Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science

International

Volume 30, Issue 1, Page 98-128, 2026; Article [Link].150751

ISSN: 2454-7352

Geoinformatics-Based Assessment of
Urban Sprawl in Berhampur, Odisha,
India
Bandana Acharya a, Saismita Priyadarshini a,
Deepak Kumar Sahu a and Siba Prasad Mishra a*
a Civil Engineering Department, Centurion University of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar,
India.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. All authors read and approved the final
manuscript.

Article Information
DOI: [Link]

Open Peer Review History:

This journal follows the Advanced Open Peer Review policy. Identity of the Reviewers, Editor(s) and additional Reviewers, peer
review comments, different versions of the manuscript, comments of the editors, etc are available here:
[Link]

Original Research Article Received: 02/11/2025

Published: 23/01/2026

Abstract

The existing urban infrastructure of Berhampur city has been analysed using geoinformatics,
leading to the development of a city planning strategy for a sprawling conglomeration of the coastal
city, Berhampur, in South Odisha. This plan aims to assess overall development and promote
sustainable urban growth, addressing the lack of literature on the subject. Berhampur, a major
urban centre in southern Odisha, has experienced rapid population growth and urban sprawl over
the past few decades. This research involved both primary and secondary data collection, field
surveys, stakeholder consultations, and the analysis of existing plans and reports. Key components
of urban infrastructure, such as transportation, water supply, sanitation, drainage, waste
management, housing, and social amenities, were evaluated to identify gaps and constraints in
service delivery. Using Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques, spatial mapping of both
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: E-mail: 2sibamishra@[Link];

Cite as: Acharya, Bandana, Saismita Priyadarshini, Deepak Kumar Sahu, and Siba Prasad Mishra. 2026. “Geoinformatics-
Based Assessment of Urban Sprawl in Berhampur, Odisha, India”. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science
International 30 (1):98-128. [Link]
 Acharya et al.; J. Geo. Env. Earth Sci. Int., vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 98-128, 2026; Article [Link].150751

horizontal and vertical expansions visualises the distribution and adequacy of these necessary
urban facilities. The findings indicate an uneven distribution of infrastructure, inadequate waste
management systems, and limited open spaces in relation to the city's growing population. The
study recommends strategic interventions for urban development in Berhampur, including improved
infrastructure, slum redevelopment, enhanced public transport, and sustainable land use
management in collaboration with Chhatrapur and Gopalpur. These suggestions aim to create a
comprehensive City Development Plan (CDP) for Berhampur, fostering balanced and inclusive
growth aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-11) for sustainable urban settlements.

Keywords: Coastal cities; land surface temperature; land use land cover; NDBI; urban sprawling.

1. Introduction in the southernmost Ganjam district of Odisha. It

is approximately 169 km from the state capital,
Urban sprawl is posing complex problems and Bhubaneswar. As one of the oldest and largest
has emerged as an upcoming threat over the last cities in Odisha, Berhampur is commonly
4 to 5 decades in the Anthropocene epoch, referred to as “The Silk City” due to its silk trade,
driven by demography (Muchelo et al., 2024), temples, and unique culture. The city has a
pollution, ecosystem degradation, and socio- population of 355,823 (estimated in 2011); 0.43
economic, political, and environmental factors as m² space is available/person dwelling in 74,720
players (Mahdavi et al., 2022; Chettry et al., households (HH). It is the fourth most
2023; Soltani et al., 2025). About two million populous city in Odisha. Berhampur serves
hectares of farmland are lost per year to alleviate as a trading hub for South Odisha and a Class-I
the growing need for housing, infrastructure, and Town (SLIP 2015). Presently, the city is
leisure in agglomerations in developed countries agglomerating with a combination of Berhampur,
(Surya et al., 2021; Hassan et al., 2023). Urban Chhatrapur and Gopalpur Fig. 1(a and b)
growth drives economic and social development, (AMRUT 2015).
yet its rapid and unplanned growth poses major
challenges for sustainable management. Communication: The city is connected to
Kolkata and Madras via National Highway 16
Berhampur, also known as the “Silk City of (NH-16), and state highways SH 07, SH 17, and
Odisha,” is a key urban centre in southern SH 65 also link the area. The nearest airport is in
Odisha, serving as a commercial, educational, Bhubaneswar, which is approximately 160 km
and cultural hub for the Ganjam district. Situated away. Currently, the town hosts several
near the Bay of Bengal at an elevation of about prominent industrial units, including Indian Rare
26m, it covers an area of 37.09 sq. km. Named Earths Limited (IREL) and Software Technology
after Lord Brahmeswar, the city has seen rapid Parks of India (STPI). It is also home to the
population growth and urban expansion, shifting Centre of Entrepreneurship in FinTech, the
from its traditional core to emerging peripheral Titanium Plant, and the proposed TATA SEZ and
areas. Its location along National Highway-16 R.K. Power Plant. The city is notable for its
and proximity to Gopalpur Port further enhance contributions to healthcare, trade, engineering,
its significance. IT, and tourism. It is evolving into a tier-3 city on
the east coast of Odisha, alongside Berhampur,
As a fast-growing medium-sized city, Berhampur
Gopalpur, and Chhatarpur, similar to Jatni in the
faces challenges such as unplanned
Khordha-Jatin-Bhubaneswar triad (Mishra et al.,
development, traffic congestion, waste
2020) (Fig. 1a; Fig 1b: Fig. 1c).
management issues, and inadequate public
services. This study aims to assess the urban
infrastructure through GIS-based analysis to Since the three urban towns have agglomerated
support a sustainable City Development Plan and extended to touch each other by the
(CDP) for balanced growth and improved quality construction of high-rise multi-storied buildings,
of life in the urban geoinformatics and WASH amenities and urban infrastructures. The
infrastructure planning in medium-sized cities. upcoming Sagar Mala projects, with adequate
connectivity and educational hubs, will connect
1.1 The Study Area the three townships in future. It is essential to
conduct a detailed study and strategic planning
Berhampur is a municipal corporation located on to devise a three-tier city connecting Berhampur
the eastern coastline of the Bay of Bengal (BoB) with Chhatrapur and Gopalpur.

