CHAPTER 4

URBAN GROWTH AND ENCROACHMENT ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS

IN THE URBAN FRINGE OF ALIGARH CITY

A. URBAN GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF ALIGARH CITY

The dictionary meaning of urbanization is to make urban, especially by

destroying the rural quality of an area or district. It is the process by which urban

areas increase in size and population density, the percentage of population living in an

urban area is increasing i.e. it is a process of concentrating population in urban areas.

Urbanization usually accompanies social and economic development, but rapid urban

growth on today's scale strains the capacity of local and national governments to

provide basic services such as water, electricity and sewerage. Urbanism is the

tendency of people to lead urban ways of life while, urban growth is the absolute

increase in physical size and total population of urban area.

a) Initial Situation and Post-Independence Change

The total geographical area of Aligarh district is 3648.31 sq km. It is 32th

largest district of the state of Uttar Pradesh and 38th largest in India in terms of total

area. Aligarh is one of the 13 metro cities of the state and is the administrative

headquarters of Aligarh district, Aligarh Police Range and Aligarh Division, and has a

population of about one million (estimate). Aligarh city grew up as an economic and

political center, later growth was very haphazard, which has resulted a high degree of

urban congestion. The core of the city has a marked degree of compactness and a

very high density of population. In the course of time, the streets in the city have

become narrow and more irregular.

136

In the first census, which was conducted in 1847, the population of Aligarh

city recorded as 36,181 persons and by 1853 the total population rose to 55,001

persons, though in 1865 it had fallen down to 48,403 persons. Since then, there has

been a considerable increase which started even before 1881 and continued to 1901.

Afterwards, the population of Aligarh continued to decline for two consecutive

decades of 1901-11 and 1911-21 (Table 4.1). Since 1921, the growth has been steady

and it continued upto 1971 with a slight fluctuation in 1951. During the post-

independence period, Aligarh experienced a marked growth of industries in

residential areas. The 1961 Census categorized Aligarh as a service-cum-industrial

centre but, the 1971 Census reclassified it as industrial-cum-service centre (Siddique,

1975). As the city entered in 1990s, the census reports gave new records of the

population growth i.e. 49.75 per cent. In the subsequent census of 2001 there has

been a downfall in growth rate by 10 per cent i.e. 39.23 per cent at that time the actual

population was 6,69,087 persons. During the period of 1901-2011 the population of

Aligarh city has been increased by 8,00,491 persons, which shows a growth of

1110.50 per cent.

As per the provisional reports of the Census of 2011, population of Aligarh is

8,72,575 persons; in which males and females constituted 4,63,123 persons and

4,09,452 persons respectively with a growth rate of 30.41 percent (Table 4.2). The sex

ratio in Aligarh city is 884 females per 1000 males. Aligarh city is governed by

Municipal Corporation which comes under Aligarh Urban Agglomeration. Although

Aligarh city has population of 8,72,575 persons; its urban / metropolitan population is

909,559 persons of which 4,82,828 constitute males and 426,731 as females. Aligarh

Metropolitan Area (AMA) includes Aligarh City and three suburbs namely;

Ashrafpur Jalal, Kwarasi and Sarsaul (Table4.3). According to an estimate made with

the help of geospatial method by Farooq and Ahmed (2008) the area of Aligarh city

has increased to more than 50.54 sq km. and the density automatically increased to

17,265 persons per sq km.

137

Table 4.1 Population Growth in Aligarh City (190-2011)

Census Year Total Population Decennial Actual

Increase

Decennial

Growth

(in percent)

1901 72,084 - -

1911 66,344 - 5,740 - 7.96

1921 66,963 + 619 + 0.93

1931 83,878 +16,915 +25.26

1941 1,12,655 +98,777 +34.31

1951 1,41,618 +28,963 +25.71

1961 1,85,020 +43,402 +30.65

1971 2,52,314 +67,294 +36.37

1981 3,20,861 +68,547 +27.17

1991 4,80,520 +1,59,659 +49.75

2001 6,69,087 +1,88,567 +39.24

2006 7,89,529 +1,20,442 +18.00

2011* 8,72,575 +2,03,488 +30.41

2021** 12,49,352 +3,76,777 +43.18

1901-2011 8,72,575 +8,00,491 +1110.50

Source: (a) Aligarh District Census Handbooks: Village and Town Directory,

1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001.

(b) * Census of India 2011 (provisional)

(c) ** Extrapolations made by Aligarh Development Authority (ADA)

138

Table 4.2 Aligarh District Information at a Glance

ALIGARH DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

Description 2001 2011

Actual Population 2,992,286 3,673,849

Male 1,607,402 1,958,536

Female 1,384,884 1,715,313

Population Growth (in percent) 22.15 22.78

Area (in Sq.km) 3,649 3,649

Density (persons/sq.km) 820 1,007

Percent share to U.P Population 1.80 1.84

Description Rural Urban

Population (percent share) 66.89 33.11

Total Population 2,457,268 1,216,581

Male Population 1,312,501 646,035

Female Population 1,144,767 570,546

Source: Census of India 2001 and 2011 (Provisional)

Table 4.3 Aligarh City Information at a Glance

ALIGARH CITY AT A GLANCE

Description 2001 2011

City Population 6,69,087 8,72,575

Male 354,616 463,123

Female 314,471 409,452

Population Growth (in percent) 39.24 30.41

Area (in Sq.km) 40.43 >50.54*

Density (persons/sq.km) 16,549 17,265

Percent share to U.P urban Pop. 1.93 1.96

Aligarh Metropolitan Area

(Aligarh City, Ashrafpur Jalal, Kwarasi and Sarsaul)

Population: 909,559 (482,828 M and 426,731 F)

Aligarh city is governed by Municipal Corporation which comes

under Aligarh Urban Agglomeration.

Source: Census of India 2001 and 2011 (Provisional)

139

b) Expansion of Municipal Limit of Aligarh City

Significant growth factors in colonial era (pre-independence period), included

the establishment of some localities like Russelganj and the construction of the

Municipal Hall, Mission Church, Hospital and Lytton Library (Malviya Library). The

Aligarh city continues to expand towards northern side which was much planned for

improvement. Further expansion took place across the railway line in northeastern

portion of the city, where Civil Lines area was developed which includes an open

campus of Aligarh Muslim University. Also the construction of Kathpula (overhead

bridge previously made of wood) was completed, connecting the old city (through

Russelgunj) with the Civil Lines area through University road. This area is marked

with the establishment of a Government Press, Clock Tower, Churches, Parks,

Government college, Judicial Courts, Jawahar Bhawan, Gandhi Eye Hospital,

Collectorate, Police Lines, District Central Prison, etc.

The process of outward expansion and consequent encroachment on rural land

remained imperceptible over a period of roughly 50 years (1951 to 2001), during

which the municipal boundary of the city was increased three times (in 1976, 1991

and 2001, (Fig. 4.2). In the first decade of post-independence, there was a significant

engulfment of land (2078.4 ha. in 1961, Table 4.5), showing 188 percent growth in

the municipal area. This land was primarily acquired for educational, commercial,

health and other public uses. Specifically, the outskirts of the city were the preferred

locations for these establishments, which are purely agricultural based. The

educational institutions served not merely as growth points that opened up new areas,

thus forcing farmers to relocate further into the hinterland, but also facilitated a rapid

expansion towards their locations and beyond. In continuation, during 1971, the

municipal area of the city was increased by engulfing 259 ha. land of the fringe area.

After a span of 20 years the municipal area was increased by 598 ha. in 1991, and in

140

the subsequent decade, the municipal area again increased to the extent of 443 ha.

(Census 2001).

Fig. 4.1 Residential Localities of Old Aligarh (Pre-Independence Period)

During the 1970-80, the most important growth factor was the location of the

Aligarh Muslim University, around which numerous residential colonies were

developed, comprising most localities listed in the Fig. 4.3. With the increasing rate

of student admissions, staff strength and other associated service providers, the

outward expansion of the city in this area has been phenomenal, as previously low

levels of development have been reinvigorated and increased.

RESIDENTIAL LOCALITIES OF OLD ALIGARH

The main residential areas in old Aligarh consist of Sasni Gate,

Achal Talab, Jama Masjid Upper Kot, Chowk Bundukhan, Khirni Gate Manik

Chowk, Halwai Khana, Tamoli Para, Krishna Tola, Baniya Para, Phool

Chowraha, Kanwari Ganj, Pathan Mohallah (Afghanan), Kala Mahal, Kale Khan

Ki Sarai, Ghans Ki Mandi, Mohallah Shaikhan, Tantan Pada, Usman Pada,

Mamu Bhanja, Sarai Sultani, Sarai Labaria, Sarai Rehman, Russell Ganj, Nagla

Masani (near Dehli Gate), Kapil Vihar Colony, Banna Devi Police Colony,

Kishanpur, Avas Vikas Colony, Bhamola, Anona House, Pahasu House, Gambhir

Pura, Mahendra Nagar, Surendra Nagar, Bank Colony (Premier Nagar),

Trimurti Nagar (Baraula Bypass) and Gandhi Nagar. All these residential areas

were developed during pre-independence period. Besides, the Aligarh Muslim

University campus which includes its residential colony and Civil Lines area

(British period) were also developed during the same period.

141

Fig. 4.2 Expansion of Municipal Area of Aligarh City (1976-2001)

142

Fig. 4.3 Residential Localities of New Aligarh, (Post-Independence Period)

.

