Population Of Delhi Research Articles

Size fraction of hazardous particulate matter governing the respiratory deposition and inhalation risk in the highly polluted city Delhi.

Delhi has been identified as one of the highly polluted cities in the world and recently associated with the highest population weighted PM2.5 concentration. However, the unavailability of the health risk estimations using long-term data for Indian cities has been pointed out as a hurdle in performing the correct assessment. The present work estimated deposition of particles in different regions of respiratory systems (head airway = 67% deposition for 2.5µm particles; tracheo-bronchiolar (TB) = 73% deposition for 1.0µm particles; alveolar (AL) = 17% deposition for 0.5µm, 0.25µm, and < 0.25µm particles) using PM samples collected at a breathing height of 1.5m near the major ring road in New Delhi (India). The calculated risk index (RI) varied considerably between winter (1.21 ± 0.26 to 1.33 ± 0.50) and pre-monsoon-southwest monsoon months (0.34 ± 0.08 to 0.96 ± 0.27). Respiratory deposition dose of nanosized particles (≤ 500nm) in the alveoli region of the lung was found to be considerable (35%) indicating the need for understanding the role of these particles in posing health risk. Although the calculated values of risk metric for exposures of PM-associated metals indicated no risk to IIT Delhi population (hazard quotient < 1 and excess risk of getting cancer < 10-6-10-9), continuous monitoring for particles of different sizes at inhalation height are required for protecting human health.

Neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2: A population based seroepidemiological analysis

This study (August–September 2021) estimated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in the general population of Delhi and correlated it with their anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. Samples were selected by simple random sampling method. The neutralizing capacity was estimated by performing a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) (GenScript), Piscataway, NJ, USA.A total of 2233 (87.1%, 95% C.I. 85.7, 88.3) of the 2564 SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositive samples had detectable SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. In samples with S/CO ​≥ ​4.00, the neutralizing antibodies ranged from 94.5% to 100%. The SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody seroprevalence strongly correlated with the S/CO range of IgG SARS-CoV-2 (r ​= ​0.62, p ​= ​0.002).

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Delhi, India, During September-October 2021: A Population-Based Seroepidemiological Study.

BackgroundA previous community-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serosurvey in Delhi in January 2021 reported a seroprevalence of 50.52%. We conducted a repeat serosurvey to obtain a recent estimate of the seroprevalence of IgG SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of Delhi, India.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from September 24 to October 14, 2021, in 274 wards of Delhi among 27,811 participants through a multistage sampling technique.ResultsThe crude seroprevalence was 89.5% (95% CI 89.1, 89.8), weight for age and sex was 88% (95% CI 87.6, 88.4), and after adjustment for assay performance was estimated as 97.5% (95% CI 97.0, 98.0). On adjusted analysis, the odds of seroconversion in the participants vaccinated with at least one dose of either COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield/Covaxin) was more than four times compared to the unvaccinated ones (aOR 4.2 (3.8, 4.6)). 86.8% of the seropositive individuals had a SARS-CoV-2 signal/cut-off ≥4.0 although it was significantly lower in the pediatric age group. Post-second wave (August to October 2021), on average there were daily 39 new COVID-19 cases and 0.44 deaths which during Omicron driven the third wave in January to March 2022 increased to daily 4,267 cases and 11.6 deaths.ConclusionA high prevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 with likely higher antibody titres in the vaccinated compared to the unvaccinated groups with evidence of hybrid immunity in a majority of the population was protective against severe disease during transmission of subsequent omicron variants.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Its Determinants in the General Population of Delhi, India: A State Level Cross-Sectional Survey.

