Assessment of Urban Growth and Ecological Sustainability: Insights from Mumbai, India

Abstract

This study quantifies the overall impact of urban growth on the ecology of Mumbai by using an Ecological Footprint analysis. Its aim is to help determine the natural resource consumption of existing urban settlements. The objective is to assess the environmental impact resulting from the existing urban layouts on Mumbai's region. The research employs a comparative analysis of footprint and land ratio for different urban layouts of Mumbai. There are different layouts in Mumbai, primarily by MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and 10 Development Authority) & private builders. Footprints and land ratio of these layouts are calculated as per the Development Control Rules of Mumbai. The results are referred to as footprint per capita and land ratio required for the layout. The land ratio is the ratio of land required for the building's total footprint to the actual built-up area of land on which the building is erected. The land ratio is directly proportional to the quantity and type of material used for building. The land ratio required in case of MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Development authority) layout is almost double than layout by private builders as much more material quantities is required in case of MHADA layout due to more no buildings, and extra FSI utilized i.e., FSI of 2.50 as against 1.33 for private layout. Hence, layouts like private builders shall be preferred for Mumbai city to achieve the region's environmental sustainability.