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a.
Fig. 1a. The index map of the 3-tier city of Berhampur, Chhatrapur and Gopalpur
1.2 Demography Area Committee city in the Ganjam district,
Odisha [Link]
As per Wikipedia, in 1867, Berhampur was a metrics/cities/21207/ brahmapur/ population. The
municipality under the British Madras Gopalpur township comprises 11 wards with a
Presidency. In 1900, the Brahmapur railway population of 7,221 (Census India 2011)
station was in operation. The present projected to 10100 by 2025. Chatrapur city is in
population (2024/25) has been projected as the outskirts of BeMC and has 14wards with a
446,000 (rate of growth 2.06%). The population of 22,027 (Census India 2011), which
highest rate of rise was 5% in 1968, and shall have a projected population of 32000, and
the lowest was 1.24% during the 37900 in the year 2025 and 2031
COVID-19 pandemic, with a 1.45% growth rate [Link]
from 2021 (Wikipedia). Gopalpur is a Notified [Link].

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Fig. 1b. The three agglomerating urban areas in the South Odisha Coast (Berhampur, Gopalpur and Chhatrapur
(Open Source Map 2000)

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Fig. 1c. The three-tier city has sprawled and become close to each other by extension

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Berhampur is one of the oldest and fastest- area in the state. The Berhampur Municipal
growing cities in southern Odisha, facing major Corporation (BeMC) is divided into 40 wards,
challenges due to rapid and unplanned urban covering an area of 3,709 sq km. It comprises
expansion. Increasing population density has 73,335 households, with approximately 19,134 of
created heavy pressure on urban infrastructure these households located in 163 slums that
and basic services. There is an urgent need to accommodate around 92,000 people (source:
assess facilities like water supply, sanitation, OWSSB, Rapid Assessment Report for
drainage, transportation, housing, and solid Berhampur – 2018).
waste management to ensure sustainable
growth. The city has a considerable number of Additionally, the Berhampur Municipal
slum pockets, where poor living conditions, Corporation, along with the notified area councils
inadequate WASH (Water sanitation and of Chhatrapur and Gopalpur, has spread over an
Hygiene) facilities, and a lack of basic amenities area of 3,533 hectares, 387.42 hectares, and
are major issues (Mishra S et al., 2020). 190.73 hectares, respectively. Their
corresponding populations are 356,598 for
Waste Disposal: Waste disposal and Berhampur, 22,027 for Chhatrapur, and 7,221 for
management remain key environmental Gopalpur.
concerns affecting urban health and cleanliness.
A comprehensive study is required to evaluate A perfect amalgamation of Odia and Telugu
the existing infrastructure, identify gaps, and communities can be seen here due to its being
guide the preparation of an effective City very near to the Odisha–Andhra border, which
Development Plan (CDP). The study will help has turned itself into a major financial hub in
local authorities and planners to promote Southern Odisha. The rate of urban expansion
inclusive development and improve the overall showed regional differences. Socioeconomic
quality of life in Berhampur. factors, political and institutional factors, natural
factors, path effects, and proximity effects were
Studies on medium-sized Indian cities, such as the main driving factors. Urban expansion
Berhampur, reveal several challenges, including promoted economic growth, occupied cultivated
unplanned expansion, inadequate public utilities, land, and affected ecological environments.
and limited institutional capacity. Research
indicates that the development of Berhampur has 1.4 Scope of The Study
mainly occurred in a linear pattern along major The study encompasses the Berhampur
transportation corridors, specifically NH-216 Municipal Corporation (BeMC) area, which
(past NH-16) and the Howrah–Chennai railway serves as the primary urban boundary. It focuses
line. This has resulted in uneven infrastructure on urban infrastructure components — water
distribution across the city. Existing literature also supply, sanitation, drainage, transportation,
highlights problems related to water scarcity, housing, and solid waste management. Special
drainage congestion, solid waste disposal, and emphasis is given to slum areas, identifying their
traffic management. location, living conditions, and access to basic
services. The study intends to (i) evaluate the
1.3 Regional Settings of the Study Area existing urban infrastructure and living conditions
Berhampur, a key city in southern Odisha, is the of Berhampur City for effective urban
commercial and educational centre of Ganjam management. (ii) To develop a sustainable and
district. It is situated between the Eastern Ghats inclusive City Development Plan (CDP) that
to the west and the Bay of Bengal’s coastal promotes balanced growth and improves the
plains to the east. The open plain slopes toward quality of life.
the sea, while the Mohiri hills, rising to about
800m, lie to the north and west, approximately 14 1.5 Objectives
km from the city. Berhampur is 25 km from the The objectives of the study are:
Rushikulya River, which flows into the Bay of
Bengal near Gopalpur port, with several small 1. To assess urban sprawl and infrastructure
streams, including Ghodahad and the Bahuda challenges in a rapidly growing Berhampur
River, running through the area. city.
2. The GIS interpretation of the open-source
Berhampur, a statutory town in Odisha, has a data-based spatial analysis with field
population of 355283 according to the 2011 observations and recommending the future
census, making it the fourth most populous urban planning perspectives of the three-tier city.

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3. To identify set-up gaps and propose Visakhapatnam’s Smart City Plan also adopts
strategies for sustainable implementation sustainable urban development, concentrating on
of SDG-11. renewable energy, smart waste collection,
coastal protection, and urban mobility. Research
1.6 Limitations of the Study on medium-sized cities like Berhampur highlights
challenges such as unplanned expansion,
The Neighbouring City Development Plan (CDP)
inadequate public utilities, and limited institutional
for Berhampur under the JNNURM framework
capacity, with development mainly along major
emphasises upgrading services, enhancing
transport corridors leading to uneven
connectivity, and promoting sustainable urban
infrastructure distribution. Issues such as water
management. Assessing current infrastructure
scarcity, drainage congestion, solid waste
and its alignment with the CDP is crucial for
disposal, and traffic management are also noted.
identifying gaps and prioritising investments for
inclusive urban development.
2. Methodology
Similar studies, like the Bhubaneswar CDP under
the JNNURM and AMRUT, focus on improving This study utilises ArcGIS and spatial analysis to
water supply, waste management, stormwater map urban growth and infrastructure distribution.
drainage, and public transport through GIS By combining primary and secondary data, it
mapping and land-use zoning to manage urban aims to identify service gaps and critical areas
sprawl. that require infrastructure upgrades.