Objective: To ascertain the COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy and vaccine confidence in the adult population, and the intention for vaccination of their children.Methods: This cross-sectional analysis reports the ancillary results of a population-based SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey conducted in Delhi, India, from September 24 to October 14, 2021. Data were collected from 20312 adult participants through a multistage sampling method from all the 274 wards in the 11 districts of the national capital territory region.Results: We enrolled 12093 (59.3%) females and 8219 (40.5%) male participants with mean (SD) age of 40.3 (14.6) years. The vaccine acceptance rate in the participants was 67.7% (95% CI 67.1, 68.4), with 6031 (43.8%) having received one dose and 7727 (56.2%) having received two vaccine doses. On adjusted analysis, lack of vaccine acceptance was independently associated with female gender aOR 1.15 (95% CI 1.1, 1.23), younger age-group (18-49 years) aOR 1.85 (95% CI 1.71, 2.0), low educational status aOR 1.88 (95% CI 1.77, 2.0), in those with no history of COVID-19 aOR 1.81 (95% CI 1.69, 1.95), non-healthcare workers aOR 2.1 (95% CI 1.7, 2.53), and in the absence of hypertension comorbidity aOR 1.22 (1.1, 1.38). Lack of awareness of COVID-19 vaccines, including doubts on vaccine efficacy and long-term safety, were primary drivers of vaccine hesitancy in the unvaccinated subgroup. Only 35.6% participants reported a positive intention to vaccinate their children.Conclusions: One in three adults lacked vaccine acceptance. High prevalence of delay in second dose vaccination was also observed.

Knowledge and attitude on contact lens use among urban population of South Delhi- A questionnaire based study

Contact lens are used by people nowadays seen in the previous studies. To know about the knowledge on their practice and attitude towards using contact lens is necessary to state the safety measures and to understand the benefits of using contact lens by population.To investigates the correlation between knowledge on practice and attitude towards contact lens among the population of South Delhi. To identify the factors responsible for the increasing demand of contact lens among urban population of South Delhi.A semi structured questionnaire was used to know about the knowledge on practice and attitude towards contact lens use among participants.: In this survey 104 participants have participated. In between 18 to 30 years of age the contact lens wearers generally had poor knowledge on practice with regards to appropriate parameters of using contact lens and their complications. Wearers exhibiting a positive attitude with satisfactory hand hygiene and lens cleaning practices, important aspects such as lens case hygiene, storage and lens removal practices were found to be good . Compliance with after-care visits was poor. Knowledge on Practice and Attitude towards contact lens among urban population of South –Delhi in India is mainly for good vision as well as cosmetic reasons. Accordingly, there is a need for health education program for awareness on how to use contact lenses and what are the benefits for using contact lens among the non-users of contact lens in the given population. These programs should aim at promoting Contact Lens hygiene practices, Benefits of using contact lenses and eliminating the likelihood of Contact Lens related complications.

Profile of atmospheric particulate PAHs near busy roadway in tropical megacity, India

Objective: This study focuses on the profile of ambient particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), their seasonal distribution, source identification and human health risk assessment due to inhalation exposure of ambient PAHs in Delhi, India. Materials and Methods: Two sampling sites were chosen, one at roadway (MH) and other at urban background (JNU) site in Delhi. Determination of PAHs was carried with the help of HPLC with UV detector. Principal component analysis and Molecular diagnostic ratios were used for the source apportionment of PAHs. Health risks associated with inhalation of particulate PAHs were assessed using benzo(a)pyrene equivalent concentration and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) approach. Results: The results showed that the average mass concentration of Σ16 PAHs near roadway (67.8 ± 40.2 ng m−3) is significantly higher than urban background site (56 ± 30 ng m−3). Moreover, source apportionment study indicated that major PAH-emission sources in Delhi NCR are traffic and coal combustion. ILCR values at both the sites fall in the range of 10−2–10−4 that corresponds to the priority risk level (10−3) and higher than the acceptable risk level (10−6). conclusions: The high PAHs concentration at MH site was due to it’s nearness to busy traffic area. Thus, the spatial variations in PAHs were influenced by local emission sources. The high PAHs level during the winter season can be due to their higher emissions from local heating sources, shift of gas/particle partitioning toward the particulate phase at low temperature and reduced photochemical degradation of some PAHs in winter. The low level of PAHs in monsoon season can be attributed to their wet scavenging and higher percentage in vapor phase. PCA showed that the emissions from vehicles predominate at MH site; whereas, coal combustion and traffic both are the significant PAHs sources at JNU site. Health risk assessment revealed that the highest exposure risks occur at busy traffic site, thereby indicating a significantly higher health risk to the population of Delhi.

