Modelling spatial accessibility and equity of urban green spaces in New Delhi

In the ever-evolving urban landscape, the pursuit of spatial equity has become a methodically executed operation. Urban Green Spaces (UGS) are critical components of sustainable cities, offering significant environmental, social, and health benefits. This study investigates the spatial accessibility of UGS in New Delhi through a comprehensive analysis that integrates remotely sensed (Sentinel-2) and crowdsourced data, i.e., OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Employing the Gravity Model and the Container approach, the research aims to uncover disparities in green space distribution across different parts of the city, with a focus on what factors influence such accessibility. Our findings reveal stark spatial inequities, with accessibility indices in central and southern wards being up to five times higher than in densely populated eastern and western wards of New Delhi, where green space-to-population ratios remain below 0.1. These spatial inequities reflect broader socio-economic imbalances, where some areas benefit from extensive green infrastructure while other districts grapple with substantial deficits. The study is limited to a static assessment of UGS accessibility, focusing on the supply side, and does not incorporate qualitative factors such as user perceptions or seasonal variations in green space use. This study not only highlights the persistence of environmental injustices but also underscores the importance of integrative planning and policy frameworks that address these spatial inequities concerning green space access. By bridging theoretical constructs of spatial justice with empirical geospatial data, the research advocates for policy reforms aimed at fostering equitable urban environments and advancing the discourse on environmental justice in global urban contexts.