The beginning of 21st century experienced the expansion of city in all

directions. Now the growth factors include the development of highways, nearness to

National Capital Region in the north, opening of Yamuna Expressway in the west,

RESIDENTIAL LOCALITIES OF NEW ALIGARH

The new phase of development of Aligarh was started after the

independence of the country. The important residential areas developed

during this period are consists of Telephone Colony (near Kwarasi

Chauraha), Firdaus Nagar, Pratibha colony (behind-Banna Devi Police

Station), Church Compound, Vishnupuri, Jamalpur, Hamdard Nagar

Block- A, B, C & D, Tayyab Colony, Lal Diggi Road, Begum Bagh,

Anwar ul-Huda Compound, Pan Wali Kothi, Bargad House, Habib

Painter Park area, Amir Nisha, National Colony, Azim Compound,

Zakaria Market, Dhorrah Mafi, Sir Syed Nagar, Iqra Colony, Wadi-e-

Ismail, Shibli Bagh, Kabir Colony, Friends Colony, New Jamalpur,

Dodhpur, Badar Bagh, Habib Bagh, Bhamola, Zohrabagh, Ghalib Bagh,

Anwar Villa Colony, Dodhpur, Shabistan Compound, Jeevangarh, Kela

Nagar, Firdaus Nagar, Firdaus Complex, Kabir Colony, Janakpuri,

Niranjan Puri (Navada), Prag Sarover, Gyan Sarover, Maan Sarover,

Shanti Sarovar, Avantika-1 and 2, Kwarasi, Kishanpur, Rambagh Colony,

Swarna Jayanti Nagar, Shatabdi Nagar, Surendra Nagar, Mahendra

Nagar, Naurangabad, Jawalapuri, Shyam Nagar, Janakpuri, Vikram

Colony, Medical Colony, Lekhraj Nagar, Ramesh Vihar Colony, Durga

Badi, Marris Road, Vidhya Nagar, Ram Krishna Puram, Agra Road.

Delhi side GT Road and many more new colonies are being developed by

the Aligarh Development Authority.

143

proposal of Ganga Expressway in the east, mini airport in the south include, and

development of industrial estates and project colonies along highways.

Table 4.4 Relationship between Urban Area and Municipal Limit of Aligarh

Land Development Area (in sq.km.)

1971 1989 1999 2006

Municipal area 31.57 31.57 35.51 35.51

Urban area 17.32 26.86 40.28 50.54

Area outside municipal limits 0.43 3.17 9.05 17.74

Municipal area with no development 15.43 7.90 4.51 2.67

Source: Aligarh Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam)

Fig. 4.4 Relationship of Urban Area with Municipal Limit of Aligarh (1971)

49%

27%

0%

24%

Per cent Area in sq.km. (1971)

Municipal area

Urban area

Area outside municipal limits

Municipal area with no development

144

Fig. 4.5 Relationship of Urban Area with Municipal Limit of Aligarh (1989)

Fig. 4.6 Relationship of Urban Area with Municipal Limit of Aligarh (1999)

45%

39%

5%

11%

Per cent Area in sq.km. (1989)

Municipal area

Urban area

Area outside municipal limits

Municipal area with no development

40%

45%

10%

5%

Per cent Area in sq.km. (1999)

Municipal area

Urban area

Area outside municipal limits

Municipal area with no development

145

Fig. 4.7 Relationship of Urban Area with Municipal Limit of Aligarh (2006)

Thus, due to rapid urban growth, the Aligarh city has experienced the

expansion of municipal limit in different intervals of time (Figs. 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7).

Aligarh is one of such cities, which experience flexibility in its municipal boundary in

different periods of urban growth. During last 50 years i.e. from 1951 to 1991, the

municipal boundary of Aligarh city has increased or rearranged three times because of

rapid urban growth. In 1951, the city of Aligarh covered an area of over 11.05 sq. km.

As a consequence of four times increase in municipal boundary, the area of city was

also changed in relation to outward expansions during the years 1971, 1989, 1999,

and 2006 (Table 4.4 and Fig. 4.8). The report of the Aligarh Master Plan (1991-01)

has estimated the area of city as 34.44 sq km out of which 61 per cent was developed.

According to the estimates made by Aligarh Environmental Project (1994), the

municipal limit of Aligarh city expanded and the area increased to 40.43 sq. km. The

Aligarh Master Plan Report (2001-21) described the area of Aligarh City as 44.86 sq

km and projected this data to 113.8 sq km by the year 2021.

33%

47%

17%

3%

Per cent Area in sq.km. (2006)

Municipal area

Urban area

Area outside municipal limits

Municipal area with no development

146

Fig. 4.8 Maps of Urban Sprawl Development around Aligarh City

(1989, 1999 and 2006)

Source: GIS aided maps of urban sprawl (Courtesy: Farooq and Ahmad, 2008)

147

C) Change in Urban Land Use of Aligarh City

Because the process of urban encroachment is associated with the process of

urbanization, substantial changes in urban land use have occurred in each decennial

period of urban history of Aligarh. Thus, for understanding the pattern of growth of

the city it is essential to study the changes in urban land use. As shown in Table 4.5 ,

there is a continuous increase in the area under urban land use. During the period of

50 years from 1901 to 1951, which is also known as the pre-independence period, the

area under urban land use remained unchanged i.e. 11.06 sq.km. After independence

the area of the city was increased to 31.86 sq. km. in 1961, showing an actual growth

of 20.80 sq. km. and on a percentage basis of 188.06 per cent. This increase continued

till 1971 (i.e. 34.45 sq. km) showing 8.2 percent growth when 2.59 sq. km. area was

added to the city. The urban area persists unaltered in 1981, due to communal riots in

the city.

As a result of insurgency during the last decade, the decade of 1981-91 had

experienced a surging increase in the area under urban land use by 5.98 sq. km. and

shows 17.35 per cent growth. As the city Aligarh entered the 21st century, the second

Master Plan (2001-21), with an extensive urban land use and extrapolated

preadmonitions, was prepared by the Aligarh Development Authority (ADA). As a

result, the report of the Plan recorded the area of the city as 44.86 sq. km. showing an

actual growth of 4.43 sq. km. (10.95 per cent).

148

Table 4.5 Area Under Urban Land Use in Aligarh (1901-2011)

Year Area

(in sq. km)

Actual Growth

(in sq. km.)

Growth

(in per cent)

1901-1951 11.06 - -

1961 31.86 20.80 188.06

1971 34.45 2.59 8.12

1981 34.45 0.00 0.00

1991 40.43 5.98 17.35

2001 44.86 4.43 10.95

2006 50.54 5.68 12.66

2011 56.72 6.18 12.22

2021 113.79 57.07 100.61

Source: (a) Aligarh District Census Handbooks: Village and Town Directory,

1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001.

(b) * Census of India 2011 (provisional)

(c) ** Extrapolations by Aligarh Development Authority (ADA)

On examining the current data of urban land use in Aligarh city, it is seen that

most of the land is occupied for residential purposes i.e. to the extent of 1030.4 ha.,

which is 49.1 per cent of the total developed lands. The total developed land area is

2098 ha. and under developed land is 1346 ha., sharing 60.1 per cent and 39.9 per

cent of the total area (3444.0 ha.), respectively. Next to residential occupancy is the

category of transportation which occupies 590.5 ha. of land and sharing 28.1 per cent

of the total developed land. The industrial and commercial lands occupy 68.3 ha. (3.3

per cent) and 127.1 ha. (6.0 per cent), respectively. It means that Aligarh city is an

important industrial and commercial center. Newly urbanized lands account for 9 ha.

which is 0.5 per cent of the total developed area (Table 4.6).

149

Since 1971, there has been a continuous change in urban land use, due to

increase in population and expansion of the city which has caused a rapid

encroachment on the rural lands for the expansion of the urban activities. As a result

of which, serious problems have emerged in the form of unplanned and haphazard

urban growth. The Table 4.5 reveals that, during the decade of 1970’s there was an

increase of 2.59 sq. km. (8.12 percent) area brought for industrial uses. Area under

land use during 1971 accounted for 34.45 sq.km. which remained unchanged in 1981.

However during 1991, 5.98 sq. km. of area was reported which incorporated the

fertile agricultural lands for development purposes. As a result, nearby villages

namely Begpur, Jamalpur, Bhamola, Dodhpur, Rasulpur, Naurangabad and Kishanpur

were included within the city. Consequently, the total area of the city became on

official records as 40.43 sq. km. in 1991 (Table 4.6). An overall increase in area

during 1951-91was 149 per cent, and for decadal (1981-91) the increase was 17.35

per cent. Out of the total area under urban land use, during 1991 (was 4039.8 ha.), out

of that 2112.5 ha. (52.29 per cent) formed part of built-up lands, whereas 1927.3

hectares (47.71 per cent) were undeveloped land.

