Deciphering Urban Green Space using Metric Approach: A Case Study of Salt Lake and Rajarhat (Newtown)

Abstract

A specific amount of green space is significantly desirable in a densely populated urban area. During urban planning, it has been said that leaving a particular location as a green space will increase greening and, at the same time, protect the environment of the urban area. However, during urban construction, unscientific and unplanned construction of this greening is prevented. Since 2001, growth in urban construction in Kolkata's Salt Lake region has slowed the pace of greening, and this article highlights the changing spatial distribution and characteristics of UGS between 2001 and 2021. The condition of Salt Lake's UGS (Urban Green Space) has been judged through LULC (Land use land cover), LST (Land surface temperature), and NDVI (Normalized difference vegetation index). With the increase in urban construction from 2001 to 2021, LST has increased, NDVI has decreased, and urban greening has been limited to a few green patches. Currently, the condition of UGS in Salt Lake could be better, yet people are renovating several vegetated lands and wetlands to improve the environment. In the future, UGS is expected to increase in Salt Lake through plantations and with a well-timed government policy.