Relationship between Population Attributes and Built-up Area Expansion in Sargodha District, Pakistan

Muhammad Umar Farooq; Atta-ur-Rahman; Omar Riaz; Maryam Khalid; Brigadier Dr. Muhammad Naeem Qazi

Authors

Muhammad Umar Farooq Ph. D Scholar, Department of Geography & Geomatics, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Atta-ur-Rahman Chairman, Department of Geography & Geomatics, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Omar Riaz Associate Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Sargodha, Pakistan
Maryam Khalid Lecturer, Institute of Geography, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Brigadier Dr. Muhammad Naeem Qazi Senior Manager, Fauji Fertilizer Company, Pakistan

Keywords:

Built-up Area, Density, Expansion, Population growth, Urban Population

Abstract

The evolution of Sargodha district's built environment and population dynamics over the years underscores a discernible trend of urbanization. This research analyzed the built-up area expansion due to population growth characteristics in the study area. The population data for the current study is acquired from the population census of 1998 and 2017 while the built-up area change is analyzed through satellite images. The expansion of housing units played a pivotal role in accommodating the growing population and urban infrastructure. The number of housing units rose significantly from 411,209 in 1998 to 592,044 in 2017. Such a surge underscores efforts to cater to the growing population and enhance infrastructure. Among the district's tehsils, Sargodha Tehsil experienced the most substantial surge in population density. From 704.1 persons per square kilometer in 1998, it soared to 999.45 persons per square kilometer in 2017, depicting a robust growth of 41.9% or 295.35 persons per square kilometer. With an average annual growth rate of 1.86%, Sargodha Tehsil's population increase remained consistent and noteworthy. In contrast, Shahpur Tehsil displayed a comparatively moderate growth in population density. The density grew from 341.7 persons per square kilometer in 1998 to 459.46 persons per square kilometer in 2017, implying a 34.5% rise or 117.76 persons per square kilometer. Shahpur Tehsil's average annual growth rate stood at 1.57%, indicating steady albeit relatively slower population growth.