Comprehensive Land Use Planning for Peri-Urban Areas along the Outer Ring Road Corridor: A Case Study of Gosaiganj, Lucknow

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Lucknow’s peri-urban regions has resulted in uncontrolled land conversion, environmental degradation, and infrastructure stress. This research focuses on Gosaiganj Block located along the Outer Ring Road corridor and proposes a comprehensive land use planning framework for sustainable peri-urban development. The study uses GIS-based spatial analysis, demographic assessment, field surveys, NDVI and LST analysis, and policy review to understand land use transformation patterns. The findings reveal increasing built-up areas, declining vegetation cover, and pressure on agricultural land. The study proposes integrated land use planning strategies including agricultural conservation, mixed land use development, green infrastructure, transit-oriented planning, and zoning regulations. The proposed framework supports sustainable, resilient, and balanced urban expansion.

Introduction

This study focuses on developing a comprehensive land use planning framework for the peri-urban areas of Gosaiganj Block, Lucknow, where rapid urban expansion driven by infrastructure projects such as the Outer Ring Road and Purvanchal Expressway has accelerated land use transformation. The area, once predominantly agricultural, is experiencing unplanned residential and commercial growth, resulting in fragmented development, environmental degradation, and the loss of agricultural land. The research aims to promote sustainable development through integrated land use planning.

A review of previous studies highlights the importance of GIS-based monitoring, zoning regulations, environmental conservation, transportation-oriented development, and participatory planning in managing peri-urban growth. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines GIS analysis, field surveys, stakeholder consultations, demographic assessment, and policy review, supported by satellite imagery, census data, master plans, and government reports.

The analysis reveals a significant increase in built-up areas between 2020 and 2025, accompanied by a decline in agricultural land and vegetation cover. Environmental assessments using Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) indicate rising temperatures and decreasing green cover, reflecting the environmental impacts of rapid urbanization. Additional challenges include inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and weak development control.

A SWOT analysis identifies strategic connectivity and development potential as major strengths, while unplanned growth, weak zoning enforcement, and environmental stress are key weaknesses. Opportunities include transit-oriented development and mixed land use planning, whereas uncontrolled land conversion poses a significant threat to sustainable growth.

Based on these findings, the study proposes a land use planning framework emphasizing agricultural land protection, mixed land use development, integrated transportation systems, green infrastructure, and decentralized economic growth. It further recommends stronger zoning regulations, land pooling mechanisms, conservation of green belts, improved institutional coordination, participatory governance, sustainable infrastructure development, and GIS-based monitoring systems to ensure balanced, environmentally sustainable, and well-managed peri-urban development in Gosaiganj Block.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that peri-urban regions require integrated and proactive planning strategies to manage rapid urbanization. The proposed planning framework for Gosaiganj Block provides a sustainable model for balancing development, environmental conservation, and socio-economic growth.

References

[1] UN-Habitat, “State of the World’s Cities,” United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2010. [2] European Environment Agency, “Urban Sprawl in Europe,” EEA Report, 2006. [3] Ewing, R., “Is Los Angeles Style Sprawl Desirable?” Journal of the American Planning Association, 1997. [4] Lucknow Development Authority, “Lucknow Master Plan 2031.” [5] National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Land Use/Land Cover Analysis Reports.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Prabhat Kumar Mishra, Huma Tabish Fatima. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.