Fig. 2. The methodology adopted for the conceptual 3-tier Berhampur city, Odisha

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The present study emphasises how smart 𝐴𝑓 −𝐴𝑖

Annual rate of change (ARC) =
technologies and community involvement can 𝐴𝑖

enhance infrastructure maintenance, traffic where 𝑛 is the number of years in the study
management, and environmental sustainability. period.
For the analysis of Berhampur city, GIS maps
are prepared and simulated based on the In the last 2 decades, it has been observed that
Bhubaneswar smart city model. This approach the Berhampur area, along with the Chhatrapur
prioritises GIS-based infrastructure assessment, and Gopalpur areas are sprawling both
zonal planning, and phased investments to horizontally and vertically. Using the efficient
improve service delivery in response to rapid imagery from GIS tools, it is essential to fill the
growth. From these studies, it is concluded that gap of urban agglomeration, formation of heat
successful city development relies on data-driven Islands, shanty town development and mend the
planning, sector-specific infrastructure analysis, gap in urban lifestyle shortfalls
and active community participation.
2.1 Location, Climate and Geology
The software used for the study is ArcMap 10.4,
QGIS, Google Earth Pro, Google Earth Engine, The city is centrally located at a distance of 11
Jupyter Notebook, and Google Earth Pro. km by road from the BoB coast, with high
Recommendations are made for sustainable, humidity. The maximum summer temperature is
inclusive, environmentally, and Eco-friendly 40°C, whereas the minimum winter temperature
urban planning. The findings will support the is 22°C, with an average temperature of 33 °C-
preparation of a City Development Plan (CDP) 38 °C. The area enjoys both southwest and
for balanced and equitable growth of Berhampur. northeast monsoon temperatures and the
Adopting them, the planning managers can average normal rainfall of 1250 mm. The soil
identify gaps, optimise resources, and prepare condition is clayey except in some places where
an effective and sustainable City Development there is hard soil, latosols, and rocky beds.
Plan (CDP). Towards the west, and NW, the city has hills as
per the contour map (Fig. 3). (Höhle et al, 2017];
LULC changes (Land Use/Land Cover) identify Vynikal et al, 2025).
various land uses (forests, water bodies, and
urban areas) by satellite imagery. The NDBI 2.2 Shape and contour of Berhampur
(Normalised Difference Built-up Index) is a
spectral index derived from this imagery by using Berhampur city has a linear and irregular urban
the Near-Infrared (NIR) and Shortwave Infrared pattern, unlike the circular layouts of cities like
(SWIR) bands. It highlights built-up areas in Chandigarh and Jaipur. Its growth is influenced
Cities, and helps in studying trends like urban by its history as a British-era market and trade
expansion and its effects on temperature, centre, primarily the Howrah–Chennai Railway
particularly the Urban Heat Island effect, when Line and National Highway-16. Geographical
compared to LULC data. Essentially, LULC limitations, with the Eastern Ghats to the west
categorises the land broadly, while NDBI and coastal plains to the east, restricted circular
quantifies and maps the urban components development. This led to multiple commercial
within those categories, where NIR = near- centres emerging instead of a single nucleus.
infrared, Red = Red band. SWIR shortwave Planning challenges, such as the absence of a
infrared. Green: green spectral band: master plan and uneven municipal boundaries,
resulted in an irregular layout. Berhampur’s
a. The NDVI (Normalised Difference development reflects a transport-driven evolution
(𝑁𝐼𝑅−𝑅𝑒𝑑)
Vegetation Index) = (High: dense, rather than a planned circular design, resembling
(𝑁𝐼𝑅+𝑅𝑒𝑑)
well-vegetated; Low = sparse vegetation). a ‘baby kangaroo’ (Fig. 3).
b. The NDBI (Normalised Difference Berhampur, popularly known as the “Silk City” of
(𝑆𝑊𝐼𝑅−𝑁𝐼𝑅)
Vegetation Index) = (High: Urban Odisha, is renowned for its Berhampuri Patta silk
(𝑆𝑊𝐼𝑅+𝑁𝐼𝑅)
areas, Low: Fewer settlements) sarees, traditional crafts, and lively cultural
c. The LULC Change detection is calculated festivals like the Thakurani Yatra, which
as: To quantify the changes between two showcase its vibrant heritage and community
different time periods (initial, (Ai) and final, unity. The city is home to ancient temples such
(Af) as the Bhimeswar Temple, Budhi Thakurani
Temple, and Jagannath Temple, reflecting its
Magnitude of Change (𝑀𝐶): 𝑀𝐶 = 𝐴𝑓 − 𝐴𝑖 deep religious and architectural legacy.

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Fig. 3. Contour map of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) culture, heritage and tourism of the three-tier city

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(a)

(b)

Fig. 4(a,b). Population Trend of Berhampur (1951 to 2025); Source: BeMP PR

In terms of tourism, Berhampur serves as a 2.3 Area & Population

gateway to nearby attractions like Gopalpur
Beach, Taptapani hot springs, Tampara Lake, It has been estimated that during 2011 to 2025,
and Tara Tarini Temple, drawing visitors for both the population increased from 356Th to 468
spiritual and leisure experiences. Its blend of thousand. Accordingly, the small Gopalpur town
culture, heritage, and natural beauty makes and the district headquarters Chhatrapur (from
Berhampur an important destination in southern the British period) have also sprawled and
Odisha’s tourism circuit. Key traditional sectors agglomerated geo-spatially.
include Berhampur Patta silk weaving,
handloom, brass and metal works, and food The Gopalpur Notified Area Committee in 2025
processing, which offer employment to local has an approximate population of 10,100, and
artisans and small traders. the Current estimated population of the

