International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in ... · side; the city is surrounded by...

International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, No.:1, 2015 ISSN 2395-4335, © IJIRSSC www. ijirssc.in ________________________________-________________

www. ijirssc.in Page 84

Population Growth and Forest Degradation in Guwahati City: A GIS Based

Approach

1 Rinku Manta ,

2 Dhrubajyoti Rajbangshi

1Research Scholar, Geography Department, Gauhati University, Assam ,India

2Assistant Professor, Guwahati College, Guwahati-21, Assam, India

___________________________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT : Being the prime city in the north eastern part of India, the pressure of population growth in

the Guwahati city is very high compared to other cities of developing nations. In last few decades, due

to ever increasing anthropogenic activities, the city is facing many geo-ecological problems. Naturally

the physiographic conditions have cumulative effect on the growth and distribution of population and

settlement pattern. This city has been characterized by a complex pattern of human habitation of as

many as 809,895 populations within 216 sq. km. geographical area in 2001. The physiography of the

area is not plain one and 20 numbers of small and big hillocks are found covered with forest which has

great impact on keeping the city pollution free environment with healthy ecological balance. Among

these hillocks 9 are identified as a reserve forest. Due to population pressure large number of

encroachment and deforestation has been seen, resulting squeezes the area of the hillocks. The study is

based on primary and secondary data collected from different sources. The collected data are analyzed

through GIS software to find the output explicitly. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this paper to

analyze the population pressure, changing forest dynamics and its related phenomena and

encroachment pattern in the study area. These problem leads to rapid deforestation, shrinking of

wetlands, flash flood and some environmental problems respectively. Some areas of the city are

considered as a heavy encroachment area, out of which the Hengerabari is the most significant one and

Chandmari, Tarun Nagar and Nabin Nagar etc. are identified as flash flood prone area.

Key words: Encroachment, Guwahati city, Population pressure, Forest degradation, GIS.

I.Introduction: The equality of the environment is constantly loosing its status due to increase in

population growth in most countries of world [2] affirm that population has been a chief agent

of environmental degradation in most cities of the world. He further explain that man main

occupation’s were hunting and gathering of fruits but later as human population increased,

man invented new techniques which has constitute great menace to the natural environment.

Enger and Smith (2006) supported Gabriel (1999) idea and state that as population continue to

increase it will become more difficult to limit the environmental degradation that accompany

it.

Out of the total forest cover in India, approximately a quarter of forest cover is found in

northeast India with 637,293 km2 within reserved, protected and unclassified forests. Hence,

northeast part of India, comprising of seven states namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,

Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, is regarded as one of the global

biodiversity centers and a hotspot [7] with climate ranging from typical tropical to sub-alpine

type [8]. This region has some of the largest reserves of tropical and sub-tropical forests of wet

evergreen, semi- evergreen, moist deciduous, coniferous forests, mixed forest and shrubland

[1].



In this region of northeast India, land-use change and modification of the forest to other

land use such as agriculture have been increasing and extensively practiced in the past decades.

Extensive agricultural practice through shifting cultivation locally called Jhum over the past

decades have led to the deforestation of the rich diversity tropical forest of the region. The

massive deforestation in the region highlights a combination of different drivers primarily

shifting cultivation, increasing human population and increasing demands for agricultural land

[6].

Guwahati being an important city in the north-eastern region has witnessed fast

population growth in the recent years, also experiencing environmental problems The situation

of population in the study area has not only degraded the forest ecosystem but has caused the

environment to lose its natural equilibrium at the same time has exert more pressure on the

natural resources. Beside, population growth in the region have lead to increasing

environmental problems such as loss of plant and animal species, pollution, air population, soil

infertility among others. The paper tends to critically examine the impact of population growth

on forest degradation [4].

II. Study Area:

Guwahati city, the capital of Assam is located on the south bank of river Brahmaputra

towards the south eastern side of Kamrup district. The absolute location of the city extends

from 910

38/ E to 91

0 51

/ E longitude and from 26

0 5

/ N to 26

0 12

/ N latitude.

Fig-1



In the northern side, the city is bounded by mighty river Brahmaputra and in the southern

side; the city is surrounded by hillocks which is the extension of Khasi hills. In the west and the

south west there is the Rani Reserve Forest, Deepar Beel wet land and the alluvial tracts of the

Brahmaputra plain. The city is situated on an undulating plain with varying altitudes of 49.5 m

to 55.5 m above mean sea level. The topography of the city is made up of both high land and

low land. At present the city municipal corporation area consists of 60 wards[5].

