National Geographical Journal of India

Towards evidence-based urban planning: A composite index approach to liveability assessment

Niharika Tiwari — 2025-12-30

Urban liveability is increasingly acknowledged as a central theme in urban geography, planning, and sustainable development. The quality of urban life depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on social, economic, and governance dimensions that collectively determine the well-being of residents. This paper develops a Composite Urban Liveability Index (CULI) to evaluate the liveability of four major municipal corporations in Uttar Pradesh, India: Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi. Using secondary data sources from government offices, census reports, international agencies, and planning authorities, thirty-one objective indicators were identified across four dimensions: socio-infrastructure, economic, governance, and environmental. The data were standardized and analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation to reduce dimensionality and extract principal components. The results reveal three significant components: socio-infrastructure, economic, and governance-environmental indicators. Lucknow emerged as the most liveable city with a CULI score of 1.5030, followed by Prayagraj (1.3005), Kanpur (0.9099), and Varanasi (0.5437). These findings highlight significant inter-city disparities in liveability within Uttar Pradesh, with implications for sustainable urban planning and governance. The paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on urban liveability by proposing a composite, statistically validated index that can be used by policymakers to assess, monitor, and elevate the overall well-being of residents in Indian cities.

Changing nature of capitalism and the evolution of geographical space

Sachinder Singh — 2025-12-30

The article discusses the history and development of capitalism, as well as its expressions in geographical space. Since the Great Depression (1929-1939), capitalism has transformed from the stage of organized capitalism to disorganized capitalism. The changing role of the state as a sovereign territorial entity in the functioning of organized capitalism and disorganized capitalism has created different kinds of economic landscapes. It has also been observed that since the early 1970s, the state has not only promoted but also created more avenues for the growth of private capital in geographical space. In the present context, space is considered to be neither fixed nor neutral to social actions. Rather, it is treated as a social construct.

Education performance of Chandauli district: analyzing progress through aspirational district metrics

Arti Verma — 2025-12-30

The Aspirational District Programme (ADP), launched by the Government of India in 2018, aims to transform underdeveloped districts through focused development efforts, with education being a key priority area. This study analyses the educational status of the Chandauli district in Uttar Pradesh by assessing progress across critical educational indicators under the ADP framework. Secondary data were obtained from Census 2011, U-DISE+ 2021–22, and the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021. School infrastructure indicators include the availability of functional toilets, safe drinking water, electricity, and adequate classroom facilities. Enrolment and retention focus on trends in student enrolment, transition rates between educational levels, and dropout rates. Learning outcomes assess student performance in language, mathematics, and science across different grade levels. Digital literacy evaluates access to the internet and computer laboratories in schools. Teacher–student ratio and quality consider pupil–teacher ratios at various stages of education, as well as teachers’ training and professional qualifications. Descriptive statistical methods were employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that Chandauli has shown notable progress in terms of school infrastructure and basic amenities. However, issues such as declining transition rates, high dropout levels in the secondary stage, poor digital infrastructure, and significant gender gaps in literacy persist. Learning outcomes tend to decline as students advance to higher grade levels, underscoring the need to strengthen foundational learning and enhance the quality of teaching. Despite fluctuations in district rankings and composite scores, the ADP has provided a framework for measurable improvement. To achieve sustained educational growth, Chandauli necessitates targeted policy interventions that emphasize digital access, gender parity, and teacher development. These measures are essential for addressing existing gaps and promoting inclusive development.

Spatio-temporal analysis of agricultural diversification in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh

Syed Rajab Ali — 2025-12-30

Agricultural diversification, the process of shifting from mono-crop to multi-crop systems, holds significant implications for sustainable development, food security, and economic resilience. This research paper shows spatio-temporal analysis of agricultural diversification patterns to understand their dynamics and associated factors. Utilising remote sensing data, Geographic Information Systems techniques, and statistical modelling, this study investigates the spatio-temporal changes of agricultural diversification across different regions. By integrating socio-economic and environmental factors, such as land use policies, climate variability, market demands, and socio-cultural influences, the researchers aim to identify key drivers of agricultural diversification trends. The analysis employs advanced spatial analytics to delineate hotspots of diversification, assess their resilience to environmental stressors, and evaluate their impact on local livelihoods and food systems. Furthermore, the study explores the role of technological innovations and agricultural practices in fostering diversification and enhancing agricultural productivity. The findings provide valuable perceptions for government, agricultural practitioners, and shareholders to formulate targeted interventions and strategies for promoting sustainable agricultural development and resilience in the face of global challenges.

Urbanization and growth of slums in Odisha: A geographical study of trends, patterns and regional concerns

Rekha Das — 2025-12-30

With increasing urbanization, the growth in size and density of the urban population has become an inevitable phenomenon, leading to the concentration of population in urban areas. The major drivers of urban population growth include natural increase, rural-to-urban migration, and census-related changes. The present study examines the trends and patterns of urbanization in Odisha during the period 2001–2011, with a particular focus on the contribution of net rural-to-urban migration. It also explores the underlying factors influencing migration and its role in urban growth across districts of the state. Additionally, the paper seeks to analyze the interlinkages between urbanization-led transition and the expansion of the slum population in Odisha. The study is based on secondary data sourced from the Census of India. Data analysis employs simple descriptive statistics such as percentages and proportions, along with statistical techniques including correlation and linear regression. Urban spatial patterns are illustrated using ArcGIS. The findings reveal significant regional variations in levels of urbanization, migration patterns, and their associated linkages with slum population growth in specific contexts within the state.