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Chhatrapur Notified Area Committee, Odisha, in environmental shifts. A study of the Berhampur
2025 is approximately 32,000 (Govt. of India, Municipal Corporation (BeMC) area, utilising
2011). The three-tier Berhampur city must be satellite imagery from 2004, 2014, and 2024,
planned to accommodate about 7 to 8 lakhs assessed urban expansion and land use
people on about 350 km² area, Fig. 4a and Fig. changes.
4b).
Berhampur’s land use change over 20 years
Industrial Activity in Berhampur: Industrial clearly demonstrates a shift from a vegetation-
growth around Berhampur is concentrated in dominated landscape to a built-up urban
areas like Chatrapur, Gopalpur, and the environment, largely driven by population
Industrial Growth Centre at Rama Krushnapur. pressure and infrastructural development along
Key industries include Software Technology major transport corridors. Strategic and
Parks of India (STPI), promoting IT, Jayshree sustainable urban planning is essential to
Chemicals, and software development, Indian manage this growth and maintain ecological
Rare Earths Limited (IREL) for mineral balance. The built-up area increased significantly
extraction, Tata Steel SEZ and Gopalpur from 44.20% in 2004 to 79.83% in 2024,
Industrial Park focusing on steel and logistics, indicating substantial urban sprawl. Meanwhile,
Asian Paints in Ganjam, Grasim Industries for forest/vegetation cover dropped from 23.89% to
chemicals, and small-scale fabrication units in 6.02%, and water bodies decreased from
Berhampur. Agro-based industries, such as 19.89% to 5.94%, with barren land remaining
Jeypore Sugar Company and Aska Co-operative stable at around 8.20% in 2024.
Sugar Industry, provide support for rural
employment, along with various food processing Reason for Change: This transformation is
units in Odisha. primarily due to population growth, housing
demand, infrastructure expansion, and
2.4 Land Use and Landcover Analysis commercial development. The establishment of
educational institutions, health facilities, and
The LULC analysis reveals spatial and temporal industries around the city accelerated the
changes in urban areas, providing insights into conversion of open and agricultural lands into
urban growth, resource utilisation, and urban areas (Fig. 5a and 5b).

I.

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II.

III.
Fig. 5(a). (I-III) LULC Map of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC)
Source – Primary (Arc GIS), Secondary (Landsat, Sentinel)

Built-up Areas 2004: Built-up Built-up areas 2014: Built-up area increases,
development is mainly concentrated in especially in Berhampur. Linear expansion
Berhampur city, while Chhatrapur and observed along the Berhampur–Chhatrapur
Gopalpur show limited and isolated corridor. Growth begins around Gopalpur, driven
built-up patches. Urban areas are spatially by port-based and tourism activities.
disconnected. Overall built-up area: ~5%.
Represents an initial stage of urban Overall built-up area: ~15%. Indicates emerging
agglomeration. urban linkage among the three townships.

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Fig. 5(b). LULC change over time of BeMC

Source - Landsat, Sentinel NDBI (Built-up area change)

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6a.

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6b.

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6c.
Fig. 6(a -c). The normalised difference built-up area map of Tri-city for 2004, 2014 and 2025
Land Surface Temperature (LST)

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Built-up areas 2024: Built-up area becomes urban sprawl directly correlates with temperature
dense and continuous during 2025. increase Fig 7. The central part may be
Berhampur acts as the dominant growth pole. transformed into an Urban Heat Island (UHI).
Chhatrapur shows strong expansion due to
Population Pressure and Environmental
administrative and residential growth.
Degradation: The population surged from
Gopalpur experiences increased built-up
62,343 in 1951 to a projected 5,19,000 in 2025.
development related to port expansion,
This requires massive amounts of space for
industries, and coastal infrastructure. Urban
housing, infrastructure, and commercial activity.
areas begin to physically merge, forming a
This demand has been met by clear-cutting and
functional urban agglomeration. The Overall
converting most of the available agricultural and
built-up area: ~27%.
natural land into the Built-up category, as vividly
displayed by the LULC maps over the decades.
2.5 Direction of Population Growth The high population and built-up density in the
The major expansion has taken place toward the core area have created the intense heat shown
north, northeast, and southwest directions, on the LST map, directly linking demographic
especially around Ankuli, Lanjipalli, Lochapada, pressure to environmental degradation and
and Gate Bazaar areas, following the alignment future anticipated heat island (heat stress) (Tal et
of NH-16 and the Howrah–Chennai Railway Line. al, 2025).

These corridors provided better accessibility, 2.6 Specific Areas of Berhampur (Based
attracting residential colonies, commercial on Maps)
complexes, and institutional zones. As a result, The most problematic areas based on this
the city’s growth has resulted in a reduction of correlation are Central and Western Core: This
green spaces and pressure on natural resources, region, where the Built-up area is densest and
particularly the loss of vegetation and the where commercial activity (traffic junctions) is
shrinkage of local water bodies. This unbalanced clustered, shows the largest contiguous patches
expansion pattern increases the risk of urban of Very High (Dark Red) LST. This is the primary
flooding, heat island effects, and environmental UHI hotspot. Fringe/Outskirts (East and South):
degradation (Fig. 6a to Fig. 6c)). The LULC Map Even the newly urbanised areas toward the east
(2024) shows that the Built-up area has become and south, which were largely green/barren in
the overwhelmingly dominant land cover type, 2004, are captured by the red Built-up cover in
replacing nearly all Vegetation and Barren land, 2024 and correspond to High (Red) or Moderate
which directly explains the high temperatures (Orange) LST. This shows the UHI effect is not
across the city (Nayak et al., 2023]; Mori et al., just centralised but is spreading with the city's
2025). sprawl.
Cause of Heat: Urbanisation involves replacing
permeable, cooling surfaces (like soil, trees, and 2.7 Transportation Network (Traffic
grass) with impervious materials like concrete, Junctions and Parking Areas)
asphalt, and rooftops. These materials have a
low albedo (they absorb more solar radiation) Berhampur’s transport network is highly
and a high heat capacity (they release heat influenced by a linear transport pattern
slowly, often through the night). developed primarily along the NH-16 corridor and
Hotspot: Areas of Very High (Dark Red) and the Howrah–Chennai Railway Line. While arterial
High (Red) LST are concentrated exactly where roads ensure connectivity, the clustering of
the LULC map shows maximum Built-up density. markets and institutions around main junctions
The entire city boundary appears significantly has caused severe congestion. Proper parking
warmer than the surrounding non-municipal management, traffic regulation, and strategic
areas (visible as lighter colours outside the road widening are essential for improving urban
boundary). The LST Map show the result as a mobility and supporting future city development,
pervasive and Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects Fig. 8 (a and b)
are.
Arterial Roads (Yellow lines): The main
Vulnerability: The central core and the newly transport spine of the city, connecting key
developed western and south-western parts— locations like Gopalpur Junction, Engineering
which witnessed the most intense conversion of School Junction, Gate Bazaar, Old Bus Stand,
land—are the hottest areas, confirming that and PVN Rao Square.