Burden, risk factors and outcomes associated with gestational diabetes in a population-based cohort of pregnant women from North India

BackgroundThe burden of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) appears to be increasing in India and may be related to the double burden of malnutrition. The population-based incidence and risk factors of GDM, particularly in lower socio-economic populations, are not known. We conducted analyses on data from a population-based cohort of pregnant women in South Delhi, India, to determine the incidence of GDM, its risk factors and association with adverse pregnancy outcomes (stillbirth, preterm birth, large for gestational age babies) and need for caesarean section.MethodsWe analyzed data from the intervention group of the Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study (WINGS), an individually randomized factorial design trial. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at the time of confirmation of pregnancy, and for those who had a normal test (≤140 mg), it was repeated at 24–28 and at 34–36 weeks. Logistic regression was performed to ascertain risk factors associated with GDM. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated to find association between GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes and need for caesarean section.Results19.2% (95% CI: 17.6 to 20.9) pregnant women who had at least one OGTT were diagnosed to have GDM. Women who had prediabetes at the time of confirmation of pregnancy had a significantly higher risk of developing GDM (RR 2.08, 95%CI 1.45 to 2.97). Other risk factors independently associated with GDM were woman’s age (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.10, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.15) and BMI (AOR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07). Higher maternal height was found to be protective factor for GDM (AOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00). Women with GDM, received appropriate treatment did not have an increase in adverse outcomes and no increased need for caesarean sectionConclusionsA substantial proportion of pregnant women from a low to mid socio-economic population in Delhi had GDM, with older age, higher BMI and pre-diabetes as important risk factors. These findings highlight the need for interventions for prevention and provision of appropriate management of GDM in antenatal programmes.Clinical trial registrationClinical Trial Registry – India, #CTRI/2017/06/008908 (http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=19339&EncHid=&userName=society%20for%20applied%20studies).

Cheiloscopic Variation in a Population of New Delhi: A Study with a Review of Lip Print Patterns in Different Population Types

Cheiloscopic Variation in a Population of New Delhi: A Study with a Review of Lip Print Patterns in Different Population Types

Feasibility, effectiveness and cost of a decentralized HCV care model among the general population in Delhi, India.

Background and aimsIndia has a significant burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and has committed to achieving national elimination by 2030. This will require a substantial scale‐up in testing and treatment. The “HEAD‐Start Project Delhi” aimed to enhance HCV diagnosis and treatment pathways among the general population.MethodsA prospective study was conducted at 5 district hospitals (Arm 1: one‐stop shop), 15 polyclinics (Arm 2: referral for viral load (VL) testing and treatment) and 62 screening camps (Arm 3: referral for treatment). HCV prevalence, retention in the HCV care cascade, and turn‐around time were measured.ResultsBetween January and September 2019, 37 425 participants were screened for HCV. The median (IQR) age of participants was 35 (26‐48) years, with 50.4% male and 49.6% female. A significantly higher proportion of participants in Arm 1 (93.7%) and Arm 3 (90.3%) received a VL test compared with Arm 2 (52.5%, P < .001). Of those confirmed positive, treatment was initiated at significantly higher rates for participants in both Arms 1 (85.6%) and 2 (73.7%) compared to Arm 3 (41.8%, P < .001). Arm 1 was found to be a cost‐saving strategy compared to Arm 2, Arm 3, and no action.ConclusionsDelivery of all services at a single site (district hospitals) resulted in a higher yield of HCV seropositive cases and retention compared with sites where participants were referred elsewhere for VL testing and/or treatment. The highest level of retention in the care cascade was also associated with the shortest turn‐around times.

