Neighborhood Connectivity and Social Sustainability: A Study of Hyderabad’s Residential Areas

Abstract

Rapid ribbon development in Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad, has resulted in fragmented neighborhoods due to unplanned urban expansion. This study evaluates the critical factors influencing social sustainability in residential communities, focusing on neighborhood connectivity, safety, and green spaces. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected through quota sampling from 5–7% of government-approved housing schemes in Qasimabad. A Satisfaction Index was developed to assess residents’ perceptions of accessibility, safety, amenities, and community engagement and analyzed via SPSS-22. Key findings revealed severe dissatisfaction: only 19% of private vehicle users reported satisfaction, while over 60% rated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure as inadequate. Green spaces intended for communal use deteriorated, causing a 21.58% reduction in satisfaction. Despite moderate daytime safety ratings (+53.95%), the overall social sustainability index remained negative (−148.61%). This study underscores the urgency of integrated urban strategies—enhancing accessibility, revitalizing green spaces, improving safety measures, and fostering community engagement—to address fragmentation and achieve socially sustainable neighborhoods.

1. Introduction

Hyderabad’s historically significant Sindh Province location currently experiences rapid population expansion due to urbanization growth. Rapid urban development manifests both advantages and disadvantages in Qasimabad Taluka while existing as a suburban segment of Hyderabad. The uncontrolled ribbon development along significant corridors has separated neighborhoods into fragmented communities, harming infrastructure and making the area less suitable for living [1,2]. Population growth reveals an urgent need for sustainable urban planning, which must consider social and environmental welfare.

In Pakistan, urban land takes three forms: public, private, and land subject to conventional law [2], and the government owns a significant portion of urban land, but recent trends show challenges in neighborhood planning due to inadequate facilities for residents [3,4].

This research investigates urban planning problems in Qasimabad Taluka while specializing in social sustainability advancement for residential districts. This study examines sustainable development obstacles and essential keys such as accessibility, safety, community engagement, and spaces to create practical guidance for urban planners and policymakers [5,6]. Sustainable Development Goal 11 supports this study to develop inclusive, sustainable urban settlements [7].

The main objective is to solve this fundamental inquiry: What approach should urban planners use to implement social sustainability for creating active neighborhoods when suburbs like Qasimabad experience rapid urbanization? This study presents a detailed plan that public officials and urban planners can use to tackle urban fragmentation problems and establish socially sustainable communities [8,9].

2. Literature Review

Neighborhood communities, defined by their social interactions, communal spaces, and collective ethos, play a pivotal role in everyday life by nurturing social connections and providing access to essential resources. The design of residential areas significantly shapes these dynamics [6]. With urban populations burgeoning and a heightened demand for infrastructural development to cater to the social requisites of cities and neighborhoods, sustainable development emerges prominently. This intricacy has been examined in depth within contemporary research on social sustainability [7]. The neighborhood concept has captured the interest of urban planners, architects, and designers. It remains a compelling notion among both theorists and practitioners, perceived as a potential remedy for urban social challenges and a means to address deficiencies in urban environments. Neighborhoods can be understood as structured local entities and collective activity patterns [8].

In developing nations, strategic neighborhood planning is vital for multiple reasons. Primarily, swift urbanization and population surges frequently result in the emergence of informal settlements, which often lack essential amenities and infrastructure, leading to substandard living conditions [9,10]. Secondly, sustainability plays a crucial role in holistic, sustainable development, fostering equity and social inclusion, which are pivotal for cultivating resilient communities [11]. Additionally, sustainable neighborhoods can enhance community cohesion and social capital, mitigating the adverse effects of poverty and inequality.

Modern neighborhoods face growing fragmentation due to increasing obstacles, potentially causing various issues [12,13]. The key challenges include the following:

• Reduction in urban fabric complexity: Fragmented land use, ribbon development, and disconnected neighborhoods.
• Functional deficiencies: Inadequate planning standards, lack of integrated strategies, and insufficient public amenities.
• Environmental threats: Loss of green spaces, poor waste management, and air/water pollution.