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Fig. 7. Land surface temperature of BeMC

Source - Primary (Arc GIS, Google Earth Pro)

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Fig. 8(a-b). Connectivity Map of BeMC and Traffic congestion / Junction Map of BeMC; (b) Traffic junctions & Parking areas of BeMC
Source - Primary (Arc GIS, Google Earth Pro

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Sub-Arterial Roads (Green lines): Link residential conditions despite various government housing
and market areas with arterial routes, improving schemes. Although the Berhampur Municipal
accessibility. Collector and Local Streets (Blue & Corporation (BeMC) aimed to make the city
Purple lines): Provide intra-neighbourhood slum-free, nearly 163 slums still exist, housing
connectivity and access to institutions, markets, around 17,686 households and 1.57 lakh people.
and residential colonies. The north–south and Under Central-sponsored schemes like
east–west connectivity is primarily governed by VAMBAY, IHSDP, and RAY, about 5,000
these major corridors. Arterial Roads (Yellow beneficiaries were identified for housing
lines): Form the main transport spine of the city, assistance. However, progress has been uneven
connecting key locations such as Gopalpur — only 73 families benefited under VAMBAY
Junction, Engineering School Junction, Gate (2001), and 1,200 residents were selected under
Bazaar, Old Bus Stand, and PVN Rao Square. IHSDP (2010–11), out of which 462 units were
Sub-Arterial Roads (Green lines): Link residential completed. Later, 1,528 units (2012) and 2,058
and market areas with arterial routes, improving units (2013) were constructed under RAY, but
accessibility. Collector and Local Streets (Blue & many dwellers abandoned them due to the
Purple lines): Provide intra-neighbourhood absence of basic infrastructure such as roads,
connectivity and access to institutions, markets, water, and electricity (Tripathy et al, 2017).
and residential colonies. The north–south and
east–these major corridors govern west Currently, Berhampur has about 117,541 people
connectivity (Ranjan et al., 2021; Tripathy et al, (29,572 households) living in 254 slums,
2019; Bagh et al, 2022). including 190 authorised and 64 unauthorised
settlements. Most slums are irregularly scattered,
Traffic Junctions: High-traffic nodes such as concentrated in wards 3, 7, 9, 12, and 34, with
Gate Bazaar Square, PVN Rao Square, ward 31 being the only one without a slum
Engineering School Junction, Courtpeta Square, population. The highest authorised slum
and Kamapalli Square experience significant households are in wards 7 (1622 HHs), 8 (1328
congestion due to commercial and institutional HHs), and 9 (1545 HHs), while unauthorised
activities. The Old Bus Stand, Annapurna slums are concentrated in wards 3, 33, and 34.
Market, and Giri Market areas are critical Existing Schemes for Slum Development through
intersections where both pedestrian and Swarna Jayanti Sahara Rojgar Yojana,
vehicular movements are dense. Peripheral Annapurna Scheme, National slum development
junctions like Gopalpur Junction and Hardikhandi program, Balmiki Ambedkar awas Yojana and
Square act as gateways linking regional and Antardoya Anna Yojana
intra-city routes (Dash et al., 2021).
Parking Areas: The core area of Berhampur has 3.2 Clustering
a dense road network but suffers from narrow
streets, mixed land use, and encroachments, Slum pockets are not randomly distributed but
causing traffic delays. Commercial activities and are clustered in specific zones, primarily in the
public transport terminals are major traffic Central and Western parts of the city, just outside
generators. The southern and eastern sides the most historically dense core. A notable
(toward Kamapalli and Gopalpur) show emerging cluster exists in the North-Western corner
traffic pressure due to new residential and (including slums 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17), and
institutional developments. Identified parking another significant area is located in the central-
zones are mainly concentrated in the central and east (slums 4, 5, 18, 19). Scale: The total Area of
commercial parts of the city, such as Gate Approved Slums is 2.159683 Sq. Km,
Bazaar, Mayuree Tower, and Old Bus Stand. representing 6.4% of the total Municipal Area of
Lack of organised parking spaces along busy BeMC (Fig. 9).
corridors results in on-street parking, contributing
to traffic congestion and reduced road efficiency Location Rationale: Slums often form on
(Gowda et al., 2022). marginalised land or near employment centres.
The location of many slums (e.g., Slum
3. Result and Discussion 5 near MKCG Medical College and Hospital)
3.1 Informal Settlements in Berhampur suggests proximity to work opportunities is a key
City factor.

The slum dwellers of Berhampur, popularly Insight: Despite the massive increase in the
known as the Silk City, continue to live in poor Built-up area shown in the LULC map (indicating

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general construction), a significant portion of the as: a) Low-lying areas prone to waterlogging or
population is housed in informal settlements. flooding, b) Narrow strips along railway tracks or
This signifies a mismatch between the speed of major drainage channels, c) Government land
growth and the provision of adequate, equitable that is unutilized or disputed. Lack of
housing. Comprehensive Urban Planning.

