Geography Urbanization and urban development in Kargil, Ladakh in the Indian Trans-Himalaya

Urbanisation is one of the major drivers of socio-economic and environmental change in the Trans-Himalayas. Recently, the remote and less accessible areas of Ladakh have been undergoing rapid urbanisation due to road construction, mountain tourism, geopolitics, administrative changes and external interventions. These driving factors are responsible for the drastic transformation and urban development in the newly formed Union Territory of Ladakh. The region has experienced rapid urban growth and unplanned urban development, particularly in the capital cities of Leh and Kargil. Kargil town is the second largest urban centre in the region after the capital Leh. Kargil town has witnessed drastic changes in the urban landscape due to an increase in urban population, rural-urban migration, the tourism sector, urban expansion and an increase in built-up areas. Historical development, urban population growth, land use and land cover change (LULC) and increasing tourism activities have played a significant role in the emergence and growth of this mountain town in Ladakh. Based on a multi-temporal approach using high resolution satellite imagery combined with mixed methods and field surveys, urbanisation and its landscape dynamics have been analysed since the 1960s.

The opening up of Ladakh to motorised traffic in 1960 and the advent of tourism in 1974 led to massive urban change. There have been notable changes in LULC and socio-economic activities in both rural and urban settlements. The formation of LAHDC-Kargil in 2003 has led to increased road construction, employment generation and infrastructure development. Most of the urban transformation is driven by the administrative centre, tourism activities, and educational and economic opportunities in Kargil. Rural to urban migration and urban population growth have led to the construction of residential, commercial and public buildings, and the massive increase in tourist arrivals has led to the establishment of more hotels, guesthouses and travel agencies. The lack of urban planning regulations and unplanned development has led to uncontrolled urban growth and expansion in the capital. Urban development plans have been instrumental in changing and shaping the character of the urban landscape. They have brought about significant socio-economic changes. Being an administrative centre, critical urban challenges and issues have emerged regarding solid waste, water supply, public toilets, deep drains, footpaths and urban mobility. The main reasons for the emergence of these critical urban challenges and issues have been the poor governance structure and lack of proper urban planning. Thus, there has been a major obstacle in managing and addressing the complex existing urban problems. There has also been a significant transition in socio-economic activities. The occupational structure is changing from agricultural to non-agricultural activities, as most of the cultivators are engaged in economic activities. 

This has been a major obstacle to managing and tackling the complex urban problems that exist. There has also been a significant transition in socio-economic activities. The occupational structure is changing from agricultural to non-agricultural activities, as most of the cultivators are engaged in economic activities. The aim of this study is to contribute to the urbanisation process in mountain areas, which still needs to be studied, and to make the best possible recommendations for policymakers by critically examining the urban phenomena. The study suggests that there should be more emphasis on sustainable development to address the challenges and issues of urban development in Ladakh.

PhD Project: Altaf Hussain
Funding: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
Duration: 2020-2025