These barriers, grouped into three thematic categories (spatial inefficiencies, functional deficiencies, and environmental challenges), can provoke distinct conflicts within urban settings. Research indicates that the most significant hurdles include unsustainable urbanization trends, lack of enabling legislation, ineffective planning, and the absence of national standards assessment tools [14]. Cities in Pakistan are expanding rapidly, often without proper planning, and they will not naturally evolve into attractive, innovative, well-organized, and functional entities on their own [15,16].

The term “barriers” refers to the specific obstacles identified in this study that hinder the realization of socially sustainable neighborhoods in Qasimabad, Hyderabad. These include unsustainable urbanization, insufficient planning frameworks, and a lack of enabling legislation. For clarity, these barriers have been grouped into three thematic categories: spatial inefficiencies, functional deficiencies, and environmental challenges. The following are examples:

Spatial inefficiencies might involve issues like fragmented land use or ribbon development.

Functional deficiencies pertain to inadequate planning standards and the absence of integrated urban strategies.

Environmental challenges include limited green spaces and poor waste management systems.

2.1. Sustainable Development

Recent years have witnessed profound shifts globally, characterized by significant migration from rural regions to urban centers and across national borders, driven by accelerated economic growth and the expansion of industrial and commercial sectors worldwide [17]. The paradigm of sustainable development introduces novel lifestyles and guiding principles on a global scale. Sustainability is not a finite achievement but a perpetual vision and process [18]. Urban neighborhoods integrate distinct physical, social, and economic attributes, including mixed land use, community cohesion, and localized economic activities. In recent years, the aspiration for sustainable urban development has become a pivotal element of urban growth. The concept of sustainable cities emerged to address and improve living standards, promoting a better quality of life for urban residents [19]. Giancarlo di Carlo, an Italian architect, famously noted, “Once we produced to consume, now we consume to produce” [20]. The notion of sustainable development arose as a countermeasure to urban environmental degradation throughout the twentieth century. Within this framework, the 1972 United Nations Conference in Stockholm underscored the critical importance of human settlement and urban management issues [21].

2.2. Socially Sustainable Residential Neighborhood

Socially sustainable residential areas play a pivotal role in urban growth within developing nations, enhancing equity, well-being, and social cohesion. These communities, particularly in informal settlements, boost economic empowerment, community participation, and life quality, serving as condensed versions of urban environments [22]. Bramley and Power (2009) present a framework for social sustainability [23], emphasizing initiatives to create compact cities aimed at sustainability. Central to this concept is the focus on distributive justice and social equity, which are vital for establishing equitable living conditions for all.

Developing socially responsible neighborhoods, prioritizing service accessibility and community solidarity, actively advances Sustainable Development Goals, notably Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), thereby enhancing community development. The United Nations Habitat has defined the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with SDG 11 dedicated to transforming cities and human settlements into inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable environments [24].

Table 1. Characteristics of residential neighborhoods for social sustainability.

Social Sustainability	Characteristic	Abbreviation
	Accessibility and Inclusivity	IA
	Technology and Transportation	TT
	Well-being and Health	HW
	Views and Aesthetics	VA
	Public Spaces	PS
	Social Equity	SE
	Social Cohesion	SC
	Community Engagement	CE
	Cultural Diversity	CD

details the key characteristics for understanding and experiencing social sustainability through public engagement.

The United Nations established the Human Settlement Centre in 1978 to promote social sustainability, focusing on enhancing residents’ well-being and security [21]. This initiative has gained interest from urban planners, architects, and designers, fostering trust, confidence, and social cohesion. Investing in social sustainability ensures communities remain vital for future generations [25].

3. Problem Statement

Qasimabad Taluka in Hyderabad, the second-largest city in Sindh Province, faces various issues. Historically, it has been a magnet for migrant workers, but recent rapid urbanization has eroded neighborhood values. Ribbon development along Qasimabad’s main corridors neglects livability. Poor planning fosters social divisions, affecting societal cohesion [26,27]. Considering education, healthcare, and cultural opportunities, social inclusion is minimal and inequitable.

Urban fragmentation is increasing, leading to adverse effects. Enhancing neighborhood connectivity through effective design is essential. Figure 1 shows Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad’s neighborhood-scape as unsustainable due to rapid urbanization and facility shortages [28]. This study evaluates socially sustainable residential neighborhoods, identifying nine key characteristics from the literature [29].