Slums Exist in Berhampur City: The Sprawl over Infill: The LULC maps show
slumdwellers are the service Providers to sprawling (outward) urban growth. This
society. They live in shantytowns as they can expansion is often poorly regulated, leading to a
due to uncontrolled population growth and patchwork of formal and informal developments
Migration. that strains existing infrastructure. Inadequate
Infrastructure: The municipal services (water,
3.3 High Demographic Pressure sanitation, roads) are overloaded by the sheer
volume of new residents, especially in areas of
The city experienced a sharp and continuous unplanned slum growth, further degrading the
increase in population (projected to reach over quality of life in these settlements.
600Th by 2025). This growth rate is too fast for
the city's resources to handle. Influx of 3.5 Waterbodies
Migrants: As a major commercial and
educational hub in Southern Odisha, Berhampur Berhampur city, renowned for its traditional water
attracts a large volume of rural-to-urban migrants management system, had approximately 48
seeking work. These migrants are typically low- ponds in 2019 that served as essential
income earners who require extremely low-cost community water sources. These ponds currently
housing. Housing Market Failure due to fulfil about 25–30% of the city’s water demand,
pandemics, industry closures, riots and strikes, particularly benefiting low-income residents who
so that comfortable livelihoods are under rely on them for daily needs. Notable ponds
jeopardy. During COVID-19, the people staying include Salia Bandha, Beda Bandha, Khodasing
in Surat, Ahmedabad and other states migrated Bandha, and Nilakantheswar Pond. There
to Berhampur town and its suburban villages to is an urgent need for revival, desilting,
get jobs near their dwelling place. Affordability restoration, interconnections, and community-
Gap: The formal housing market, including the based conservation programs as part of future
massive Built-up area expansion shown in the urban planning initiatives (Fig. 10).
LULC map, largely consists of housing that is Issues and Observations: The existing water
unaffordable for the low-income migrant bodies are in deteriorating condition. They have
population. Insufficient Low-Cost Housing: become heavily silted due to insufficient
The municipal corporation and planning maintenance, and all the tanks are overrun with
authorities have been unable to provide aquatic plants due to a lack of cleaning. During
adequate subsidised/public low-cost housing to the rainy season, the city faces flooding issues
meet the demand created by the growth rate. caused by blocked water bodies.
Slums as a Solution: Slums emerge as the
default, cheapest, and most accessible housing Historically, around 34 ponds were
solution for the working class, meeting the basic interconnected through underground channels
need for shelter where the formal market fails. that facilitated natural water flow. However, rapid
urbanisation has disrupted these connections,
3.4 Location and Economic Magnetism reducing their effectiveness. Originally built for
irrigation and groundwater recharge, many ponds
Proximity to Jobs: Slums are strategically have now disappeared or changed function due
situated to minimise commuting costs and travel to encroachment, civil disputes, and neglect.
time for residents. The clusters shown on the Currently, six ponds are under civil dispute, while
map are often located near the Central Business others have become recreational parks or are
District (CBD), major markets such as Ganesh filled in for development. Despite these
Market and Gate Bazaar, as well as key challenges, ponds such as Salia Bandha,
employment centres like MKCG Medical College. Gosaninuagaon Bandha, and Khodasing Bandha
continue to play a crucial role in stormwater
Land Marginalisation: Informal settlements storage, local groundwater recharge, and
often occupy land that is undesirable, vacant, or maintaining the city’s microclimate. To sustain
legally complicated for formal construction, such these traditional water systems, there Berhampur

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Fig. 9. Approved Slum Pockets of BeMC

Source - Primary (Arc GIS, Google Earth Pro)

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Fig. 10. Water bodies inside BeMC area

Source - Primary (Arc GIS, Google Earth Pro)

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city had adequate tree plantations and greenery community awareness programs in high-cyclone
before the 1999 floods, but this was washed risk areas.
away during the floods. Hence, there is an urgent
need to develop urban forestry. 4. Issues and Challenges
3.6 Disaster Management Various threats and issues associated with the
people are (a) Inadequate stormwater drainage,
Bay of Bengal Disturbances: South coastal causing waterlogging during heavy rains. (b)
Odisha is a regular goalpost, and highly Limited public awareness about emergency
vulnerable to cyclonic storms, shattered protocols in certain localities. (c) Drinking water
Berhampur and adjoining areas from the Bay of problem (d) Inadequate water, sanitation and
Bengal, experiencing major hits from cyclones Hygiene. (e) Unplanned urbanization, obstructing
like a VSCS (1999), Philine (2013), Hudhud natural drainage and increases urban flood risk.
(2014), Titili (2018), Fani (2019), Gulab (2021), (f) Vulnerable infrastructure in old parts of the city
Jawad (2021) and Asani 2022 during the last 25 and informal settlements. (g) Slum dwellers and
years. inadequate housing, overcrowding. It is pertinent
to analyse the urban city development pattern
Coastal Erosion: Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2004, and structure spatially and temporally. It is
there has been a generation of high waves essential for the regional development process
eroding the coastal stretches between the and the identification of the areas that should be
Bahuda to the Rushikulya River mouth, and the developed further. Additionally, the findings
coastal stretches of Berhampur triplet city. Many would contribute to planning a sustainable
fisher’s villages are submerged in rising sea proposed 3-tier Berhampur city, including the
during 2013 (Philine and Hoodhood). The developed infrastructure, services, and especially
World Bank, with Govt. have shifted the villages providing sustainable solutions for slum areas.
inland, which has separated the sea from the
fishers. 4.1 Inadequate Water Supply
Floods/Waterlogging: During the monsoon, The basic challenge in the existing situation as
heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers can lead to Berhampur receives water mainly through a
flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly piped water supply from local sources and some
drained areas of the city. groundwater extraction. According to reports,
Heatwaves: Summers sometimes witness about 25–30% of the population relies on
extreme temperatures affecting health, alternative sources like hand pumps or
particularly for vulnerable populations like the borewells. These issues can be attributed to the
elderly and children. uneven distribution of pipes and taps across
wards, with some low-income areas facing
Man-Made Disasters: The Urban Fire Incidents: shortages. Leakage and outdated pipelines lead
Due to narrow lanes, electrical short circuits, and to water loss and limited treatment, affecting
informal settlements, urban fires can occur. water quality.
Industrial Accidents: The radiation from Indian
Rare Earths Limited (IREL) and other Small- 4.2 Sewage and Sewerage System
scale industries or chemical storage units in the
city can pose hazards if safety measures are not In the existing situation, Berhampur has a
followed. Traffic Accidents: High traffic partially underground sewer network, those are
congestion on main roads increases the risk of mostly in banks of main roads, while many
accidents. residential areas use open drains or septic tanks.
Prompt attention is to be given to issues like
Existing Disaster Management Measures: Open drains cause health hazards and water
They include early warning systems for cyclones contamination. Lack of proper sewage treatment
and issuing flood alerts from the Odisha State plants, mixing of untreated wastewater into local
Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), CWC water bodies occurs and Blockages in drains
(the Central Water Commission) and the during the monsoon in low-lying areas.
evacuation of vulnerable residents to shelters.
Coastal erosion victims are the most affected, 4.3 Drainage System Existing
with some fishing communities relocating inland.
Emergency services coordinate among fire The city has a combination of natural and man-
stations, hospitals, and police, supported by made drains, but many are narrow or

