Impact of Urban Form on pm2.5 Concentration in Indian Metropolitan Cities

HIMANK SEN, Lovleen Gupta, Delhi Technological University

     Abstract Number: 377
     Working Group: Urban Aerosols

Abstract
Urban form planning has become an essential strategy to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in urban areas. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the main pollutant, which poses significant health risk and environmental challenge. Understanding the relationship between PM2.5 and urban form is crucial for designing effective mitigation strategies in current scenario where population is increasing exponentially and urban migration is also increasing. This study explores the relationship between urban form metrics like LSI (Landscape Shape Index), Division (Landscape Division Index), COHESION (Patch Cohesion Index), PARA_MN (Mean Perimeter Area Ratio), etc., as determined by analysing Land Use-Land Cover data in FRAGSTAT and PM2.5 concentration retrieved for Indian metropolitan cities from 2000 to 2020. We explored the spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentrations and assessed the correlation with different urban form metrics. Six control variables, including temperature, NDVI, precipitation, wind speed, population and GDP per capita were selected for use in multiple linear regression models.

In the study preliminary findings suggest that PM2.5 concentrations exhibit spatial variability across Indian metropolitan cities, influenced by diverse urban form factors. Higher PM2.5 levels were observed in areas with denser urban development, more fragmentation, and limited green spaces. Conversely, areas with compact land use patterns and better connectivity tend to have lower PM2.5 concentrations.

The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders involved in mitigating air pollution and promoting sustainable urban development. By integrating urban form considerations into air quality management strategies, cities can work towards creating healthier and liveable urban environments for their residents.

Keywords: PM2.5, Landscape shape index, Landscape division index, patch cohesion index, fragstats, NDVI.