PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE COMPACT CITY – AURANGABAD

Abstract

Cities constitute a significant concentration of resources, especially in the modern age. As per the trends of human settlements, the location, growth, and development of human settlements always revolved around natural resources. The changing dimensions of location, growth, and development of human settlements in place of natural resources have resulted in a shift in the growth pattern of cities. The concentration of population in urban areas poses several problems, such as Urban Sprawl and Declining Densities, Congestion, Exclusion and inequality, Climate change and environmental impacts, Provision of basic infrastructure, etc. However, these problems can be effectively addressed by incorporating the concepts related to compact and sustainable urban development. The compact city concept, which promotes the development of a mix of uses, intensification, and density, has specific implications for sustainability, such as reducing the need for long-distance commuting, preserving natural resources, and promoting social interaction, offering a hopeful and promising vision for the future of urban planning. The literature on compact city planning often focuses on spatial context and specific elements of sustainability. In this research, however, takes a unique non-spatial approach to planning for a holistic, sustainable, compact city in the context of medium-sized cities in India. By employing statistical tools, techniques, and a systems approach, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the city's requirements and offers plausible recommendations for the development of a sustainable compact city.