III. Objectives of the Study:

The Objectives of the study are to-

1. Study the population growth and distribution of the study area.

2. Study the impact of population pressure on forest cover.

IV. Methodology :

The study was based on both primary and secondary information. The primary data

were mainly the observation method and data collected randomly from the field by adopting

interview method. The secondary data were collected from Census of India, Assam Remote

Sensing Application Centre, Guwahati Municipal Corporation Office and many other

government office, agencies, institutions.

Map work has been done with the help of Geographical Information System software,

as it helps to bring out the information explicitly. The conclusions of the study have been

drawn on the basis of findings derived from the analysis of both primary and secondary data

and also from personal observations in the field.

V. Result and Discussion : Population Growth and Distributional Pattern:

Guwahati is the business hub and largest city of Assam and North East. It is also the

biggest commercial, industrial, educational and health centre of the region. For Look East

Policy of Govt. of India, emerging importance of Guwahati will be phenomenal. For all these

reasons there is a tremendous pressure of population in Guwahati city.

The population distributional pattern in Guwahati is not even. The undulating surface,

rapid growth of population, different types of socio-economic activities is impact on

distribution pattern of population. According to the 2001 census population in Guwahati was

8, 09,895 against the total population of 2, 66, 55,528 in our state, which is 3.19 percent of

total population. The geographical area of Guwahati is 216 square kilometer against the total

area of 78,438 km of our state which is only 0.28 percent of total geographical area. This

scanty geographical area has to support 3.9 percent of total population of our state.

The density of population in Guwahtai is 579 persons per sq.km against the average

density of 340 persons per sq.km in our state.



Fig-2: Density of Population and household of Guwahati.

The density of population of different wards of the city displays a comparatively lower

density of population at the peripheral wards as compared to that of the old inner areas. It is

observed that a pocket found in south –western parts in the city comprising wards

2,10,12,13,16,17 encompassing Padumbari, Near Pragjyotish college ,Lalgansh,

Kahilipara,Lalmati, Saukuchi,Lokhora Chariali, Narangi , Satgaon, Panjabari and other

peripheri area in the city have the lowest density of population. The highest density of

population is found in Ward No. 14, 28,29,32,44 and 45 that covers Fancy Bazar, Kadar

Road, H.B. Road and T.R. Phukan Road. Etc. In the sample survey the distribution of

population have seen differ than the census data.

The occupancy rate in sample survey is higher than the census data. It is due to the

migration of population in different causes from time to time. It affect on the population

distribution. As increased in the rapid land value and shortage of land comparatively people

need, many people are settled in the periphery area. But it is noticed that to fulfill the demand

of people and lack of area the new development has become vertically and distribution and

density is higher than before. This situation has seen mainly in the central region where all

civic amenities are available. But with the passes of time the scenario is changing day by day

and distribution pattern become more completed.

Fig-3: Road map of Guwahati

Again, urban population in Assam is 12.72 percent, which is 33,90,583 of total

population of Guwahati with total urban population in our state, then we find that Guwahati



shares 25 percent of total urban population. On the other hand, no other cities like Nagaon,

Jorhat, and Dibrugarh etc. touch 1.5 lakh population marks as per the 2001 census. This is the

demographic picture of the Guwahati.

The emergence of modern Guwahati is said to have started in 1826 following the

departure of the Burmese and the Treaty of Yandaboo. In 1828, Lower Assam was formally

annexed and Guwahati made the Head Quarters of the British Chief Commissioner of Assam

till 1874 when the capital of the separate state of Assam was established at Shillong, 103 km

south of Guwahati at Khasi and Jayantia hills. With such a modest beginning, the city grew in

its size and in 1972, after the reorganization of the Assam state, the capital was shifted from

Shillong to Dispur (Guwahati), whereby the city gained enough political importance. Since

then the city has grown enormously in terms of population and development of commercial

activities. Guwahati is a fast growing metropolis and the most important city of the region,

with a population of 8.9 Lakhs [3].

Table No.1: Growth profile of Guwahati in relation to urban growth in Assam.

