DOI: 10.70650/rvimj.2026v3i1004

  DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.70650/rvimj.2026v3i1004

Abstract: Rapid urbanization in India often occurs without commensurate growth in infrastructure, leading to the pervasive challenge of informal settlements. Muzaffarpur, a prominent urban centre in Bihar, exemplifies this trend, experiencing significant population growth driven primarily by rural-to-urban migration. This study presents a spatio-temporal analysis of the dynamics between Muzaffarpur’s urban expansion and the proliferation of slums, identifying the spatial patterns and temporal trends of informal settlement growth over the past two decades. The research employed an integrated methodology utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) data, and comprehensive Census data analysis. High-resolution satellite imagery was processed using remote sensing techniques and object-based image analysis (OBIA) to accurately delineate slum boundaries and map land-use changes. Demographic data was correlated with the physical expansion of informal settlements to establish the relationship between urban growth and slum formation. This study provides essential empirical insights into the socio-spatial characteristics of slum growth in Muzaffarpur. The results underscore the urgent need for evidence-based urban planning policies focusing on inclusive infrastructure development, sustainable housing solutions, and targeted interventions to address the socio-economic vulnerabilities of slum populations.

Keywords: Slum, Urbanization, Satellite imagery, Urban amenities, Urban agglomerations.