Population growth is the main obstacle to a sustainable city. Hyderabad’s population grew from 1.5 million in 2010 to an expected 1.85 million by 2020 [30], with Qasimabad Taluka’s population increasing by 269% from 1998 to 2017 [15,30,31]. Unchecked growth leads to overcrowding and inadequate amenities, straining infrastructure. Barriers include unsustainable urbanization, poor planning, lack of enabling laws, and absence of assessment tools [32,33]. This study’s findings are helpful for future neighborhood planning, offering insights for planners and decision makers.

Figure 1. The layout plan of Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan [34].

Figure 1. The layout plan of Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan [34].

4. Study Area

Hyderabad’s historically significant Sindh Province location currently experiences rapid population expansion due to urbanization growth. The urban expansion of Qasimabad Taluka—a 6114-acre suburban area bordering Hyderabad, as shown in Figure 1 [19,34]—exemplifies these pressures. Rapid ribbon development along significant corridors has fragmented neighborhoods, harming infrastructure and livability. The growing population of Hyderabad draws residents to Qasimabad, which exists northeast of the city center, because of urban expansion and population movement [17,20]. The major transit routes surrounding this suburban area caused ribbon-like development that split neighborhoods into small parts. Qasimabad transformed from its beginnings into a community that combines structured town plans and spontaneous residential areas with expanding business centers and commercial centers. This evolution shows how the area grew while it gained real estate development challenges for balanced urbanization.

The strategic position and operational value of Qasimabad cannot save it from numerous critical dilemmas. Lack of proper infrastructure, diminishing green areas, and social fragmentation work against creating socially sustainable neighborhoods. The research area demonstrates the urbanization problems various Pakistani suburbs face because of its representative challenges, as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, Figure 2 illustrates the spatial distribution of criticalities across Qasimabad Taluka. The base map highlights three housing schemes (Marvi Town, Al Rahim Villas, London Town), with photographs and annotations pinpointing degraded green spaces, sanitation issues, and disrupted communal areas. Sunlight and wind direction arrows (orange/red/blue) contextualize environmental impacts on urban design.

Multiple photographs in Section 6 reveal the present situation of three essential housing schemes in Qasimabad at Marvi Town, Al Rahim Villas, and London Town. The images explain the area’s current state, though all identifiable faces are blurred because ethical research demands the protection of personal privacy.

Balancing the needs of the present and the future is essential for environmental well-being. Urban stewards and strategists must focus on innovative technologies that swiftly rescue the cities and provide vital solutions [19,35]. Recognizing the significance of community planning in achieving social sustainability, this study benefits construction and management experts by enhancing their skills and supporting communities affected by imprecise design. Furthermore, it empowers professional organizations and government agencies to devise novel solutions, overcoming long-term growth constraints construction practitioners face [32].

5. Materials and Methods

The research design employs a quantitative methodology grounded in social sustainability principles, integrating fairness, equity, and community well-being components to investigate neighborhood dynamics. The social sustainability principles are essential for investigating how neighborhoods build strong social bonds that welcome and provide every resident access.

The systematic evaluation model determines the core elements in neighborhoods that establish social sustainability. Because of their qualities, social sustainability assessment features usability of public amenities, accessibility to services in the neighborhood, and environmental quality ratings together with neighborhood cohesion. This research focuses on discovering the barriers that prevent achieving sustainable attributes in Qasimabad Taluka. This study examines various obstacles, including architectural flaws, insufficient green areas, governmental constraints, and policy hindrances.

This study organizes its investigation through these main elements to discover practical solutions that urban planners and policymakers can employ for Qasimabad-specific issues. This organizational framework controls data collection, evaluation practices, and result interpretation to ensure findings match sustainable urban development principles. See Figure 3 for a geographical representation of the research paradigm, known as the framework of research methodology.

This study restructured the method to include the following:

• Research Objectives:

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  To identify barriers to social sustainability in Qasimabad’s residential neighborhoods.

  –

  To evaluate resident satisfaction with accessibility, safety, green spaces, and community engagement.

  –

  To propose actionable strategies for urban planners to address fragmentation.