Table 4.6 Urban Land Use Distribution in Aligarh City (1991)

Land Use Category Area

(in hectares)

Percent Share

Residential lands 1030.1 48.76

Commercial 50.9 2.42

Industrial 68.6 3.25

Administration and offices 81.3 3.84

Public utility 148.7 7.03

Transportation 496.5 23.51

Parks and open spaces 43.9 2.07

Water bodies/wetlands 183.5 8.69

Reclamation land 9.0 0.43

150

Total 2112.5 100.00

Developed built up land 2112.5 52.29

Undeveloped land 1927.3 47.71

Grand Total 4039.8 100.00

Source: Master Plan 1991, Aligarh Development Authority (ADA)

Table 4.7 Urban Land Use Distribution in Aligarh City (2001)

Land Use Category Area

(in hectares)

Percent Share

Present built-up area

(High density residential)

1142.32 25.50

New residential land

(low density residential)

1340.61 29.90

Commercial 63.93 1.40

Industrial 323.44 7.20

Administration and

offices

158.81 3.50

Community services

(Including university)

626.98 14.00

Transportation

(Railway and roadway)

548.45 12.30

Park and open spaces 71.20 1.50

Water bodies/wetlands 152.85 3.40

Others 53.86 1.30

Total 4482.45 100.00

Source: Master Plan 2001-21, Aligarh Development Authority (ADA)

151

Table 4.8 Urban Land Use Distribution in Aligarh City (2021 Extrapolations)

Land Use Category Area

(in hectares)

Percent

share

High density residential area

(current built-up area)

1138.32 -

Medium density residential

area

1908.08 -

Low density residential area 3081.74 -

Total residential area 6128.03 53.42

Commercial 158.92 2.26

Industrial 1077.70 9.41

Administration and offices 343.24 3.00

Community services

(including university)

942.95 8.20

Transportation

(Railway and roadway)

1083.66 9.45

Park and open spaces 1109.37 9.67

Water bodies/wetlands 152.85 1.33

Others 373.76 3.26

Total 11370.48 100.00

Source: Master Plan 2001-21, Aligarh Development Authority (ADA)

During 2001, Aligarh Development Authority (ADA) has recorded total urban

area of Aligarh city as 4482.45 ha. (44.86 sq.km.), out of which high density

residential/built-up area covered 1142.32 ha. (Table 4.7). Another category with the

name ‘low density residential area’ was added to the land use which occupied an area

of 1340.61 ha. This low density area comprising newly built-up area, is a continuation

after the old high density built-up area of the city. In view of increasing population

beyond the built-up area, and economic growth of the city, ADA has extrapolated the

land use of built-up area for 2021. The extrapolated area is estimated to be 11,370 ha.

152

(113.79 sq.km.) by 2021, showing a growth of 100.61 per cent (Table 4.8) that would

be managed by the ADA. In this way all the categories of land use would gain land

area accordingly by comprising the area from the fringe. Hence, the land use area

under ADA would become double from the area that existed in 2001. Thus, Aligarh

Urban Agglomeration will chop-out a large amount of rural agricultural area

approximately equal to that of the present built-up area.

d) Economic Growth of Aligarh City

Surging growth of urban Aligarh act as a powerful magnet for economic

opportunities and has a potential to unlock the multiplication of economic activities in

the city. In Aligarh, the progress in manufacturing and service activities, ranging from

agriculture to construction and hospitality to communication, provide a good platform

for producers and consumers. The Table 4.9 shows sector wise growth in Gross

District Domestic Product (GDDP) and Net District Domestic Product (NDDP) of

Aligarh, and clearly indicated that, there is advancement in all economic sectors in the

city.

Table shows the total GDDP and NDDP of Aligarh during 2000-01which

accounted for Rs. 4,13,527 and 3,56,318 lakhs, respectively, which increased to Rs.

6,70,269 and 5,78,339 lakhs during 2005-06, respectively. However, the total Gross

Domestic Product (GDP) was increased from Rs. 3,81,290 lakhs to 5,87,271 lakhs

and Rs. 3,27,709 lakhs to 5,20,436 lakhs, during the same financial years.

Consequently, the per capita income increased from Rs. 13,067 to 17,704 (2000-01)

and Rs. 11,068 to 15,689 (2005-06). The presented data in the table clearly reveals

that an increasing trend of economic growth of Aligarh city and can follow the

existing pattern in future.

153

Table 4.9 Sectorwise Growth in Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) and

Net District Domestic Product (NDDP) of Aligarh (2000-01 and 2005-06)

(At Current Prices, in Lakh Rupees)

Manufacturing /Service

Sector

2000-2001 2005-2006

GDDP NDDP GDDP NDDP

Agriculture 1,32,870 1,23,179 1,88,605 1,77,345

Forestry and logging 4,167 4,033 7,516 7,264

Fishing and aquaculture 28 25 51 46

Mining and quarrying 1,341 1,072 2,266 1,824

Manufacturing MFG. 37,606 28,610 82,998 61,755

Registered MFG. 12,218 7,900 38,692 26,158

Un Registered MFG. 25,389 20,710 44,306 35,596

Electricity, gas and water 21,691 5,849 7,916 3,592

Construction 21,713 21,107 40,009 38,807

Trade, hotels and restaurants 49,062 47,331 77,489 74,349

Railways 3,500 2,460 6,036 428

Transportation by other means 14,867 12,886 25,044 21,816

Storage 343 262 989 583

Communication 343 3254 10751 8312

Banking and insurance 9,773 9,646 15,297 15,083

Real estate and legal 28,165 22,108 45,984 36,051

Public administration 19,105 16,395 27,479 23,830

Other services 31,346 29,491 48,841 45,500

Total 4,13,527 3,56,318 6,70,269 5,78,339

Total GDP 3,81,290 3,27,709 5,87271 5,20,436

Total district population 29,60,800 29,60,800 33,17,300 33,17,300

Per capita income (in Rs.) 13,067 11,068 17,704 15,689

Source: State Planning Institute, Economics and Statistics Division,

Government of Uttar Pradesh.

154

Table 4.10 Statement of the Municipal Receipts and Expenditures

Aligarh City (1971-2001)

STATEMENTS OF MUNICIPAL FINANCE

(Amount in hundreds of Rupees)

Receipt/Expenditure 1971 1981 1991 2001

Receipt through taxes etc. 31,351 74,887 1,59,933 1,84,000

Revenue through municipal properties 3,147 17,822 91,022 2,21,000

Government grant 11,888 22,593 1,21,074 19,71,000

Loan 200 469 1,56,365 -

Advance 676 45 - -

Other sources 1,638 3,518 - -

Total Receipt 48,900 1,19,334 5,28,394 23,76,000

General administration 4,975 12,355 34,282 7,01,000

Public safety 2,280 7,117 23,755 1,18,000

Public health & conveniences 18,908 63,682 2,32,636 8,14,000

Public work 10,017 - 87,117 1,59,000

Public institutions 9,795 23,782 - -

Others 4,065 - 2,92,563 10,000

Total expenditure 50,040 1,06,936 6,70,353 18,02,000

Source: Aligarh District Census Handbook: Village and Town Directory,

1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001.

155

Aligarh Municipal Board has always suffered from shortage of funds needed

for developmental purposes. The insufficient budget for civic utilities and social

amenities has always been a major problem during last few decades. As the 2001

budget came with an enhanced financial statement which is the result of rapid urban

growth in Aligarh city. The Table 4.10 is reporting the situation of municipal

statements of 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001which is indicating an increasing trend of

expenditures and revenue receipts belonging to different heads of municipal activities.

The total income generated by the Municipal Board during 1971 was Rs. 4.89 million

which rose to Rs. 237.6 million in 2001 showing a handsome increase of 48 times.

These include receipts from taxes, revenue from properties, government grants, loans,

advances etc. Similarly, the expenditure on facilities in the city rendered by the

Municipal Board was also increased from Rs. 5.0 million in 1971 to Rs. 180.2 million

in 2001 (Table 4.10). Most of the municipal budget is assigned to spend over general

administration, public health and conveniences while the expenditures on public

safety, public works, public institutions and others are on the second preference.

However, the allocation of more funds for urban sanitation and drinking water are

needed for the rapidly growing city. Various organizations through the World Bank

and United Nations, and other agencies are working in various towns or cities of India

in rendering the services of urban sanitation, health and education. Aligarh is also one

of such cities to be benefited but the needs of the continuously growing city are much

greater than the supply.

156

B. URBAN ENCROACHMENT IN THE FRINGE OF ALIGARH CITY:

PROCESS AND PARAMETRES

Urban encroachment on rural lands in Aligarh can be gauged by considering

the urban expansion or urbanization process of the city. After independence, the

development of the city took place between the Ramghat and Delhi roads, and

between the Ramghat and G.T. roads. Presently there are two axes of the city from

where due to expansion urban encroachment on rural lands is clearly visible. Urban

encroachment has triggered along the Agra, Mathura and Khair roads. The main

causes of expansion are the development of industries and settlements.

a) Process of Urban Encroachment

Aligarh lies in proximity of National Capital Region of Delhi, which is an

advantage for Aligarh. So there is a good deal of urban expansion towards Delhi

along the national highway (Grand Trunk Road- NH-91). Besides this, there is a

more convenient rail service between Aligarh and Delhi, which provides a high

degree of interaction and commutation. The population of Aligarh has become highly

adaptive in nature; therefore, there is a high growth of the city in peripheral areas by

way of encroachment on rural lands (Figs. 4.9 and 4.10).

During the decades of 1970s and 1980s, Aligarh city got more importance

with the installation of Narora Atomic Power Station on the bank of Ganga River,

Radio Transmission Center, Television Relay Center and Harduaganj Thermal Power

Station. Later on there has been a long chain of public establishments such as the

warehouses of Food Corporation of India, head- quarters of Provincial Armed

Constabulary (PAC), Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force

(RAF headquarters), Qasimpur Project Colony, Police Colony, Dhanipur Agricultural

Market, Sarsaul Fruits and Vegetable Market etc. All these projects and

establishments have been constructed on taken vast and productive agricultural lands

157

on the outskirts of Aligarh city. However, many hectares of land in fringe areas are

laying wastelands and not fit for cultivation are waiting for development.

Fig. 4.9 Imagery Showing Sprawl of Aligarh City Outside the Municipal Limit

along Anupshahar Road.

Urban encroachment as a continuous process has resulted in a complete

transformation of productive agricultural lands into urban use. During the decades of

1990s and 2000s, another phase of development started when number of

establishments (both public and private) mushroom the fringe areas of the city. Many

offices, buildings and residential colonies were constructed during these decennial

periods. Some of them are Vikas Bhavan Block Development Office, Sports Club

and Stadium, a number of schools, colleges, hospitals and nursing homes,

warehouses, cold storages, industrial units, residential colonies, market centres etc.

158

Fig. 4.10 Map Showing Urban Encroachment on Agricultural Lands in the

Urban Fringe of Aligarh City.