Year Population(000) Gender Ratio Decadal

Growth

Share (%) in urban population

of Assam 1901 11.6 500 - 15.13

1911 12.5 534 7.03 13.43

1921 16.5 528 32.04 12.97

1931 21.8 503 32.26 13.44

1941 29.6 567 35.79 14.22

1951 43.6 558 47.36 12.65

1961 100.7 497 130.9 12.89

1971 123.7 638 22.9 9.6

1981 200.3 755 61.87 11.24

1991 557.6 783 188.25 23.22

2001 809.8

839

38.6 24

Fig-4: Decadal growth of population of Guwahati, 1901 - 2011



In 1901 the population was 11661. In 1921, the rate of population increase was

32.40 percent (12481 to 16480). The rate of increase for next decade (1931) was also the same

that means 32.22 percent (217970). The significant development during the British period was

the establishment of the cantonment at Paltan bazaar, opening new lines of transport and

communication and improvement of old ones within the town which were added to the city.

During the decade 1931-1951, the city recorded an increase of population of 35.78 percent i.e.

from 21797 (1931) to 295698 (1941) from 1951 to 1961 the population increase was

significantly, from 43615(1951) to 10072(1961).

Population is a pre requisite for development. But excessive increase of population

becomes a problem to a city, state or country. Guwahati city is in a state of over –population,

increasing growth of population in Guwahati is not due to natural factors like very high birth

rate and low death rate. The main factor behind is, migration, the differences in income and

employment opportunities in the villages and Guwahati have attracted the migrants to the city.

Higher income and greater employment opportunities in Guwahati lead to movements of

population from rural areas to the city. In addition, the educational, health and other

infrastructural facilities in the city areas and its urban way of life also attract migrants.

Rapid increase in the population results in an increasing demand for land in urban

settlements. A city grows not only by population but also by changes in spatial dimensions.

The prime factors of increasing spatial dimension of the city are also the population growth and

related requirements of urban life, such as development of transport and communication and

others infrastructure facilities. Within the existing built-up areas of cities uncontrolled growth

of population and inadequate infrastructure may cause irreversible losses of forest resources

and open space.

Impact of Population Growth on Forest Cover

The recorded forest area of Assam is 26,832 km 2

which is 34 percent of the total

geographical area. According to legal status the state of Assam, Reserved forests constitute

66.58 percent and unclassed forests, 33.42 percent of the total forest area. Geographically, the

Guwahati city is surrounded by hills leaving only the central plain area for urbanization.

Therefore, the plain area is mostly occupied by built up land including residential area. Out of

the total built up land, which is 34.60%of the total area of the city, residential area has

occupied the highest area (25.15%). Most of the hills in the city though declared forest area,

but encroached due to pressure on land for residential purpose. Large areas under open forests

(8.30%) compared to closed forests (5.30%) indicates conversion of forests land area to other

purpose.



Fig 5: Map of Assam showing distribution of Forest cover, 2005

Fig 6: Forest Cover of Assam

Existing Status of Reserved Forest in Guwahati city.

There are seven reserve forests within Guwahati Municipality Area with about 2,641

hectares area. Major part of the forest area is encroached.



Table No. 2: List of the Reserved Forest in Guwahati

Sl.no. Name of the

Reserved Forest

Area

(hectares)

Encroached

Area

(Hectares)

Percent

Area

(Percentage)

1 South Kalapahar 70.00 70 100

2 Fatasil RF 670.00 480 71.64

3 Jalukbari RF 97.70 10 10.24

4 Gota Nagar 171.00 130 76.02

5 Hengrabari RF 628.00 385 61.31

6 Sarania 7.99 3 37.55

7 Khanapara RF (Partly) 996.00 467 46.89

Total 2640.69 1545 58.51 Source: Divisional Forest Officer, Kamrup East Division

Out of the total geographical area of Kamrup district i.e. 4345 km2, only 32.89% (1429

sq. km) area is covered by forest out of which 899 sq.km, 530 sq. km and 52 sq. km is covered

by dense, open and scrub forest respectively as per the Forest Survey of India Report, 2001.

The root cause of low forest covered area of the district in general and Guwahati in particular is

the rapid growth of human population, urbanization and industrialization.

Guwahati is surrounded by 12 reserved forests with a total area of about 261 sq.km.

These forests, mostly on hills and hillocks, are home of many animals and birds. However,

because of deforestation in the hills, the area under forest is shrinking resulting in soil erosion.

The construction on the hills in Guwahati has resulted in removal of vegetation cover in the

forest area and exposed surface. The soil loss is more on the exposed slopes then the vegetation

covered slopes. The average rate of soil loss in Guwahati on the exposed slopes in the rainy

hours of 3.264 mm, intensity is 188.090 g per liter of surface flow. This amount is very

insignificant as on the vegetation covered slope which is only 3.062 g per liter of surface flow.

