Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

Urbanization in India’s coastal districts is accelerating, often placing severe pressure on fragile ecosystems. Purba Medinipur (West Bengal) and Balasore (Odisha) are two such districts experiencing rapid growth due to industrialization, port development, and increasing population density. To understand how urban expansion interacts with ecological sustainability, this research integrates remote sensing data, spatial metrics, and governance analysis. Satellite imagery from 2000, 2010, and 2020 was analyzed to detect land use and land cover (LULC) changes, monitor vegetation health using NDVI, and compute the Urban Sprawl Index. Results reveal significant increases in built-up areas and notable declines in mangroves, wetlands, and green zones. Governance evaluation, based on an adapted Urban Governance Index and policy content analysis, highlights stronger planning capacity, community engagement, and ecological initiatives in Purba Medinipur—particularly through projects like “Sabujayan.” In contrast, Balasore demonstrates weaker institutional coherence, limited CRZ enforcement, and insufficient eco-development programs. Interviews and local development plans further emphasize these disparities. The findings underscore the importance of district-level planning that combines ecological awareness with structured governance. A comparative approach like this offers practical insights for coastal management and supports the creation of more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sound urban growth strategies in similar regions across India.