159

b) Parametres of Urban Encroachment

1. Spatial structure and character: city morphology

2. Rural- urban migration

3. Development of Residential Houses

4. Increase in transportation facilities

5. Industrial establishments

6. Commercial and market development

7. Government offices

8. Community services:

(i) Educational

(ii) Health and sanitation

(iii) Other services

1. Spatial Structure and Character of Aligarh City: Urban Morphology

Urban morphology is the study of form of settlements and the process of their

formation and transformation. The study seeks to understand the spatial structure and

character of city by examining the patterns of its component parts and the process of

its development. This can involve the analysis of physical structures at different

scales as well as patterns of movement, land use, ownership or control and

occupation. Analysis of physical form focuses on the pattern of streets and buildings.

Analysis of specific settlements is usually undertaken using cartographic technique

and the process of development is deduced from comparison of historic maps. Special

attention is given to understanding how the physical form of a city changes over time

and to how different cities compared with each other. Another significant aspect of

this subfield deals with the socio-economic and physical layout of the city and,

conversely, how physical form produces or reproduces various social economic

forms.

160

The essence of idea of morphology is seen in the writings of a great poet and

philosopher Goethe (1790); such term was first used in biosciences. It is being

recently used in urban geography, architecture and other related fields. In American

geography, urban morphology as a particular field of study owes its origin

from Lewis Mumford, James Vance and Sam Bass Warner. Name of Peter Hall of

UK is also acquires an importance and stands as a central figure. Urban morphology

is also considered to be the study of urban tissue, or fabric, as a means of discerning

the underlying structure of the built landscape. This approach challenges the common

perception of unplanned environments as chaotic or vaguely organic through

understanding the structures and processes embedded in urbanization.

Urban morphology deals the human settlements as generally unconscious

products that emerge over long periods, through the accrual of successive generations

of building activity. This leaves traces that serve to structure subsequent building

activity and provide opportunities and constraints for city-building processes, such as

land subdivision, infrastructure development, or building construction. Articulating

and analyzing the logic of these traces is the central question of urban morphology.

When we consider presentation model of urban morphology or shape

(pattern), it is important to identify and compare the shape of the settlements.

Burgess’ Concentric Zone Model is the most applicable model in the study of

morphology of a city. Burgess (1925) suggested that, towns grow outward from the

centre in a concentric pattern. This means that buildings become more closer to the

edge of a city. It is possible that five rings may develop with the decrease in intensity

of land use:

Central Business District (CBD): Most accessible to the largest number of

people - contains services such as shops, offices, banks, etc. multi-storey

buildings as land is very expensive (build upwards to save cost)

161

‘Twilight Zone’: It comprises two sections, wholesale light manufacturing

(transitional) and low class residential (old inner city areas) which include old

terraced buildings, no gardens, , dirty slum areas, Grid iron street pattern, high

rise blocks built after slums were pulled down, attract social crimes, and old

industries found here.

Council Estates: Semi-detached houses with gardens in large estates. Less

expensive private estates also seen here.

Commuter Zone: High class residential areas. Private, top quality houses.

Detached and semi-detached houses built on cheap land. People can live here

and prepared to pay to get work.

Countryside Areas (suburb / exurbs): Countryside surroundings the urban

area contains villages / hamlets in which town / city workers live.

The morphology of Aligarh city may be described as it is a configuration of

concentric zones, layered one after the another (Fig. 4.11). Internal structure of

Aligarh city is most important factor responsible for urban growth. The growth

pattern of Aligarh and its resultant morphological components present diverse urban

features, as described by Burgess in his model of concentric zones.

There are twelve entry routes (9 roads and 3 rail routes) in the city, converging

with the old innermost ring road, around the central zone of the city. Resultantly the

entire expansion of city is seen between these routes and sprawling has taken place as

far as along them. Morphology of Aligarh city is mainly responsible for setting a

typical pattern of urban growth leading to urban encroachments towards rural areas in

all directions.

162

Fig. 4.11 Map Showing Morphological Growth Rings into Five Zones and

Suburban Development Towards Harduaganj along Ramghat Road.

Morphologically, the city of Aligarh can be divided into five successive zones

including a fringe zone having indefinite limit, which present a concentric pattern of

urban growth. The first or innermost zone comprises the old part of the city (i.e.

Upper Fort, Jaiganj and Mahavirganj). This zone, historically and texturally,

represents the core or center of the city. The second zone describes the medieval

period which consists of the area down and around the Upper Fort. In this zone, there

lies five entry gates in all directions of old city, their names still exist with the name

163

of localities, for example, Aligarh Gate (east), Delhi Gate (north), Turkman Gate

(west), Sasni/Agra Gate (south) and Madar Gate (southeast). The third zone

emerged in early 19th century during the British period when Civil Lines area

developed with the construction many government buildings and offices. The Aligarh

Muslim University campus also lies in this zone. The fourth zone, shows a later

development in areas lying along the old municipal boundary of the city. In this zone

many localities developed with swallowing villages near the university campus like,

Dodhpur, Begpur, Doharra, Bhamola, Jamalpur, Kishanpur, Islamabad etc. The fifth

zone or the fringe zone is the area beyond the municipal limit which is not well

demarcated but look like clusters or suburbs of human concentration all around the

city, and along the roads and railway lines. This zone is the most flexible and

continuously encroaching towards the rural areas.

2. Rural-Urban Migration

Human migration has traditionally been regarded as a means to narrow the

inter-regional economic differences, particularly in the levels of unemployment, but

in advanced economies of the world, where the market orientation of services and

manufacturing industries play a dominant locational consideration, it may actually

accentuate these differences, owing largely to the interdependence between supply of

and demand for labour (Jones, 1970). In this regard, migration would be a significant

parameter of urbanization and off-course of the urban encroachment in the urban

realms of developing economies of the world.

Historically and functionally, Aligarh has remained an attracting center for the

people living in surrounding areas and even for far off places. Main causes (pull

factors) which have shown rapid increase in rate of migration of population in the city

are; development of industries, education facilities, markets, health and infrastructure.

Since, Aligarh city is well connected with surrounding villages; there is a great deal

of in-migration of rural people. Most of the in-migrant rural population concentrates

164

mainly in the fringe areas, and mainly work in industrial units. Consequently, the city

has expanded in an unparallel pace.

Lock industry in Aligarh is mainly a small-scale industry, in which manual

labour and handworkers are predominantly engaged. It employs about 70 – 80

thousand workers and earn a huge amount foreign exchange (Singh, 1987). The socio-

economic causes of migration in Aligarh are concerned with the employment,

business, market, service, marriage, education, family etc.

Another pull factor is the attraction created by the educational function of the

city. The presence of Aligarh Muslim University, and opening of a new Mangalayatan

University, study centres of five other universities, a number of reputed convent

schools, and engineering, management and medical institutes etc., have made the city

as an ‘educational hub’. Therefore, increase in urban population is obvious, and

clearly responsible for encroachment of city land towards rural areas. Therefore,

economic interdependencies of town and surrounding rural areas are the main factors

for mass rural-urban migration in Aligarh City.

The Tables 4.11 and 4.12 shows the percentage distribution of in-migrants as

per the 1991 and 2001 Census amongst the total migrants in the state and district.

There are two types of in-migrants in the district, in-migration by place of birth (in

which a person is enumerated during the census at a place other than the place of

birth) and in-migration by place of last residence (a person is enumerated during the

census at other than his place of last residence). The comparison between both types

of migrations, during the decennial period of 1991 and 2001 Census, the number of

in-migrants increased from 314,155 to 341,677 persons, presenting a growth of 8 per

cent.

165

Table 4.11 Percentage Distribution of In-Migrants in Aligarh (1991)

Spatial Origin of

In-Migrants

Persons

by Place of Birth

Persons by Place of

Last Residence with

Duration of Residence

0-9 years

Number Per cent

to total

Number Per cent

to total

From other districts 288,238 91.80 87,538 89.20

From other States / UT's 23,604 7.50 10,280 10.50

From other Countries 2,313 0.70 300 0.30

Total In-Migrants 314,155 100.00 98,118 100.00

Source: District Census Handbook, Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh, Census of India 1991.

Table 4.12 Percentage Distribution of In-Migrants in Aligarh (2001)

Place of Origin of

In-Migrants

Persons

by Place of Birth

Persons by Place of

Last Residence with

Duration of Residence

0-9 years

Number Per cent

to total

Number Per cent

to total

From other districts 313,536 91.80 83,893 88.20

From other States / UT's 27,022 7.90 11,052 11.60

From other Countries 1,119 0.30 233 0.20

Total In-Migrants 341,677 100.00 95,178 100.00

Source: District Census Handbook, Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh, Census of India 2001.

Data reveals that among the total migrants the proportion of in-migrants in

Aligarh (from other districts of state) was 91.8 per cent each in 1991and 2001 census.

The proportion of in-migrants from other states was 7.5 per cent and 7.9 per cent

respectively, while the level of in-migration from other districts was 0.7 per cent in

166

1991 and 0.3 per cent in 2001. In respect of in-migrants by place of last residence, it

is evident that in-migrants from other districts of the state amongst total migrants,

constituted 89.2 per cent in 1991, while it was recorded 88.2 per cent in 2001 at state

level. The percentage of in-migrants from other states worked out to be 10.5 in 1991

and 11.6 per cent in 2001, while the movement of population from other districts to

Aligarh was 0.3 per cent in 1991 and 0.2 per cent in 2001 (Table 4.11 and 4.12).

3. Development of Residential Houses

Urban encroachment can also be examined with reference to the growth of

housing units in the city and on its periphery. In urban fringes of Aligarh, residential

establishments were primarily developed in small pockets which appeared in the form

of unplanned colonies, apartments, condominiums and government/project colonies.