Impact of Strengthening and Proprioceptive Exercises on Balance and Activities of Daily Living (ADLS) In Knee Osteoarthritis Patients from West Delhi, Indianpopulation

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA)is a chronic joint disease, primarily occurring in aged population. Rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis aims to reduce pain and disability by strengthening, raising endurance, range of motion, proprioception and improving aerobic fitness. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to analyse and compare the impact of strengthening and proprioceptive exercises on balance and activities of daily living in knee OAin population of west Delhi, India. Material &amp; Methods- Thirty OA patients were enrolled from Khetarpal hospital, Delhi, after taking ethical approval and informed consent. A study was explained to subjects and data was obtained as per proforma. Age of patients ranged from 50-80 years. Diagnosis was established based on radiological examination shown in the knee joint X-ray. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software (Version 26). Results- Patients treated with the strengthening and proprioceptive exercises showed t-value on Berg balance scale(BBS)as -16.12 and 13.15 respectively, and the parameter of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) showed -13.21 and 13.481 respectively, were statistically significant. Conclusion-The study groups showed, both the exercises helped reduce pain and improved the balance of daily-based activities. Furthermore, both the groups showed a significant improvement in BBS and KOOS scales.

Genomic characterization and epidemiology of an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in Delhi, India.

Delhi, the national capital of India, has experienced multiple SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in 2020 and reached population seropositivity of over 50% by 2021. During April 2021, the city became overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases and fatalities, as a new variant B.1.617.2 (Delta) replaced B.1.1.7 (Alpha). A Bayesian model explains the growth advantage of Delta through a combination of increased transmissibility and reduced sensitivity to immune responses generated against earlier variants (median estimates; ×1.5-fold, 20% reduction). Seropositivity of an employee and family cohort increased from 42% to 87.5% between March and July 2021, with 27% reinfections, as judged by increased antibody concentration after a previous decline. The likely high transmissibility and partial evasion of immunity by the Delta variant contributed to an overwhelming surge in Delhi.

A Study of Lip Print Pattern Identification on the Population of Delhi

A Study of Lip Print Pattern Identification on the Population of Delhi

1062Effectiveness of recruitment and retention strategies in a population based prospective LoCARPoN AIIMS cohort study

Abstract Background In Indian population, recruitment and retention of elderly population for any study is challenging due to different demographic variations and ageing effects. In LoCARPoN (Longitudinal Cognition and Aging Research in the Population of National Capital Region) Cohort study which is first study in India to identify the risk factors for stroke or major cognitive disorders among elderly different multiple strategies were adopted for recruitment and retention of healthy participants aged 50 years and above . Methods The study was conducted in urban population in Delhi, India. The strategies adopted for recruitment and retention of participants for 3 years including follow up is done by following multiple principles viz, participants centric, resource management, system functionality, approachable facilities and other reinforcement tactics. Results Among 18294 households, 9817 households were found to be eligible to participate in the study. Out of that 7383 houses were approachable others refused (2434) at first stage. By following the strategies which incorporates participants’ satisfaction, efficient system functionality and reliable information a total of 12250 eligible participants in 7383 houses were contacted, out of them 8858 (72.3%) were consented to visit medical sites . Out of he Consented individuals 7505 (61.3 %) visited medical site. Conclusions The multiple strategies used were very effective for recruitment and retention of cohort participants Key messages Multiple strategies concerning study participants needs flexible and approachable techniques helps in recruitment and retention in any longitudinal cohort studies.

Assessment of the Prevalence and Relationship of Tobacco Use and Associated Oral Lesions in an Urban Population of New Delhi: a Cross-Sectional Study

Assessment of the Prevalence and Relationship of Tobacco Use and Associated Oral Lesions in an Urban Population of New Delhi: a Cross-Sectional Study

Low dose depot oral vitamin D3v. daily oral vitamin D3 for treating nutritional rickets: a randomised clinical trial.

