Land suitability evaluation for land use planning in Shambhunath Municipality of Saptari District, Nepal

Abstract

Land use pattern is an outcome of natural and socio-economic factors and their utilization by humans in time and space. The demand of land for multiple use raises land use conflicts among different interest groups which necessitate proper allocation of land use for sustainable development. Land evaluation is one of the basic policy tools to design appropriate land suitability model for allocating specific land use. So, it is essential for proper allocation of land resource through land use planning. The present research has attempted the land evaluation process for land use planning. The specific objectives are to analyze the existing land use practices issues and spatio-temporal pattern of land use change since 1986 A.D., to evaluate the suitability of land for different use, to develop framework model for optimum land use plan, and to recommend the appropriate strategy for implementation of land use plan. This research has also attempted to evaluate the land use at the best option from the land suitability evaluation and land use simulation incorporating physical infrastructure and risk factors in land use planning for sustainable land management. The research work was carried out in Shambhunath Municipality of Saptari district, Nepal. It was basically guided by sustainable spatial planning approach and accomplished by both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Primary data was collected from filed visit, observation, rapid rural appraisal, participatory rural appraisal, key informant interviews, and focus group discussion. Holistic approach was adopted in analysis with six process such as analysis of land use pattern, identification of parameters, spatial modeling for risk layers, suitability evaluation for land use class, simulation of land use, and preparation of optimal land use plan with its implementation strategies. Land use changes were analyzed from 1986 to 2017. Potential land use zones were identified through land suitability analysis using AHP, MCE and GIS in relation to the risk factors such as flood, soil erosion, landslide and fire. The infrastructure development plan was allocated based on land use suitability index maps and planning guidelines. Land use simulation was made through Cellular Automata technique. Land use plan was developed based on simulated land use and optimized through SWOT analysis. Implementation strategy was developed based on legal framework to implement land use plan at the local level. Land use change pattern from 1986 to 2017 showed that agriculture land is increased with 842 ha through deforestation and encroachment of forest, barren land and open space area, whereas the forest land is decreased with 135 ha. The built-up area (residential, commercial and industrial) is also rapidly increased with 175 ha in scattered form along road network and surrounding the settlement. The major risk factors are occurred mostly surrounding the foot of Chure hill and along the Khando River. Total 27 criteria are identified for the land suitability analysis in local situation in the context of Nepal. GIS integrated with MCE-AHP based quantitative technique was applied for land suitability analysis to evaluate the land quality assessment for different land use. The suitability index map described the more appropriate site for specific land use. These suitability index maps were applicable in developing infrastructure plan and decision making process of land use planning to resolve land conflict for proper allocation of land use. Planning guideline was developed based on national and international standard and applied in designing physical infrastructure. Physical development plan is designed to allocate the public service facilities, utilities, and infrastructure based on the local people requirement. Land use plan is developed based on simulated land use incorporating the developing infrastructure plan and risk area. The developed land use plan is preserved the strength and opportunity as well as incorporating the weakness and minimizing the threats in optimization process. Almost 46 percent of the total areas have been planned for future agriculture land use followed by residential, commercial, industrial, and public uses accounting 201 ha, 26 ha, 3 ha, and 345 ha respectively. Implementation strategy is a framework for enforcement of compliance of land use zone and penalties for noncompliance, and acts as a guided land development activities for implementation of land use plan. Land use changes are found rapidly in the foot of Chure hill, surrounding existing settlement and along the transportation route. The suitability index map describes the suitable site for specific land use. These suitability index maps are applicable in developing infrastructure and decision making process of land use planning to resolve land use conflict for proper allocation of land use. Land use plan considers the spatial structure, economic value, physical infrastructure, risk layers, and strategic issue of land in an effective manner. Also, it covers the strength and opportunity of framework of study, incorporating the weakness and minimizing the threats. It is technically feasible and reliable; socially acceptable to local people by involving in planning process; and implementable at local level. It follows the basic assumption of Hoyt’s theory of land use and sustainable planning process. It also uses as a periodic plan to construct the basic infrastructure for land development in sustainable manner.