Later on they followed a linear pattern, in areas along the transport routes and formed

a part of contiguous area of the city. As shown in the Table 4.13, the total number of

census houses in Aligarh district were 6,48,943 (including all housing categories

identified by the Census 2001) out of which, 6,19,842 houses were occupied and

29,101 vacant. Among occupied houses, 71.8 percent belonged to rural and 28.2 per

cent to urban category (Table 4.14). However, a total number of houses in Aligarh

city were 86,475 (Table 4.15), and average number of persons per occupied

residential house as 7.0.

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Table 4.13 Number of Census Houses by Uses in Aligarh District (2001)

Housing Category Number of Houses (2001)

Residences 4,21,262

Residence cum-other use 45,195

Shops and offices 39,532

Schools, Colleges etc. 2,636

Places of worship 5,215

Factory, work-shop, work-shed

etc.

4,231

Hospital, Dispensary etc. 1,469

Hotels, Lodge, Guest house etc. 730

Other non- residential use 99,572

Number of occupied houses 6,19,842

Number of vacant census houses 29,101

Total number of census houses 6,48,943

Source: Uttar Pradesh Statistical Abstract, 2010

Table 4.14 Number of Residential Houses and Persons Per House in

Aligarh District (2001)

Statement (Census 2001) Number

Rural 3,02,494 (71.8 per cent)

Urban 1,18,768 (28.2 per cent)

Total Residences 4,21,262 (100 per cent)

Number of families occupying 4,65,488

Persons per occupied

Residence

7.0

Source: Uttar Pradesh Statistical Abstract, 2010

168

Fig. 4.12 Imagery Showing a Newly Emerging Residential Township (Ozone

City) in the Urban Fringe Area of Aligarh City.

Table 4.15 Growth of Housing in Aligarh City (1971-2001)

Census

Year

Number of

Houses

Number of

Families

Occupying

Persons per

Occupied

Residence

Decennial/

Previous

Increase

Decennial

Growth

(in per cent)

1971 32,787 - - - -

1981 46,390 51,766 6.2 13,603 41.4

1991 54,113 69,797 6.9 7,723 16.6

1994 66,008 - - 11,895 22.0

2001 86,475 1,02,004 7.0 32,362 59.8

Source: District Census Handbook, Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh, Census of India 2001and

Master Plan Report 2001-21, A.D.A.

169

Total number houses in Aligarh city, as given in Table 4.15, increased from

32,787 (in 1971) to 86,475 (in 2001) showing an increase of 163.7 per cent growth

and an increase of 53688 houses absolute number. The decennial growth rates during

1981 and 1991 were 41.4 per cent and 16.6 per cent, respectively. The decadal period

of 1991 to 2001 has recorded highest growth rate in development of residential

houses, i.e. 59.8 per cent with an addition of 32,362 houses in the city. Evidently,

there is a continuous growth of houses, which is mainly confined to peripheral areas

of the city, or to the wards located in the fringe areas. This phenomenon is

continuous as the population grows with time and very rightly responsible for

encroachment on agricultural lands beyond the municipal limits of the city.

Table 4.16 Civic and Other Amenities in Aligarh City (1971-2001)

STATEMENTS OF CIVIC AND OTHER AMENITIES

Type of Amenity 1971 1981 1991 2001

Length of roads (in km) 330 518.88 584.1 640.49

System of sewerage and

drainage

Pit tanks &

open surface

Sewer & open

surface drains

Sewer & open

surface drains

Sewer & open

surface drains

Number of water borne latrines 440 - - 2400

Number of service latrines 35000 180 17 -

Method of disposal Hand cart/

Head load

Wheel type

barrows

Septic tanks Septic tanks

Protected water supply

and capacity (in lakh litres)

Tube well &

Over head

tank (19)

Tube well &

Over head

tank (110)

Tube well &

Over head

tank (145)

Tube well &

Over head

tank (154)

Fire fighting service Yes Yes Yes Yes

Electrification (number of connections)

Domestic 12100 23136 21191 61979

Industrial 2970 4300 1555 2575

Commercial 1015 2119 7656 16353

Street light points 4398 6658 7040 9512

others - 1 - 56

Source: Aligarh District Census Handbook: Village and Town Directory 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001.

170

4. Increase in Transport Facilities

Growth in transportation and communication facilities in Aligarh city

has provided convenient base for the movement of people. This has also increased the

connectivity between urban and rural areas. Transport facility has given an impetus to

industrial development in Aligarh because it helps in movement of raw material and

finished products. During 2001, the total road length in Aligarh district was 2451.56

km and per sq.km. is 0.67 km. On the other hand, the length of roads in the Municipal

Corporation of Aligarh was 640.49 km, while the length of road per sq.km is 15.84

km (Table 4.17).

Table 4.17 Road Transportation at Glance in Aligarh (2001)

ALIGARH ROAD TRANPORTATION AT A GLANCE

Total road length in the district 2451.56

Road length per sq.km. 0.67 km

Road length per lakh population 81.91 km

Number of villages linked with road 1109

Percentage of village linked with roads 93.98 %

Road length in Aligarh (MC) 640.49 km

Road length per sq.km (MC) 15.84 km

Road length per lakh population (MC) 95.73 km

Source: District Economics and Statistical Office

171

Fig. 4.13 Map Showing Different Roads and Railway Routes in Aligarh City.

172

Table 4.18 shows significant growth of roads during the last three years of

2008-2010. There is a continuous increase in the length of roads in Aligarh i.e. from

2940 km during 2007-08 to 3138 km in 2009-10, showing a growth of 6.3 per cent.

However, in 2001 the total road length was only 2451.5 km, and the growth in last

decade from 2001 to 2010 was 21.89 per cent.

Table 4.18 Length of Metalled Roads in Aligarh District 2007-2010

Name of Authority Road Length (in km.)

2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

National highways 92 92 92

State highways 102 102 102

District roads 96 96 96

Rural roads 2061 2162 2206

Municipal/Panchayat roads 496 506 549

Other departmental roads 93 93 93

Total 2940 3051 3138

Source: District Economics and Statistical Office, Public Works

Department and Block Development Office, Aligarh.

Services rendered by the bus transportation in Aligarh provide a very good

connectivity with the surrounding areas and with the city centre. The most important

means of road transportation is the services of State Road Transport Corporation,

which provides buses from four terminals (Table 4.19) at two stations in the city

namely, Gandhi Park and Masudabad Bus Stations. The Gandhi Park station is the

old one which provides transport facilities to Agra, Mathura and Kanpur routes,

whereas the Masudabad station is a new station which provides bus services to the

173

National Capital Region of Delhi and other parts of the state. Both these stations

provide services with the plying of more than 300 buses and cater the services to

more than 15,000 passengers each day. Besides these, there are nine other bus stations

in non-public sector rendering services to different towns and villages of Aligarh

district. These bus stations are located on different directions of the city and provide

services to more than 10,000 passengers daily through 289 buses. All these bus

stations facilitate the movement of people not only from rural to urban and urban to

rural areas, but also from urban to urban and rural to rural areas (Fig. 4.14).

Source: Based on National Informatics Centre Maps

Fig. 4.14 Map Showing Dilation of Bus Service from Aligarh City.

174

Table 4.19 Facility of Bus Transportation and Passengers in Aligarh (2009-10)

Name of Bus Station Number of

Buses

Number of

Terminals

Number of

Passenger

(per day average)

Gandhi Park State Roadways 218 2 >9000

Masudabad State Roadways 88 2 >4500

Atrauli Bus Stand 48 2 >3000

Khair Bus Stand 45 2 1800

Anoopshahar Bus Stand 42 1 1680

Jalali-Charra Bus Stand 35 2 1400

Amroli-Baroli-Pahasu Stand 33 3 1320

Gonda Bus Stand 24 1 960

Sambhal Bus Stand 22 1 880

Gangiri Bus Stand 20 1 800

Kasimpur Bus Stand 20 1 800

Total 595 18 26,140

Source: Based on the information from Road Transportation Officer (RTO),

Master Plan Report 2001-21 and Officials at respective bus terminals.

As Aligarh lies in the route of Kolkata- Delhi rail line, there is good

connectivity with Delhi and other parts of North India, and eastern states of the

country. A branch line towards Bareilly also provides connectivity in the north-

eastern districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh (Fig. 4.15). Both of these routes provide

transport facility in the rural realm of the district of Aligarh connecting many towns

and villages. About 64 express, 15 passengers and a number of goods trains pass

through Aligarh Junction railway station, daily.

175

Source: Based on National Informatics Centre Maps

Fig. 4.15 Map Showing Railway Facility Buffer Zone at 10 km in Aligarh

Another means of road transport in the surrounding area of the Aligarh is the

movement through private minibuses, auto-rickshaw, tempos, goods carriers, animal

drawn carriages etc. All these modes of transport provide facilities to a mass populace

from rural area and fringe area comprising, commuters, labourers, students etc, whose

actual number is unaccountable.

176

5. Industrial Establishments

Industrial development along the highways has also acquired agricultural lands

on a very large scale. Aligarh city mainly flourished due to the industrial development

since 20th century. During post-independence period, 1971-81 decade has witnessed

an increase of 8.2 per cent of area of the city because enormous agricultural lands

utilized for industrial purposes. During this decade a large number of industries

appeared on industrial scene in the city. Most of these industries were established on

the outskirts of city mainly along the G.T. Road (Delhi and Kanpur), Agra Road,

Ramghat Road, Anupshahar Road etc.

