model and identifies a shadow effect for lower-tier settlements at a distance of 50 km and beyond 100 km from the megacity of Delhi. The higher-tier settlements produce 50 km wide shadow on lower-tier settlements, after which latter starts to trigger growth. The population seems to concentrate in the megacity and other million-plus cities in the region to maximize the utility of urban amenities, which are available only in higher-tier centres. The growth of million-plus cities in close proximity to Delhi state is a complementary effect. As the distance from higher-tier settlements increases, employment opportunities and the availability of urban services decrease, thus hindering the growth of the lower-tier settlements in the hierarchy. The paper concludes that traditional spatial decentralization polices have met with limited success and recommends embracing space-based policies to increase the growth potential of lower-tier settlements in the hinterland and to reduce spatial disparities in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the world has experienced rapid urbanization and slum proliferation. Slum residents form a significant portion of urban populations and contribute to the development of cities. However, due to their highly concentrated consumption and waste production patterns, slums endure and exacerbate, among other things, environmental degradation. To date, our understanding of slums in Indian cities has been primarily based on census data and evidence from remote sensing images. These data do not yet provide spatial slum dynamics over time and are limited to static and statistical representation. In addition to the obsolescence of spatial data, the non-availability of consistent socio-economic data leads to data integration problems. Therefore, new approaches that consider the scarcity of data and the choice of analytical techniques are needed; planners without advanced technical training should also be able to easily apply these approaches. This study provides a comprehensive approach to examine the urban transformation of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT-Delhi), India, from 1971 to 2011. Combining data from multi-temporal remote sensing images, census population statistics, slum enumeration and the provision of essential services, these investigations reveal a previously undocumented rapid increase in built-up areas outside municipal boundaries. The findings confirm the spatial shift of slums from the city center towards the periphery. The analysis provides a revealing insight: the emergence and growth of slums are outcomes of the prevailing urban planning environment, the limited success of adopted policies and the government's inability to foster growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Managing growth in rapidly growing complex mega urban regions in India is a growing concern for planners and scholars. Although the government attempts to regulate the development by spatial decentralization, there are no easy solutions, resulting in undesirable growth and associated problems. However, a good mix of (fiscal and regulatory) interventions, although difficult to implement, has the potential to achieve effective urban growth, as exemplified by Tokyo in Asia and London in Europe. Examining the National Capital Region (NCR) Delhi as a case study, this study evaluated the performance of some aspects of spatial decentralization policy. The investigation identified the need to link jobs and housing, redefine the concept of greenbelt, and integrate transport and land-use planning. We recommend introducing a mix of interventions to effectuate spatial decentralization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]