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a.

b.

Fig. 11 (a-b). (a) Open drains in BeMC (b) The SeTP of 40KLD for Berhampur, constructed in
2018

encroached, especially in older areas. During (MT) of solid waste per day, which is managed
heavy rains, flooding occurs in low-lying areas. through collection, transportation, and disposal at
The issues are blocked drains due to solid waste dumping grounds. This amount increases on
and debris. Inadequate capacity of drains to festive days. Approximately 27% of the waste
handle stormwater during the monsoon. consists of decomposable household waste,
Encroachments are reducing drainage efficiency. while about 28% is construction debris. Following
Defecation in gulley drains often changes the awareness initiatives, around 60-70% of the
drain water from green to grey water. A 40 city's garbage is now directed to the dumping
Kiloliters/ day (KLD) SeTP is in operation by yards. BeMC plans to manage about 1,500 TPD
BeMc, which uses Decentralised Wastewater of waste. As part of Project X, BeMC is
Treatment Systems. (DEWATS) technology implementing an integrated municipal solid waste
treating both solid and liquid septage in an (MSW) management project at Village Mohuda in
integrated, gravity-flow-based system, in the year Tehsil Kukudakhandi, covering an area of 33.62
2018, and a 75KLD SeTP is under construction acres (Panda et al., 2019).
at Amba Pua, Berhampur (Fig. 11 (a and b) Joshi Storage: The waste storage practices in the
et al. 2017). town reflect a significant level of public apathy,
largely due to a lack of awareness. Only about
4.4 Sustainable Sanitation 3% of households use closed dustbins for waste,
while 10-12% rely on open baskets, which are
Municipal Solid Waste Generation: Currently, considered unsafe. The municipality utilises two
the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) types of containers: cylindrical concrete bins with
generates an average of 170 to 250 metric tons a capacity of 0.5 to 0.75 cubic meters and

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masonry cubicles that hold approximately 4 to 5 promote economic growth (Govt of Odisha,
cubic meters. Currently, there are about 100 2023). Compendium of Investible Projects.
cylindrical bins and cubicle points, which are
insufficient for the actual amount of waste 4.6 Land Use and Land Cover
generated. In fact, the cubicles can have the
For the smart 3-Tire Berhampur city, it is required
capacity ~ 30% needed for proper waste
to (a) promote compact and planned urban
disposal, and the rest is discarded in open fields
growth instead of uncontrolled sprawl. To ensure
[Link].
sustainable development, future urban planning
for Berhampur should focus on: (b) preserving
Segregation: Regarding waste segregation,
green cover and water bodies through zoning
there is a complete lack of source separation in
and environmental protection laws. (c)
the town. Mixed waste is commonly discarded in
Developing or upgrading satellite townships,
roads, drains, and other public spaces. About
urban infrastructure, drainage systems and
100 rag pickers engage in collecting recyclable
peripheral growth centres to reduce congestion
materials such as wood, glass, plastics, metals,
in the core city. (d) Encouraging mixed land-use
and other debris, which they then sell to
planning for balanced residential, commercial,
approximately 15 scrap dealers in the city at low
and recreational use.
prices. These rag pickers earn between Rs. 30
and Rs. 50 daily for their efforts.
4.7 Transportation
Collection, Transportation, Treatment and
Disposal: In Berhampur, the municipality is The city is expanding northeast along NH217
responsible for waste collection, transportation, and NH5, with a new development called New
treatment, and disposal. Residents often discard Berhampur. Strong connections to national
waste in the streets and drains, creating informal highways suggest growth potential in both the
collection points. Municipal sweepers collect this northeast and southwest. To reduce congestion
waste using wheelbarrows, but only 60% is and enhance regional connectivity, a proposed
collected, and 78% of that is sent to the Ring Road around Berhampur city is essential.
Chandania Hills dumping yard, which also This road would start from Ankuli and connect to
receives construction debris. Treatment options industrial areas and Tampara Lake, passing near
are limited to this 10-acre site, which may Gopalpur before reconnecting to NH-16 near
become a landfill in the future. Street cleaning Ganjam. Improving interconnectivity will require
occurs daily from 8 AM to 12 PM, while garbage road widening and thorough traffic studies.
collection frequency varies based on vehicle and
crew availability and the suitability of time and The Ring Road diverts traffic away from
climate. Proposals and Recommendations as per congested central areas, which enhances
the guidelines for the preparation of detailed connectivity between industrial, residential, and
project reports and selection of technologies for institutional zones. Encourages new commercial
processing and final disposal of municipal solid and logistic hubs along the peripheral belt.
waste using 12th Finance Commission grants Reduces air and noise pollution in core areas.
[Link]
df. Parking Management: The development of
multi-level parking structures at Gate Bazaar and
4.5 Industries Old Bus Stand. Implementation of smart parking
systems near institutional and market areas. The
Large-scale industries like Indian Rare Earth Ltd. Traffic Improvement Measures to be adopted are
in Matikhal are expected to boost ancillary vertical multilevel parking structures.
industries in Berhampur. A Rs. 1200 crore Signalisation and adequate traffic personnel are
Titanium Dioxide project is underway in to be appointed at major junctions like PVN Rao
Chattrapur, while Tata Steel's multi-product SEZ Square and Engineering School Junction. Road
at Gopalpur is set to begin construction in three widening and footpath improvement in market
to four years. The Odisha government's areas are warranted. Dedicated lanes for public
Industrial Policy aims to develop the Rayagada- transport and non-motorised vehicles, and
Gopalpur corridor as an industrial zone, with alternate routes are to be fixed to ease the traffic.
plans for at least 100 new industries in the
Berhampur Municipal area in the next few years. Slum Management: For a growing city, the
Odisha's government, through IPICOL and residents of the shantytowns are often the
IDCO, is enhancing industrial infrastructure to service providers for the people in the city. These