Table 4.20 Growth of Industries in Aligarh City (1971-2001)

Year

SMALL SCALE

INDUSTRY

LARGE SCALE

INDUSTRY

Total

Industries

Decennial

Growth

(per cent) Number

of Units

Number

of

Workers

Number

of Units

Number

of

Workers

1971 95 585 9 956 104 -

1981 439 2,851 11 2,165 450 332.69

1991 3,316 9,641 13 3,985 3329 639.78

2001 5,650 34,132 14 5,165 5664 70.14

Source: Industrial Directory, DIC, Aligarh, 2001

During 1971, there were 95 small scale industries and 9 large scales, which

increased to 439 and 11 in 1981, respectively, showing a growth of 332.69 per cent

(Table 4.20). There is continuity in the growth of industries in each decadal period.

The period of 1981-91 shows a very high growth of 639.78 per cent in which a total

number of industries increased from 450 (1981) to 3329 (in 1991). During the decadal

period of 1991-2001, the number industrial units in Aligarh though increased, but

with a slow growth of 70.14 per cent, as compare to the previous decade of 1981-91.

177

Similarly, the number of workers engaged in industrial units increased from 1541 (in

1971) to 39,297 (2001).

Table 4.21 Development of Industrial Units in Aligarh City

(Units registered under Factory Act 1948)

Industrial Units 2000-01 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Number of

Registered units

198 216 232 242

Number of

Running Units

132 124 117 107

Number of

workers engaged

10,840 10,019 9,666 9,402

Production Value

(in Lakh Rupees)

97.68 108.89 141.99 178.44

Source: (a) Economics and Statistics Department, Aligarh.

(b) Office of the Manger, District Industries Centre, Aligarh.

During the last decade (2001-10) until to 2007-08, there were total 242 factory

units registered under Factory Act 1948 (Table 4.21). The data clearly shows that, out

of total registered units, 107 were in running state, engaging 9402 workers and

provided a profit of Rs. 178.44 lakh. Table also reveals that, there is a positive trend

of increase in number of registered units i.e. 198, 216, 232 and 242 during 2000-01,

2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08, respectively. There is also a continuous decline in

number of running units i.e. 132, 124, 117 and 107 in respective years, and a decline

in number of workers engaged i.e. 10,840, 10019, 9666 and 9402, in the respective

years. This phenomenon has been due to the Global Economic Recession. However,

the production value shows an increasing trend i.e. from Rs. 97.68 lakh (2000-01) to

Rs. 178.44 lakh (2007-08).

178

Table 4.22 Industrial Estates in Aligarh and their Area Occupied

Name of industrial estate Road/Highway Area

(in ha.)

Type of land

ITI Industrial Estate, Exhibition Road 44 Non-Agricultural

Talanagari Industrial Estate

Phase-I

Ramghat Road 167 Agricultural

Talanagari Industrial Estate

Phase-II

Ramghat Road 143 Agricultural

CDF Industrial Complex Anupshahar

Road

56 Agricultural

New Aligarh Industrial

Complex (recently

proposed)

Khair-Tappal

Road

- Agricultural

Source: Office of the Manager, District Industries Centre, Aligarh.

Fig. 4.16 Imagery Showing Talanagri Industrial Estate and Harduaganj Town

in the Outskirts of Aligarh City along Ramghat Road.

179

During last three decades (1971-81, 1981-91 and 1991-01) a number of

medium and large industries were established in the urban fringe of Aligarh city,

acquired a substantial acreage of productive agricultural land. Majority of industries

in Aligarh are classified as; agro and food processing, locks and hardware industry,

and other household industry. Some of these industries are Satha Sugar Mill which

has utilized 50 ha. of agricultural land, Glaxo Milk Laboratories now known as Heinz

India Limited which has utilized 40 ha. of land, a High Frequency Radio Station

which utilized 60 ha. of cultivable land, the Harduaganj Thermal Power Station at

Kasimpur which utilized 65 ha. of cultivable land and there are many more examples.

The other large industries are Aligarh Roller-Flour Mills, Alka Plastics, Al-

Hamd Agro and Food, Hind Agro, Allen and Alvan, Allana Frozen Foods, Rama

Agro, Prashant Enterprises, Hicks Thermometers, Link Locks, Zeb Securities, RCS

Flour Mills, Mascuts Ltd. Darshan Oil Mills, Double Hiran Oils and Vanspati and

many more. During 1991, 323.44 ha. of land covered by the industries which rose to

612.61 ha. until to 2001. The Master Plan of 2001-21 has proposed another 1077.70

ha. land for sequential industrial development in Aligarh to accommodate the growing

industrial base.

The Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Corporation (UPSIDC) have established

four Industrial Estates around Aligarh (Table 4.22) namely; ITI Industrial Estate

Exhibition road (44 ha.), Talanagari (Phase I & II) on Ramghat road (167 ha. and 143

ha.) and CDF Industrial Complex Anupshahr road (56 ha.). A new Industrial Estate

on Khair-Tappal road in the western fringe of the city has been proposed recently in

order to develop a consolidated cluster. This new complex is proposed to facilitate

from the Yamuna Expressway passing through western side of Aligarh district. The

setback created from these industrial complexes is that, they have been established or

proposed over productive agricultural areas of the fringe.

180

6. Market and Commercial Development

Historically, Aligarh has been important town for trade and commerce. Earlier

there was central business district, which lies in the inner most zone or core of the

city. Chief wholesale markets in the city are: Baraduari, Kanwariganj, Mahavirganj,

Gurmandi, Rafatganj, Shakurganj, Bansmandi, Jaiganj, Mamubhanja, Chapeti etc.

While, the main retail markets are Railway road, Sarai Hakim, Russelganj, Upper

Fort, Delhi Gate etc. As the process of urbanization took start during the post-

independence period, various other pockets of market were developed in the city such

as: Dodhpur, Shamshad Market, Amir Nisha, Centre Point, Marris Road, Sudamapuri,

Naurangabad, Raghuvirpuri etc. As a result the concept of central business district in

Aligarh got failed. Many new markets were developed in different localities for the

convenience of people near the fringe areas on Sasni Gate, Khair Road, Sarsol,

Dhanipur, Jamalpur, Ramghat Road, Kwarasi etc. Most markets in Aligarh are

dominated by many small shops, and these are crowded during the daytime because

of narrow roads.

With regard to growth of markets, there is an increasing trend in Aligarh city

and in the peripheral areas. During the three decades (1971-81, 1981-91 and 1991-

01), marketing centers in Aligarh shows a steady growth (Table 4.23). There were

only 10 market centers during 1971 in the city, whose number increased to 21 during

1981 showing 110 per cent growth. During the decadal years of 1991 and 2001, there

were 35 and 48 markets respectively in the city, showing an increase of 66.66 and

37.14 per cent, respectively. As the city expanded with a rapid pace, in the last decade

(2001-2011), the need for more marketing areas increased with the increase in

population, mainly in the fringe areas of the city. During 2006 there were 61 small

and big, and old and new marketing centres in the city (Table 4.24), which shows a

growth of 27.08 per cent (from 2001-06).

181

Table 4.23 Statement of Trade and Commercial Activities in Aligarh City

(1971- 2001)

STATEMENTS OF TRADE AND COMMERCE

Type of goods/service 1971 1981 1991 2001

Most important

Commodities

Imported

Copper, Zinc and

Machinery

Metals,

Medicines and

Cloth

Cloth, Food

grain and Metals

Iron, Brass and

Aluminum

Most important

Commodities

Exported

Locks, electric

goods &

geometrical

instruments

Locks, Hard

ware and Brass

Idols

Hard ware,

locks and brass

idols

Locks, Fitting

Material and

Brass ware

Most important

Commodities

Manufactured

Locks, Electric

goods &

Geometrical

instruments

Locks, Hard

ware and Brass

Idols

Hard ware,

locks and brass

idols

Locks, Fitting

Material and

Brass ware

Other Commodities

Manufactured/Export

Vegetable oils,

Brass ware,

Glass ware,

Handloom cloth,

Wheat flour,

Sugar, Mangoes,

Herbal

medicines,

Vegetables etc.

Handloom cloth,

Vegetable oils,

Pulses, Bricks,

Sugar, Perfumes,

Glass pearls,

Herbal

medicines etc.

Wheat flour,

handloom cloth,

sugar, bricks,

vegetable oil

etc.

Wheat flour,

Glass ware,

Sugar products,

Pulses, Frozen

meat, Plastic

goods, wooden

items, medicines,

Number of Banks 8 9 41 41

Agriculture Credit

Societies

2 - - 2

Non- Agriculture

Credit Societies

19 50 33 33

Source: Aligarh District Census Handbooks: Village and Town Directory,

1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001.

182

Table 4.24 Development of Marketing Centres in Aligarh City

(1971-2001 and 2006)

Year Total number of

marketing centres Percent growth

1971 10 -

1981 21 110.00

1991 35 66.67

2001 48 37.14

2006 61 27.08

Source: Deputy Regional Marketing Officer, Aligarh

Due to further expansion of the city during last two decades many new pockets

of market were developed along Ramghat Road (i.e. Atrauli Road) Road, G.T. Road

and Anoopshahar Road. Some of them consists big shopping centers associated with

apartment buildings. Jamalpur on Anoopshahar Road has now become the market

place for both urban and rural dwellers. There are in total eight agricultural markets in

Aligarh district, out of which, three are located on the periphery of the city. These

include Sarsol fruit market on Delhi side G.T. Road, Dhanipur Grain and Vegetable

Market on Kanpur side G.T. Road, and Harduaganj grain and vegetable market on

Ramghat Road. These markets are located in the fringe areas of the city. Besides,

there are 24 storage and warehouses with a capacity of 8054 metric tonnes (2008-09)

in Aligarh.

Currently, all the marketing and commercial activities are operating on 65.38

ha. of land. The Aligarh Master Plan of 2001-21 has proposed to arrange 258.92 ha.

of land for development of marketing and commercial centres, in order to facilitate

the growing population in fringe areas of the city. Out of the total proposed area for

market development, 202.8 ha. of land to be developed as the District Commercial

Centre and 56.64 ha. for the development of Wholesale Business Centre on the

outskirts of the city.

