Abstract The peri-urban region of Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) area has experienced substantial socioeconomic changes throughout the
Abstract The peri-urban region of Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) area has experienced substantial socioeconomic changes throughout the last decade (2011–2023). Most of the literature focused on urban expansion, landuse changes and industrial expansion with little attention to complex interaction between urbanization, industrialization and their effects on livelihoods and quality of life (QoL). This study examines the socio-economic transformations in the peri-urban zone of the Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) from 2011–2023, emphasizing how urbanization and industrialization shape livelihoods and quality of life (QoL). The study collected primary data and used satellite-driven data for constructing several indices like the Peri-Urban Development Index (PUDI), Peri-Urban Development Transition Index (PUDTI), Livelihood Diversity Index (LDI), and Quality of life (QoL). By the systematic sampling method, the study considered 830 households with 10% marginal error and 20% non-sampling for the primary survey. Furthermore, statistical analyses like multiple linear regression and ANOVA have been applied to identify the variation in QoL across the study units. The study reveals a positive association between livelihood diversification and PUDTI, underscoring how economic diversification supports socio-economic advancement in peri-urban areas. Multilinear regression analysis highlights that demographic and economic factors especially sex ratio, household mobility, and educational opportunities are stronger predictors of QoL than land use and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, ANOVA results show that inner peri-urban areas experience more substantial QoL improvements than outer areas, likely due to better access to educational institutions, healthcare, transportation, and banking facilities, which have all seen significant upgrades. Despite these advancements, the study also identifies challenges, including displacement from traditional occupations and rising income inequality. These findings underscore the need for integrated development policies to address the diverse and complex factors influencing urbanization and the well-being of peri-urban residents, offering valuable insights for policymakers aiming to foster balanced growth in peri-urban zones.
