Population growth and landscape change in the district Moradabad

Abstract

This research analyzes the demographic growth alongside the change in the landscape of Moradabad District, Uttar Pradesh. Moradabad has seen significant population growth in the past decades that has increased land consumption through urbanization, industrial development, and infrastructural divestment within the district. The analysis is based on secondary data and aims to understand the consequences of urban-rural migration on agricultural land, forest area, and the rural-urban divide in the region. Results show a gradual loss of agricultural land and green spaces, which have been supplanted by residential and industrial development in the urban areas. Increased variability of rainfall and soil deterioration, along with climate change, continue to exacerbate the problems. The research addresses the geographic imbalance of growth within the tehsils and investigates critical environmental concerns and planning issues. With existing literature and geospatial data, the study proposes integrative approaches to sustainable policy frameworks aimed towards land management and planning based on the findings. This analysis deepens the perspective on the impact of population growth and Moradabad District's evolving industrial landscape.