183

Moreover, in Aligarh, mall culture is gaining prominence; some malls are in

function presently like; Vishal Mega Mart, S K Mall, Great Shopping Mall,

Landmark Mall and Regency Mall. While, others are under construction in the fringe

areas of the city such as Great Value Mall, Oasis Mall, Ozone Mall, Big Bazar Mall

and one in the heart of the city i.e. the Sharda Mall. Most of these shopping malls

have been constructed on first class agricultural lands.

7. Government Offices

In Aligarh city, there are 13 offices of the central government employing 4,464

persons and 124 state government offices employing 13,797 persons (Table 4.25).

These offices are located on University Road, Tasveer Mahal, Court Road, Jail Road,

Marris Road, Janakpuri, Lal Diggi, Samad Road, Niranjanpuri, Ramghat Road,

Russelganj, Vishnupuri, G.T. Road, Bannadevi, Shamshad Market etc. Besides, there

are 106 offices which belong to semi-public sector and have 7,987 persons employed.

These include banks, insurance, corporation, panchayats etc.

Table 4.25 Number of Offices and Employees in Aligarh City (2001)

Sector Number of offices Number of employees

Central Government Offices 13 4,464

State Government Offices 124 13,797

Semi-public Offices 106 7,987

Total 243 26,248

Source: District Service Plan Office, Aligarh

On Ramghat road there are headquarters of Provincial Armed Constabulary

(PAC), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), and

Police Colony, Office of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Uttar Pradesh State

Industrial Corporation (UPSIDC), Aligarh Development Authority (ADA) and

184

Aligarh Commissioner. On the Anupshahar road large chunks of prime agricultural

land has also been acquired for the construction of buildings of New Police Lines,

New Central Prison and Riffle Shooting Range. In view of these establishments of the

government, the Master Plan 2001-21 has proposed to develop another 343.24 ha. of

land for future development.

8. Community Services

i) Educational

One of the marked developments of educational institutions in Aligarh is the

Aligarh Muslim University which occupies an area of about 580 ha. of land situated

in the Civil Lines area of Aligarh city. The other important educational institutions are

Dharam Samaj and Varshney Degree Colleges and a number of inter colleges, high

schools, primary schools etc. The literacy rate of Aligarh city is 63.92 per cent, and of

Aligarh district is 52.49 percent, during the year 2010. There is another university

newly opened up the Mangalayatan University, which has shortly gained popularity

as deemed university. Besides, there are total 48 degree colleges and 570 higher

secondary schools (Table 4.26), registered in the district. The number of primary and

upper primary schools is 3096 and 1050, respectively.

Table 4.26 Number of Registered Educational Institutes in Aligarh

Type of institution Total number

University 2

Degree Colleges 48

Higher Secondary Schools 570

Upper Primary Schools 1050

Primary Schools 3096

Source: Uttar Pradesh Statistical Abstract, 2010

185

A period of last ten years has been marked as the period of mass education and

the city remained on first choice of the students. As shown in Table 4.27, during 2006

there were a total of 501 registered institutions in Aligarh city. In 1971 there were

only 83 institutes rendering education which increased to 181 during 1981 with a

growth of 118.07 per cent. The 1991 Census accounted for that the number of

institutions increased to 277 with a registered growth of 53.01 per cent from the

previous census. The number of institutes increased to 451 during the Census 2001,

which shows a growth of 62.81 per cent. Table 4.27 clearly reveals that, educational

development in Aligarh city is related with the increase in population and urge of

surrounding as well as distant people to get educated.

Table 4.27 Increase in Educational Institutes in Aligarh City

Year Number of Institutes Decennial Increase

(in percent)

1971 83 -

1981 181 118.07

1991 277 53.01

2001 451 62.81

2006 501 11.08

Source: (a) Office of the Inspector of Schools, Aligarh.

(b) Aligarh District Statistical Diary 2011

Many schools and colleges have mushroomed on the outskirts of the city.

Some of reputed institutions are: Delhi Public School on Agra Road, Delhi Public

School Civil Lines, Al-Barkat Public School, Ayesha Tarin Model Public School,

Heritage International School, Wisdom Public School, St. Fidelis Public School, Iqra

Public School, Krishna International School, Neehar Meera National Public School,

Al-Barakat Institute of Management and Technology, Aligarh Unani and Ayurvedic

College, Ingraham Public School and Ingraham Institute of Science and Technology,

Shivdan Singh Institute of Management and Technology, Aligarh College of

186

Engineering and many more. Most of these institutions have been established purely

on good quality agricultural lands in the fringe areas.

Table 4.28 Development of Medical, Educational, Recreational and Cultural

Facilities in Aligarh City (1971-2001)

STATEMENTS OF COMMUNITY SERVICES

Type of facility 1971 1981 1991 2001

Medical facilities

Hospital 8 8 8 9

Dispensary 1 3 1 8

Family planning centre 3 4 5 7

Others 7 18 29 38

Total beds 712 2352 2042 3708

Education facilities

Arts, science & commerce college 3 3 3 3

Medical college 1 1 1 1

Engineering college 1 1 1 1

Polytechnique 1 2 2 2

Vocational training centre 1 2 15 15

Higher Sec./ Sec. schools 20 23 31 31

Junior secondary schools 7 8 15 15

Primary schools 102 142 210 304

Others 9 11 11 17

Recreation facilities

Stadium 0 2 2 2

Cinemas 5 13 11 11

Auditorium 0 3 3 3

Public library 1 3 3 4

Source: Aligarh District Census Handbook: Village and Town Directory,

1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001.

187

ii) Health and Sanitation Facilities

Presently in the built up area of Aligarh, there are separate hospitals for males

and females, as well as for tuberculosis patients. During 2010 (Table 4.29), there were

total 18 allopathic hospitals, 10 Community Health Centres and 38 Primary Health

Centres, with 3,259 beds and 1,111 staff members including doctors (99),

paramedical (166) and others (846). If we see the availability of Ayurvedic hospitals,

there were 25 hospitals having 135 beds and 24 doctors, during the same year. The

numbers of Homeopathic and Unani hospitals were 15 and 3, respectively. Medical

College of the University acts as an advanced health centre providing facilities, in

bulk, throughout the region.

Table 4.29 Number of Health Facilities in Aligarh (2010)

Type of health facility Number

Allopathic hospitals 18

Community health centres 10

Primary health centres 38

Number of beds 3,259

Staff (doctors, paramedical

and others)

1,111

(99+166+846)

Ayurvedic hospitals 25

Number of beds 135

Number of doctors 24

Homeopathic hospitals 15

Number of beds 0

Number of doctors 8

Unani hospitals 3

Number of beds 8

Number of doctors 2

Family welfare clinics /centres 351

Source: (a) Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Aligarh.

(b) Aligarh District Statistical Diary- 2010.

188

Table 4.30 Growth of Health Facilities in Aligarh City (1981-2001)

Health facility 1981 1991 2001 Per cent growth

1981-2001

Allopathic hospitals

(public and private) 4 9 15 275.0

Ayurvedic hospitals - 4 6 50.0

Homeopathic hospitals 1 1 1 0.0

Unani hospitals 1 1 2 100.0

Family welfare clinics

/centres 4 5 7 133.0

Source: (a) Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Aligarh.

(b) Aligarh District Census Handbook, 1981 and 1991.

Source: National Informatics Centre, Aligarh

Fig. 4.17 Map Showing Health Facilities Rendered in Aligarh District.

189

Table 4.30 reveals that, the number of allopathic hospitals increased from 4 to

15 (275 per cent growth), during the period between 1981 and 2001. These include

four government hospitals namely, Malkhan Singh, Mohan Lal, Gandhi Eye and Deen

Dayal hospitals, and private hospitals providing service at different places.

Ayurvedic and Unani hospitals show 50 and 100 per cent growth, respectively, during

the same period. However, in the same period, there was only one Homeopathic

hospital (named as Devatrya Homeopathic Hospital). According to the Master Plan

Report of 2001-21, it has been estimated that, if the growth of population and area of

Aligarh city remains steady, then by the year 2021 there will be a requirement of 81

health centres and 13 general hospitals.

iii) Other Services

Within the category of other services, in Aligarh city, there is one Fire

Extinguish Station, 8 police stations, 4 post and telegraph office, 30 sub-post offices,

4 telephone exchanges, one sports club (except of the university) and 10 cinema

houses. Public amenities and facilities are provided by the government or privately to

the people. Aligarh city is well served by basic amenities and facilities like education,

health markets, banks, transport and communication, recreation, parks etc. People do

not face any problem in getting drinking water and electric supplies within the city,

accept few cases. City buses, three wheelers, rickshaws, private and public buses, taxi

etc. A number of newspapers are published from Aligarh such as Amar-Ujala, Dainik

Jagaran, Hindustan, Qawmi Awaz, Rashtriya Sahara, etc. and, a number of magazines

and journals. There are also as many as internet centers and dish cable operating

agencies in the city. Bank services are available and insurance companies are working

well and are also of good standard. There are some cooking gas (LPG) agencies

working with the business name as: Indane, Bharat, and Hindustan Petroleum. One

gas bottling plant has also been established. There are also 11 parks and public

gardens in the city and a number of hotels, restaurant, banquet halls etc. Thus the

growth of public amenities is tremendous in all spheres.

190

C. LOSS AND ABANDONMENT OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN THE

URBAN FRINGE OF ALIGARH CITY

a) Conversion of Agricultural Lands

The surface of the earth has been altered considerably over the past 50 years

by humans especially through urbanization, deforestation, and agriculture. While

conversion of available lands to agriculture and rates of deforestation vary across the

world, the number of people residing in cities has been consistently increasing.

