Spatial and Physical Transformation of Urban Gaya: A GIS-Enabled Temporal Assessment (1961–2011)

Abstract: This study investigates the spatial and physical transformation of urban Gaya, Bihar, over a fifty-year period (1961– 2011), employing Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for temporal analysis. Utilizing historical topographic maps, satellite imagery, and census data, it examines changes in urban extent, built-up areas, and land use/land cover (LULC). The findings reveal significant urban expansion into peripheral rural zones, primarily driven by demographic pressure, infrastructural growth, religious tourism, and the rise of informal settlements. This expansion often occurred at the cost of agricultural and open land, outpacing planned infrastructure development and resulting in uneven urban growth. The study emphasizes the urgent need for integrated and sustainable urban planning to ensure balanced development and mitigate environmental degradation. The outcomes provide critical insights for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers engaged in managing urban growth in similar contexts