Land Use Changes in India and its Impacts on Environment

Land use changes result from population growth and migration of poor rural people to urban areas for economic opportunities. Changes in land use directly influence the regional air quality, energy consumption and climate at global, regional and local scales. Controlled, coordinated and planned urbanization is a gift to the human society. However, unplanned urbanization can be a disaster. Urban sprawl refers to some types of uncoordinated land use resulting from lack of integrated and holistic approach in regional planning. Information related to the rate of growth, pattern and extent of sprawl is required by urban planners to provide basic amenities such as water, sanitation, electricity, etc. Urban sprawl increases traffic problems, depletes local resources and destroys open space. Thus, it is very important to examine causes of urban spread out, its associated problems and possible solutions in India. This paper provides a valuable basis to understand the major issues faced by urban citizens in India as a consequence of land use changes. The suggested solutions are very helpful for the strategic planning in future.