"NEIGHBOURHOOD ENVIRONMENT: ASSESSING AND MAPPING OF VULNERABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS OF AZAMGARH CITY FOR PLANNING".

Vulnerability has arisen as a complex theme of research in environmental studies and assessing vulnerability has become a real concern in developing countries. A neighbourhood has been determined as an essential physical unit in planning because of its environmental comprehensiveness. An adequate environment with its appropriate plans and services is believed to cherish a healthier society, which can be achieved through identification of vulnerable neighbourhood environment and its proper planning. Understanding neighbourhood environmental problems and identifying vulnerable units can play an important role in environmental improvement and comprehensive planning at local levels. In the present study an attempt has been made to study neighbourhood environmental problems in different neighbourhoods in order to identify and map vulnerable neighbourhoods of Azamgarh City. Important factors that have contributed to rise of environmental vulnerability (development of slums to high risk and hazardous areas, lack of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, overcrowding, lack of infrastructure facilities etc.) were taken under consideration. For identification of vulnerable neighbourhoods in Azamgarh City, different wards are grouped into different neighbourhoods on the basis of income, population and density. Neighbourhood Environmental conditions of each neighbourhood such as drainage conditions, water logging, accumulation of solid waste, water supply and quality, overcrowding, air and noise pollution etc. has been assessed for the identification of vulnerable neighbourhoods of Azamgarh City. Finally suggestions have been provided for proper planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]