The problem of soil erosion in the study area is significant not only from the view point

of loss of soil fertility but also from the many environmental issues like water logging,

flashflood, siltation, decrease in the ground water table and the dusty environment on sunny

days. The other aspects associated with the soil erosion are:

The hills of the city are more prone to soil erosion by rain due to geomorphological

structure and texture of the top soil layers.

Heavy monsoon rainfall with dry and wet spell also accerate the rate of soil erosion.

Growth of settlement on the hill slopes disturbes the slope stability and accelerate the rate of

soil erosion.

Table 3: Impact of population growth on forest cover in Guwahati City Landuse

category

1967-

68

Area in

sqkm.

Percent

to total

area

1990

Area in

sqkm.

Percent

to total

area

2002

Area in

sqkm.

Percent

to total

area

2004

Area

in

sqkm.

Percent

to total

area

1.Built up 76.91 21.72 121.93 34.60 135.48 38.27 155.48 45.46


www. ijirssc.in 2

2.Agriculture

land

94.25 26.62 43.92 12.50 43.49 12.28 33.49 9.82

3.Forests 58.65 16.56 47.82 13.60 41.95 11.85 31.95 9.064

4.wasteland 47.78 13.49 54.61 15.52 52.88 14.94 42.88 12.53

5.water

bodies

76.13 21.60 82.68 23.45 80.20 22.65 78.20 22.86

Total area 354 100 354 100 354 100 354 100

Source: ARSAC 2000

Fig 7: Landuse map of Guwahati City

Source: ASTEC, Guwahati

Fig 8: Landuse of Guwahati City 2004



The study reveal that highest area under built up land in 1990 was 34.64%, which increases to

45.46% in 2004, regarding agricultural land it was 12.50% in 1990 in 2004 it comes to 9.82%,

followed by forests 13.60% in 1990 in 2004 it is 9.04%, wastelands15.52% in 1990 and

12.53% in 2004, water bodies was 23.45% which has decreases to 22.86. This indicates urban

scenario of Guwahati city.

VI. Conclusion:

It was observed that forest resources in Guwahati city and its surrounding areas are

under a serious depletion due to population growth and human encroachment in the forest

ecosystem. Demo-graphic factors have adversely affected natural resources

throughout the colonial and postcolonial history of Assam and continue to be a dominant cause

of deforestation in the region. In a landscape where agriculture production is risky and

employment opportunities limited, growing populations will always remain a potent

force of destruction.

Promotion of non-extractive industries, those that are not based on the region’s natural

resources, will certainly be able to improve the livelihoods of certain sections of the

local population and, at the same time, release pressure on natural resources. Rural

development programmes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee

Act (MGNREGA) would be useful such demographic and socio-economic pressures away

from threatened natural resources. Protected areas and inviolate forests are critical for the

conservation of regional biodiversity while many of these tracts have historically supported the

livelihoods of local human populations. To find ways and mechanisms that conserve our

threatened biodiversity but also protect the livelihoods and aspirations of these people so as to

make our forests ecologically and socially sustainable is the biggest challenge for the

conservation of last remaining forest of the study region.

Reference:

[1] Bez,K.(2001): Emperical evidence of Transport Problems in Guwahati City in Alam K. das, N.C.

, and Borah,A.K. (eds), Guwahati The Gateway to the East, Concept Publishing Company, New

Delhi.

[2] Bhattacharyya, N.N., (1981): Morphology of the Towns of Assam with Special Reference to the

City of Gauhati (An Analytico-Synthetic Study), Mani Manik Press, Gauhati.

[3] Census Of India, (2001): B Series City Tables , C D ROM.

[4] Gogoi, L.(2011): Population Pressure and Flash Flood– Disaster and Management in Guwahati

City, Organizing Committee, Dhing College, Nagaon.

[5] Gogoi,B. (2007): Social Problems of Urban poor in Guwahati City : A Geographical analysis., an

unpublished Ph.D.Thesis,Gauhati University.

[6] Lele, N. and Joshi, P. K. 2009. Analyzing deforestation rates, spatial forest cover changes and

identifying critical areas of forest cover changes in North-East India during 1972–1999.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 156:159-170.

[7] Myers, N., Mittermeier, R. A., Mittermeier, C. G., de Fonseca, G. A. B. and Kent, J. 2000.

Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. _ature 403, 853- 858. DOI 10.1038/35002501.

[8] Roy, P. S. and Joshi, P. K. 2002. Forest cover assessment in north-east India- the potential of

temporal wide swath satellite sensor data (IRS-1C WiFS). International Journal of Remote

Sensing 23: 4881-4896.

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