• Methodological Framework:

  –

  Field Surveys: Led by authors Hina Marvi (H.M.), Reena Majid Memon (R.M.M.), and Rabia Soomro (R.S.), who conducted interviews and administered Likert-scale surveys to 200+ residents across 5–7% of 226 government-approved housing schemes.

  –

  Spatial Analysis: Performed by Irfan Ahmed Memon (I.A.M.) and Aneel Kumar (A.K.), who evaluated compliance with original urban plans (e.g., Marvi Town, Al Rahim Villas) using GIS and approved layout maps.

  –

  Statistical Analysis: Developed by H.M. and R.S., the novel Satisfaction Index quantified resident feedback using SPSS-22, focusing on nine sustainability characteristics (e.g., accessibility, safety).

5.1. Theoretical Framework

The research framework follows social sustainability principles, which center on community cohesion, inclusivity, and safety while considering accessibility and public space quality. This research uses indicators corresponding to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) to achieve complete sustainable urban neighborhood development.

5.2. Research Design

This study utilized a two-stage sampling strategy to ensure geographical diversity and demographic representativeness. First, Cluster Sampling was applied to select 12 housing schemes (5% of the 226 government-approved schemes in Qasimabad Taluka). To capture evolving urban planning practices, these clusters were stratified into three cohorts based on development timelines—pre-2000, 2000–2010, and post-2010. Second, within each cluster, Quota Sampling was employed to survey 10–12% of housing units, ensuring proportional inclusion of unit types (e.g., apartments, single-family homes) and resident demographics (e.g., age, occupation). This dual approach balanced logistical feasibility with rigorous data collection, directly supporting this study’s objective to evaluate social sustainability across heterogeneous neighborhoods. Sample sizes were determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table to achieve a 95% confidence level, and surveys were administered by trained interviewers (H.M., R.M.M., R.S.) to minimize bias.

5.3. Questionnaire Design

The designed survey questionnaire assessed the residents’ satisfaction levels toward neighborhood conditions through the application of Yeh’s Index along with established evaluation indices. The Satisfaction Index served to evaluate resident satisfaction for multiple neighborhood features. Serious accessibility issues include local transport, biking route connectivity, and pedestrian pathway opportunities. The questionnaire incorporated Likert-scale questions ranging from “very dissatisfied” to “very satisfied” to quantify responses for statistical analysis.

5.4. Application of the Satisfaction Index

The Satisfaction Index is not standard but was specifically developed for this study, drawing on validated components from prior research on neighborhood quality assessment. It measures residents’ satisfaction with neighborhood attributes as a holistic indicator of social sustainability. The index calculations were performed using SPSS-22, yielding scores to assess levels of satisfaction and dissatisfaction within the community.

6. Results

6.1. Data Collection and Findings

The data collection process unfolded through a meticulously designed multi-stage sampling approach [36]. The focus is centered on discerning indicators and characteristics that gauge social sustainability. This encompassed understanding neighboring residents, fostering interactions, and emphasizing accessibility and safety. Opinions from individuals regarding convenience, architectural form, and communal spaces were also considered [37]. The dataset, sourced from the Planning and Development Control Department in Hyderabad [38], encompasses 226 approved housing schemes up to 2021. Employing Cluster Sampling, a housing scheme from the study area was selected, representing 5% to 7% of the total. Within each chosen scheme, Quota Sampling (10% to 12%) allowed data to be collected comprehensively [39,40]. The investigation honed in on socially sustainable attributes, aligning with SDG Goal 11 to foster a harmonious neighborhood. These attributes encompassed community engagement, inclusivity and accessibility, social equity, health and well-being, cultural diversity, education, social cohesion, safety, and aesthetics.

6.2. Sample Size

In 1979, the Qasimabad Taluka area within Hyderabad began its transformation. Spanning 6114 acres [41], this land—over time—has blossomed into a tapestry of urban development. Some portions now stand fully realized, their architectural dreams fulfilled. Like a mosaic, the sampling approach selects housing schemes across different decades. Each slice of time contributes 5–7% to the canvas, capturing the essence of progress. See

Table 2. Cluster sampling responses.