We aimed to compare the efficacy of daily v. low dose depot oral vitamin D3 for treating nutritional rickets. We conducted a randomised controlled trial in the department of paediatrics of a tertiary care hospital catering to semi-urban and rural population in Delhi, India. We randomised sixty-six children aged 3 months to 5 years with nutritional rickets to receive either daily oral vitamin D3 drops (3-12 months: 2000 IU; > 12 months to 5 years: 4000 IU; n 33) for 12 weeks duration or a single oral depot dose of vitamin D3 granules (3-12 months: 60000 IU; > 12 months to 5 years: 150000 IU; n 33). Participants in both groups had comparable demographic characteristics, laboratory features and radiological severity of rickets. Thirty-three participants in each group received the assigned intervention and all were followed up till 12 weeks. At 12 weeks follow-up, children in both groups showed a significant improvement in all biochemical parameters (serum Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathormone and 25(OH) vitamin D levels) as well as radiological healing. At 12 weeks, the mean serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels (nmol/l) were statistically comparable in both groups (daily: 120·2 (sd 83·2), depot: 108 (sd 74), P = 0·43) and 31 (93·9 %) children in each group had radiological healing (Thacher score < 1·5). Two children in each group persisted to have raised ALP, and one child each in the daily group continued to have hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia at 12 weeks. Low dose oral depot vitamin D3 is an effective alternative to daily oral vitamin D3 for nutritional rickets.

Molecular surveillance of Dengue Virus (DENV) and its co-infection with Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) among febrile patients: A comparative study from South Delhi, India

Dengue and Chikungunya are two major arboviral infections transmitted worldwide by the mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. India suffers enormously with both Dengue and Chikungunya as they pose a great public health challenge. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of Dengue Virus (DENV), Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) and DENV/CHIKV co-infection (by Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)/Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), their clinical features, DENV serotypes and CHIKV specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) within a 7 years gap in the Delhi population. The study sample included clinically suspected febrile patients (?7 days) sera collected during 2017-2018 (n=87) and during 2008-2010 (n=623) from Delhi. Captured ELISA was performed for CHIKV IgG screening and nested PCR was done for DENV serotyping. The percentage prevalence for DENV was significantly higher than CHIKV with 41.38% (n=87) and 16.1% (n=87), respectively; interestingly, DENV/CHIKV co-infection was detected in 10.34% (n=9/87) cases during 2017-2018. Similarly, a high DENV prevalence was observed during 2008-2010 with the prevalence rate of 38.3% (69/180), 34.65% (35/101) and 47.07% (161/342), respectively. DENV 1 and DENV 3 were dominant serotype during 2008-2010 and 2017-2018 respectively. We have noticed a high prevalence (36.67%, 22/60) of the CHIKV IgG antibody in the 2017-2018 samples. Joint pain was more preferential to CHIKV mono-infection and DENV/CHIKV co-infection compared to DENV mono-infection. The present study highlights the need for active surveillance simultaneously for both DENV and CHIKV and to evaluate the role of CHIKV/DENV co-infections in disease severity in the endemic regions.

Skin disorders prevalent among orphanage children in Puducherry

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Around 20 million children, about 4% of the total population of India, higher than the population of Delhi, are abandoned and most of them dwell in orphanages.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;There are only few studies were carried out to analyse the spectrum of skin diseases in orphanage children and there is a paucity of data from orphanages in Puducherry. Hence this study was carried out to analyse the spectrum of skin disorders in orphanage children, in and around Puducherry. In this cross sectional study, three orphanages in and around Puducherry was chosen. Two dermatologists carried out the examination, including the skin, hair, nails and oral cavity of all the residents for a period of six months. Diagnoses were made clinically and recorded, treatment recommendations were offered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The data analysis was carried out using Graphpad Prism, a p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. A total of 216 children were enrolled in this study, of which 203 (93.98%) were found to have skin diseases. Infectious dermatoses were observed in 148 (68.52%) children whereas non-infectious dermatosis was evident in 83 (32.43%). Among the infectious dermatoses infestation was the most common (37.50%), followed by fungal in 48 (22.22%), bacterial 12 (5.56%) and viral in 7 (3.20%). Acquired disorders such as acne, eczema and xerosis and pigmentary, papulosquamous and other miscellaneous dermatoses constituted the non-infectious group dermatoses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Skin disorders in orphanage children are ought to be more common due to overcrowding, lack of personal hygiene etc, which is evident from higher incidence of contagious infectious dermatoses. Hence improving the standard of living, counseling and education to the care takers, and the children and good nutrition will help to bring down the skin diseases in orphanages.&lt;/p&gt;

Seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and predictors of seropositivity among employees of a teaching hospital in New Delhi, India.