Urbanization has been increasing since World War II, and has shown no sign of

slowing and is likely to continue into the twenty-first century (Oguz, H., 2004). In

global scale, 2.5 billion people were living in urban areas in 1950, and now the United

Nations (2010) estimated that this number reached to 3.48 billion which is nearly 50

percent of the total world population, increasing with an annual growth rate of 1.9 per

cent. Out of this 35 percent populace is living in slums and 38 percent (United

Nations, 2005-07) is living in large urban agglomerations.

The Geographical extent of land in India is finite and its optimal utilization is

warranted. The total geographical area is 328.73 million ha. and 305.8 million ha. is

the reporting area for land utilization purpose. In the last forty years net area shown is

constant i.e. around 140 mha ± 2.0 mha. The net sown area, however, increased from

118.75 mha. (7.3 percent) in 1950-51 to 140.27 mha (46.3 per cent) in 1970-71. The

area under non-agricultural use also increased to 8.0 percent from 3.3 per cent and the

area under barren and uncultivated land has been decreased to 5.8 per cent from 13.4

per cent during 1950-51 to 2003-04, respectively. However, forest area has increased

to 22.8 per cent from 14.2 per cent during the same period.

The net irrigated area and gross irrigated areas were increased nearly by 2 and

3 folds, from 20.85 mha. to 55.10 mha. and 22.56 mha. to 76.82 mha., respectively in

the years from 1950-51 to 2003-04. Due to increase in irrigation, introduction of new

191

crops and early maturing varieties cropping intensity increased from 111 per cent in

1950-51 to 137 per cent at the moment. Consequently, gross cropped area also

increased from 131.89 per cent in 1950-51 to over 190 per cent at present.

A less common objection to those who fear irreparable damage to agricultural

productivity by urban sprawl seems urban encroachment as the problem of over

intensification and thus of surplus production, in reaction to higher land prices (Harris

and Hart, 1968).

The conversion of good quality agriculture to non-agriculture purpose has

been compensated by increasing cultivation in forest areas and other inhospitable

terrain which were unused till now. It is a fact that a large area under very poor

quality marginal land is being cultivated in large parts of central and north eastern

India. As a matter of fact, if the net sown area has not shown much decrease it is

possibly because of the marginal lands being brought under the plough. Due to both

population growth and urbanization, there will be growing demand for conversion of

agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. It is, therefore, important to develop a

long-term perspective plan on type of land to be allocated for

urbanization/industrialization in various regions. Besides, proper urban planning

would reduce the extent of conversion of prime agricultural lands to non–agricultural

uses.

Multifunctional agriculture is an ideal land use system which should be

targeted for increasing the agricultural production, for conservation of soils as well as

improving the productivity of water in a command area/watershed, the sustainable

management of renewable natural resources and the preservation of biodiversity

which can contribute to the socio-economic viability of many rural areas, or for

ensuring livelihood, generating employment and last but not the least for ensuring the

food security.

192

b) Areas of Loss and Abandonment of Agricultural Lands

Urban expansion in Aligarh is a major cause of permanent loss of agricultural

lands in the fringe areas of the city. The loss and abandonment of farm lands, which is

no new phenomenon, may be either active or passive. On the active side hundreds of

hectares which once used for farming have been lost when they were converted to

such other uses as housing developments, commercial and industrial establishments,

highways etc. on the negative side, in some areas former farmland has simply been

abandoned (without any use), individual farms are also abandoned permanently

without any farming practices. The families of such farm either migrated to another

rural area or they sold out their access lands and used to live there itself. The loss and

abandonment of farm lands must be examined in both relative and absolute terms.

The heaviest absolute losses of agricultural lands in Aligarh during last 30 years

(1971-2001) are seen concentrated into following 9 pockets.

Between Ramghat Road and Kanpur Road

Between Kanpur Road and Agra Road

Between Agra Road and Mathura Road

Between Mathura Road and Gonda Road

Between Gonda Road and Khair Road

Between Khair Road and Delhi Road

Between Delhi Road and Baroli Road

Between Baroli Road and Anupshahar Road

Between Anupshahar Road and Ramghat Road

193

Fig. 4.18 Map Showing Nine Impact Pockets of Urban Sprawl and

Encroachment of Rural Lands around Aligarh City.

194

Table 4.31 List of Unauthorized Residential Colonies Established Against

the ADA Plan of 2001 Land Use of Aligarh.

S. No. Name of Residential Colony Place Location Type of Land

(Based on 2001 Land use)

1. Panchnagari Agra-Mathra Road Sewage farm/park

and open spaces

2. Shri Dham Colony Agra Road Agricultural

3. Shri Vishnudham Agra Road Agricultural

4. Swarna Nagari Agra Road Agricultural

5. Prince Nagar Melrose Bypass Park and open spaces

6. Sant Nagar Melrose Bypass Central Activities

7. Khereshwar Dham Colony Khair Road Agricultural

8. Sudarshan Nagar Ramghat Road Industrial

9. Shankar Vihar Colony Ramghat Road Agricultural

10. Rec. No. 256/2, 257/2, 259, 261/3,

262, 371/3, 371/4 and 332

Ramghat Road Park

11. Vishnupuri Sahkari Awas Colony Ramghat Road Agricultural

12. Agoha Awas Samiti Colony Ramghat Road Agricultural

13. Iqra and Hamza Colony Anupshahr Bypass Agricultural

14. Hamdard Nagar Anupshahr Road Agricultural

15. Green Enclave Anupshahr Road Agricultural

16. Gulmohar Park Colony Anupshahr Road Agricultural

17. Zenith and United Colonizers, and

Ayesha Tarin Developers

Anupshahr Road Agricultural

18. Sagar Apartment Anupshahr Road Agricultural

19. Darul Salam Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

20. Moon City Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

21. Ali Nagar Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

22. Abdullah Nagar (East) Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

23. Abdullah Nagar (West) Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

24. Sabiri Garden Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

25. Garib Nawaz Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

26. Nishat Bagh Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

27. Alam Bagh Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

28. Gulmarg Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

29. Engineers and Employees Colony Kwarasi Bypass Central Activities

30. Teachers Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

31. S.E.D.C Colony Kwarasi Bypass Agricultural

32. Riyazuddin Colony Baroli Road Agricultural

33. Sapna Colony Baroli Road Agricultural

34. Sun City Colony Baroli Road Agricultural

35. Fort City Colony Baroli Road Agricultural

Source: Master Plan Report 2001-21, Aligarh Development Authority (ADA)

195

In Master Plan of Aligarh 2001, there was a proposal of 2200 ha. of land to be

developing for residential/housing purpose, out of this, 724 ha. into the main built up

area while, remaining 1476 ha. in between the 9 pockets (Fig. 4.18) lies beyond the

municipal limit i.e the urban fringe. This proposed development started to achieve

target by taking vast areas belong to villages of the fringe and many of them

developed over wetlands.

The population of Aligarh was and to a large extent still remains agrarian. The

areas surrounding the city in each successive period were farmland. Because of socio-

economic and political development within the town and as a result of its status as an

important geopolitical city, the period between 1971 and 2006 was marked by

dramatic changes in the city landscape.

In order to get a general overview of the loss of farm lands in the fringe of

Aligarh city, the Table 4.31 provided the facts in which Aligarh Development

Authority has declared 35 residential colonies as unauthorized and establish against

the Urban Land use of 2001. Out of total, 29 colonies (82.5 per cent) have been

developed on previously pure agricultural lands, 3 colonies are on parks and open

spaces, 2 are over the land use of central activities and one on industrial land. Besides

there many residential areas which have been developed by encroachment over water

bodies and wetlands. The most concerning issue is that, about 55 per cent of the

converted farmlands are remaining uncultivated and left as abandoned lands. Many

factors have influenced land abandonment, and their influence has varied from area to

area. Resulting an irreparable damage to agricultural productivity of the region.

Uncontrolled urban development exerts heavy pressure on land (availability and cost),

construction, infrastructure like transportation, market and provision of municipal

services like streets, sanitation, schools, health, parks, water supply, utilities, sewer,

fire, police protection etc. Thus, urban expansion results socio-economic deprivation

through the consumption of prime agricultural lands of the rural areas, consequently,

disturbing the agricultural diversity and efficiency.

196

c) Change in Cropping Pattern

The lands around Aligarh city remain valuable for cultivation of food grains

and a little amount for vegetables and cash crops. As there is high growth of urban

population in the city the demand for various non-food grains crops increased during

last two decades. So a ring shaped zone of vegetables and cash crops around the city

is developed. Therefore the concentric ring pattern of von Thunen Model (1826)

becomes partially true in Aligarh, mainly for the vegetable ring that he called as

market gardening.

To fulfill the heavy demands of city dwellers for agricultural products like

food grains, vegetables, fruits etc, the farmers in peripheral areas are now turned

towards horticulture. They adopted all the methods and techniques for more and

more production and easy and high returns. Farmers are not interesting in growing

the traditional crops i.e. food grains, but they prefer to grow vegetables, fruits, cash

crops etc. The various cash crops grown in Aligarh are Sugar cane, Mustard, Potato,

Onion, garlic etc, vegetables like, cabbage, brinjal, spinach, kakri (a cucurbit.), carrot,

reddish, pumpkins, bottle guard, bitter guard, peas, tomato etc; fruits like, mango,

guava, water melon, melon, falsa (a local berry), ber (jojoba) etc. Farmers are also

interesting in the cultivation of medicinal plants, pulses and oil seeds. In the city there

is also a high demand for animal products such as milk, meat, eggs etc. Therefore

farmers are growing more and more fodder to fulfill the requirements of dairy

industry.

Thus, urban encroachment in Aligarh has changed the cropping pattern in the

peripheral areas. Therefore there is loss of local food grain production.

197

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