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Fig. 12. Proposed Ring Road around Berhampur

Source - Berhampur Development Authority

slums need in-situ slum redevelopment with areas. Use of GIS-based hazard mapping for
affordable housing (PMAY scheme). Relocation better planning and early response, public
of flood-prone slums near Bandha and Canal awareness and mock drills for rescuing the
areas. Integration of slum pockets with water victims by conducting regular disaster drills in
supply, sanitation, road connectivity and schools, offices, and residential areas (Mishra et
sheds for night halt—community development al., 2014, Panda et al., 2020).
centres near Mukteswar and Hardikhandi areas.
Green buffer zones are to be developed along Drinking Water Supply: The BeMC’s clean
canal embankments to prevent further water supply for both drinking and WASH
encroachment (Ali et al., 2021, Mishra et al., facilities necessitates the upgrade and
2024). expansion of the piped water network to ensure it
reaches all households. This should be
Disaster Management: Since the south Odisha complemented by implementing leakage
coast is the hotspot for cyclones and coastal detection and annual repair and maintenance
erosion, it is necessary to improve stormwater programs. Additionally, constructing more
drainage systems to prevent waterlogging. water treatment plants is essential to
Essential to develop a comprehensive city-wide guarantee a potable water supply. Promoting
disaster management plan, including evacuation rainwater harvesting in public and
routes and shelters. Required to promote public private buildings is also necessary (Alice et al.,
awareness campaigns about disaster 2023).
preparedness and safety measures. To
encourage resilient building practices and Sewage & Sewerage System: To build an
enforce zoning regulations in hazard-prone efficient sewage and sewerage system in the 3-

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tier cities to mitigate urban floods, it is required to management, drainage problems, and disaster
expand underground sewer networks to cover all preparedness, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation
neighborhoods, including building modern and inadequate infrastructure. To enhance
sewage treatment plants (STPs). It is essential to resilience against floods and health hazards, it is
introduce regular cleaning and maintenance of vital to improve pipelines, drainage systems, and
drains, encouraging Encourage community waste management, along with fostering
awareness on proper sewage disposal. community awareness and disaster planning.
The Odisha State Government has amalgamated
Solid Waste Management: The BeMC solid 14 Gram Panchayats since January 4, 2026, to
waste management serves about 100 thousand improve urban services. A comprehensive
people. It is necessary to implement door-to-door development plan is urgently needed for
waste collection and proper segregation, Berhampur and its surrounding areas, including
promote composting of organic waste and Chhatrapur and Gopalpur, to ensure sustainable
recycling of plastics, develop sanitary landfill urban development.
sites and avoid open dumping. It is required to
use GIS and smart bins for efficient waste To ensure orderly growth in 3-tire Berhampur
collection and monitoring. and its suburbs, designated areas for industrial,
residential, commercial, transportation, and
Liquid Waste Management: Possible recreational purposes must be managed
necessities for improving the liquid waste effectively. The agglomeration of the three-tier
management and the possible activities are: (i) city should give importance to vertical expansion
Construction of an RCC drain with cover slabs, for residential areas instead of horizontal growth
(ii) Renovation and repair of the existing drains, for commercial and residential areas, creating
(iii) Construction of new SW channels, (iv)Widen multifunctional hubs. Additionally, implementing
and renovate primary and secondary drains. (v) effective WASH infrastructure and striving for a
Desilting of existing drains and (Vi) Frequent zero-slum concept is essential.
Cleaning of SWD channel. In addition, ensure
regular cleaning and maintenance before the This manuscript addresses a significant gap in
monsoon. Water bodies and ponds can be used assessing urban infrastructure in rapidly growing
for stormwater harvesting and retention basins to coastal cities in India. By utilising GIS-based
reduce pressure on drains. Implement spatial analysis alongside field surveys and
community awareness and government stakeholder input, the study creates a replicable
restrictions to prevent dumping in drains or illegal framework for evaluating infrastructure adequacy
constructions (Biswal et al, 2019; Barik et al, and service delivery disparities. The findings
2020). The present biomedical wastes generated reveal spatial inequalities in urban infrastructure
from the health care establishments are disposed and open spaces, providing insights for
of through common biomedical waste treatment sustainable urban planning and supporting
and Disposal (CBWTDF) facilities or by deep- evidence-based policymaking for SDG 11,
burial practice must be improved (e-mail benefiting urban planners, geographers, and
Paribesh; OSPCB Lr. No. 7312 /VISC(LEM)Proj- sustainability researchers.
304 (Vol-IX) /24-25 Date: 07.04.2025.
Disclaimer (Artificial Intelligence)
This manuscript contributes to the scientific
community by analyzing the urban city Author(s) hereby declares that NO generative AI
development pattern and structure spatially and technologies such as Large Language Models
temporally. This context is crucial for the regional (ChatGPT, COPILOT, etc.) and text-to-image
development process and identification of the generators have been used during the writing or
areas that should be developed further. editing of this manuscript.
Additionally, the findings would contribute to
Competing Interests
planning a sustainable urban city, including the
developed infrastructure, especially by providing Authors have declared that no competing
sustainable solutions for slum areas interests exist.

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