The peri-urban interface in Shahpur Khurd and Karnera, India

Abstract

This paper describes the peri-urbaninterfacein two villages — Shahpur Khurd and Karnera — located in the state of Haryana in north-west India, and close to Delhi, India's capital. The paper argues that devising policy interventions for the peri-urban interface requires explicit attention to strengthening rural—urban linkages that materialize through the two-way flow of goods and services between villages and urban centres. Improving transportation and connectivity have a clear role in this, and this requires collaboration across not only rural and urban governments but also across authorities at various levels — village, state and national. As the peri-urban interface emerges, there is a need for protecting common property resources that are diverted to other activities and purposes, or to provide an alternative to those who have conventionally depended on them for their sustenance. Finally, improving the quality of life in peri-urban settlements requires explicit attention to the siting and location of factories, which can adversely impact the quality of life of peri-urban dwellers.