Socio-economic conditions of workers of stone crushing area in Sonbhadra district: A study in health geography

Shailesh Kumar — 2025-12-30

Socio-economic status refers to an individual’s position within society and is determined by factors such as income, occupation, education, wealth, and social class. It serves as an indicator of an individual’s or group’s standing in the community and reflects overall quality of life. In the Indian context, however, socio-economic status is strongly influenced by caste identity, which often regulates access to power, privilege, and resources. The present study aims to examine the extent and intensity of pollution caused by dust emissions from stone crushing units and their impact on workers as well as households in nearby areas. Although the dispersion and intensity of dust generated by these units may differ from that produced by large-scale industries, it nonetheless poses significant environmental and health concerns. The findings reveal limited awareness and poor hygienic practices among the respondents. Out of 240 respondents, a majority (74.58 per cent) were unaware of the concept of scientific sanitation, while only 25.42 per cent reported having such knowledge. Similarly, 64.17 per cent of respondents did not wash their hands before meals, whereas 35.83 per cent practiced handwashing prior to eating. A large proportion of respondents (75.42 per cent) consumed their lunch within dusty stone-crushing sites, while only 24.58 per cent avoided eating in such environments. Participation in health camps was also notably low, with 70 per cent of respondents reporting non-participation, compared to 30 per cent who had attended health camps. These findings highlight the intersection of socio-economic constraints, occupational exposure, and limited health awareness, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve sanitation practices, occupational health, and overall well-being among stone crusher workers and surrounding communities.

Quality of life: Ranking and assessment of twenty populous districts of Uttar Pradesh

Nitin Kumar Mishra — 2025-12-30

The comprehensive development of an urban region encompasses various characteristics, including access to essential amenities, infrastructure, economic factors, and environmental circumstances. Contemporary economic and industrial metrics contribute to social stability by alleviating poverty and enhancing resource accessibility, hence lowering social disputes and promoting community cohesion. The Quality of Life (QoL) score was generated by principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate the overall development of 20 populous districts in Uttar Pradesh. The score is determined by 17 indications categorized into six factors. This research examines the multifaceted quality of life in the twenty leading districts of Uttar Pradesh through six comprehensive indices: 1) Basic Amenities Index (BAI), 2) Infrastructure Role Index (IRI), 3) Gender Parity Role Index (GPRI), 4) Economic Parameter Index (EPI), 5) Industrial Factor Index (IFI), and 6) Environmental Factor Index (EFI). Districts were categorized as top, average, or low performers based on the statistical metrics of mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ). The data reveal substantial disparities in growth among districts, with Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Kanpur Nagar consistently excelling in multiple indices, signifying robust economic, industrial, and infrastructural foundations. Conversely, districts such as Sitapur and Azamgarh exhibit subpar performance for fundamental utilities, economic metrics, and environmental sustainability. The evaluation also underscores substantial advancements in gender equity in areas such as Prayagraj and Varanasi. These findings underscore the necessity of focused interventions to mitigate regional disparities, enhance living standards, and foster equitable development in Uttar Pradesh. This research provides policymakers with significant information for prioritizing investments in underperforming regions and ensuring equitable growth.

Rural regeneration through sustainable rural tourism development: A case study of Malaon village Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

Anirudh Srivastav — 2025-12-30

Rural regeneration encompasses a range of plans, policies, and actions aimed at the holistic development of rural areas. It involves the transformation of traditional rural practices to ensure sustainability while preserving rural identity in the context of a modernizing world. In contemporary society, an increasing number of people are turning to tourism as a means of relaxation and stress relief, which has brought rural tourism to the forefront of discussions on rural regeneration. Tourism, as a global industry, plays a significant role in the world economy and serves as a vital source of livelihood for many regions. Uttar Pradesh, having the highest number of villages in India, offers immense potential for the development of rural tourism. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines rural tourism as “a type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle and culture, angling, and sightseeing.” Rural areas are characterized by clean and tranquil environments and possess a distinct ethnic essence. With their rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage and traditional agricultural practices, villages provide a strong foundation for the promotion of cultural and heritage tourism. The present study focuses on Malaon village, located in the Kauriram Block of Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. The village lies approximately 28 km south of the Gorakhpur district headquarters, 8 km from Kauriram, and 292 km from the state capital, Lucknow, and shares its northern boundary with the Rapti River. Malaon is renowned for its rich historical and cultural significance. Local traditions suggest that Gautam Buddha passed through the village during his journey from Sarnath, the site of his first sermon, to Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana. The village is also historically associated with the eminent Indian philosopher, traveler, and Hindi scholar Rahul Sankrityayan. This paper examines the role of rural tourism in the process of rural regeneration by proposing strategies for the development of rural tourism and identifying areas with high potential for tourism growth. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness about the preservation of village authenticity and to promote the empowerment of rural communities toward self-sufficiency and sustainable development.

Development of homestay tourism in Tukdah village of Darjeeling district, West Bengal: A study based on the perception of homestay owners and tourists

Suvra Maji — 2025-12-30

Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic development of many countries and regions by generating employment and enhancing local livelihoods. In India, rural and community-based tourism initiatives have gained attention as sustainable alternatives to mass tourism, particularly in ecologically sensitive hilly regions such as Darjeeling. The present study examines the socio-economic impact of homestay tourism in the vicinity of Lamahatta Eco-Park in the Darjeeling Hills. Homestay tourism has emerged as a viable livelihood option for rural communities by promoting local culture, environmental conservation, and women's empowerment. The paper highlights that homestay-based tourism in Darjeeling provides supplementary income opportunities, encourages community participation, and supports sustainable tourism development. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of training, and limited promotional initiatives constrain its full potential. Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers, tourism planners, and local stakeholders to enhance sustainable rural livelihoods and balance economic growth with ecological preservation in the Darjeeling Hills.