Conservation and Protection of Peri-Urban Rural Landscapes from the Impacts of Urbanization: Case Study of Manimangalam, Mahanyam and Malaipattu Villages in Manimangalam Watershed

Abstract

Rural farmland preservation, open spaces, water bodies and woodland in the suburbs strongly contrast the borders of urban and peri-urban areas. High loss of agricultural lands and land plots as dumping grounds found in suburban due to unplanned urban development, which in turn would impact economic growth and contribute to poor quality of life in the suburbs. The suburban fringes have a complex political and demographic character. Industries and development of real estate are transforming rural land as it is available at affordable prices, agricultural land is being transformed into barren land and common ground, and open spaces are being gradually invaded. Manimangalam watershed region in the sriperambadur taluk in the suburban area of Chennai is one of those places that faces many challenges due to urban sprawl and industrial growth, Manimangalam watershed with a chain of 56 lakes, Mahanyam reserve forest and Malaipattu hills have a high quality of scenery in it. The change in land use is due primarily to the expansion of the corridors of urbanization, industrialization and transportation. Green and brown fields split the high scenic quality of rural landscapes and they need to be given great attention. Cultural, ecological, economic and agricultural values and the ideals of leisure must be maintained and the conservation and growth potential must be evaluated and included in suburban development urban planning. Urban growth boundary and smart growth of peri-urban areas and the conservation of rural landscapes will encourage sustainable urban development in the future.