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to the increased likelihood of clinical exposure during patient management. The study objective was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and its predictors among hospital employees.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital from August 2020 to September 2020 among 1,401 employees, including 1,217 HCWs, in New Delhi, India. The serum samples were examined for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using the COVID Kavach-Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Data were collected electronically using the EpiCollect mobile platform. A p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.ResultsA total of 169 participants (12.1%) had detectable IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The highest seropositivity rate was observed in the administrative staff (20.1%), while it was lowest among medical doctors (5.5%, p < 0.001). Male sex and ever having lived in a containment zone were independently associated with past infection with SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers may be lower than in the general population in New Delhi. However, nonpharmaceutical interventions were not associated with a reduction in the risk of acquisition of SARS-CoV-2.

Prevalence and pattern of non-communicable diseases among elderly in a sub-urban area of Delhi

Background: With increasing proportion of geriatric population across societies, the occurrence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases has been steadily increasing as well. The study tries to showcase the pattern and proportion of NCDs among the elderly population in a sub-urban part of Delhi. Aim &amp; Objective: To assess the prevalence and study the morbidity profile of NCDs among geriatric population of Delhi. Materials &amp; Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done in 350 elderly participants in Mehrauli, Delhi. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Detailed general and systemic examination was also done. Results: A total of 87.4% of the study population was suffering from at least one NCD; 68% were having an already known NCD(s) while 19.4% were newly diagnosed during the study. 2.41 NCDs were found per patient. The prevalence of hypertension was 58%, 49.4% suffered from senile cataract, 32.9% had osteoarthritis, 30.3% had diabetes mellitus, and 26.9% had obesity. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus together were present in 18.3% while the combination of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity was seen in 9.4% of the study participants. Conclusion: Burden of NCDs among the elderly was notably high with a large proportion of them having multimorbidity. It gets important to focus on preventive measures to delay the onset and stem the progression of NCDs to facilitate healthy ageing.

Spatio-temporal Assessment of Landscape Ecological Risk and Associated Drivers: A Case Study of Delhi

Urbanization is considered as the key driver for land use and land cover (LULC) changes across the globe and Delhi is no exception to this phenomenon. The population of Delhi has almost doubled from 8.4 million in 1991 to 16.3 million in 2011. Correspondingly, the built-up area has also increased from 336.82 to 598.22 km 2 during 1999–2018. This urban expansion has led to emergence of serious ecological risk and fragmentation of the landscape. In this context, it is imperative to analyse the level of risks induced by such urban expansion and its underlying associations with other factors. This article quantifies the LULC changes in Delhi during 1999–2018 using Landsat 5 (TM) and Landsat 8 (OLI) data. A spatio-temporal sprawl induced risk assessment index has been developed by combining landscape fragmentation score and land use land cover vulnerability score. The landscape fragmentation score was based on four landscape metrics, whereas the vulnerability score was computed from LULC data. The article also assesses the association between risk areas and economic activities, environmental and infrastructural amenities that are considered key drivers of urban expansion in Delhi. To estimate spatio-temporal variability between risk areas and key drivers, ordinary least square regression and geographical weighted regression (GWR) were used. The GWR results reveal that sprawl-induced ecological risk in Delhi is strongly associated with economic activity, infrastructural accessibility and environmental amenities. This spatial empirical assessment also shows that urban growth incentives or services such as roads, metro rail, schools and hospitals can also create pressure on the landscape if local authorities arbitrarily provide these services across space without considering the associated risks.