Name of Housing Scheme	List Housing Scheme	Housing Unit in each Housing Scheme	Quantity	10% Qs Responses	Collected Responses
	Happy Homes		141		14
	Marvi Town		215		22
	Naseem Nagar I and II		109		11
	Al Mustafa Town		113		12
	Al Rehmim Villas		200		200
	Abdullah Town		205		21
	Gulshan e Bakhtawar		129		12
	Citizen Colony		268		27
	Naqash Villas		200		20
	Abdullah Heaven		121		12
	Prince Town I and II		86		9
	Hyderabad Town Phase I		94		9
	Faraz Villas Phase II		190		19
	London Town		421		40
	Mother Village		480		15
	Isra Village		88		9
	Palm Residency		128		12
	Total Responses Collected		284

, revealing the chosen housing schemes within the sample size.

The selected housing schemes were analyzed using various researchers’ characteristics of socially sustainable development. The analysis of the following is discussed below.

6.3. Satisfaction Index, Reliability Index, and Exploratory Factor Analysis

Data on satisfaction and reliability indices were analyzed using SPSS-22, examining the frequencies of each variable [1]. The reliability of the chosen variables for social sustainability was assessed, with the reliability index categorized as good at 0.60, better at 0.70–0.80, and excellent at 0.90 [42]. The variables selected for each characteristic yielded a reliability index ranging from 0.6150 to 0.9010, indicating levels from good to excellent. For each variable, values spanned from −60.7910% to +53.9560%, with a detailed analysis presented in

Table 3. Satisfaction Index, reliability index, and exploratory factor analysis.

N-No.	Principle Component	Satisfaction Index	Reliability Index	Eigenvalue	Variation (%)	Cumulative Variation (%)
Opportunities for Residents to Engage
1	Street Cleanliness	−17.62%	0.79	10.24	40.97	40.97
2	Clean Water Supply	15.46%		3.22	12.88	53.85
3	Street Lighting	−2.87%		2.35	9.42	63.27
4	Community Decision Making	−2.57%		1.41	5.66	68.93
5	Social Connection	20.50%		0.95	3.80	72.73
Accessibility and Inclusivity
1	Local Transport	−2.51%	0.61	0.87	3.50	76.24
2	Cycling Route	−60.79%		0.76	3.05	79.29
3	Pedestrian Passage	−46.04%		0.70	2.83	82.13
4	Private Vehicle	19.06%		0.56	2.26	84.39
Amenities and Facilities
1	Clean Environment	9.35%	0.90	0.49	1.98	86.37
2	Green Spaces	−17.98%		0.47	1.88	88.26
3	Street-Side Plantation	−30.93%		0.44	1.79	90.05
4	Sanitation/Hygiene	−29.13%		0.37	1.50	91.55
5	Public Spaces	−21.58%		0.32	1.30	92.86
6	Health Facilities	−10.07%		0.28	1.14	94.00
7	Education	34.53%		0.25	1.01	95.02
8	Parking Facility	−42.44%		0.22	0.90	95.92
9	Facilities Accessible for all Age Groups	−30.93%		0.20	0.80	96.73
Safety and Social Cohesion
1	Cultural and Recreational Activities	−7.91%	0.89	0.19	0.79	97.52
2	Social Gathering	−13.30%		0.13	0.55	98.08
3	Community Space	−14.74%		0.12	0.50	98.58
4	Safety During Day	53.95%		0.11	0.47	99.06
5	Safety During Evening	38.84%		0.09	0.37	99.43
6	Safety During Night	0.71%		0.08	0.31	99.75
7	Safety During Traffic	10.43%		0.06	0.24	100.00

.

The analysis showed a positive Satisfaction Index for the selected variables. The overall Satisfaction Index for the socially sustainable residential neighborhoods is −148.614%, which leads to dissatisfaction with Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad city residents.

A peaceful environment and the impact of development are significant issues that must be addressed to improve the social sustainability of communities by encouraging a sense of fulfillment and ownership of the place. This good social response can boost economic viability after enhancing a neighborhood physically and functionally. Urban design, planning, and architectural literature are the foundation for identifying indicators for social sustainability.

6.4. Social Sustainability in Residential Neighborhood Qasimabad

To understand the barriers to social sustainability in Qasimabad, an analysis of housing schemes segregated by year of approval from the planning development authority was overlooked by examining the approved maps. Three approved housing schemes’ maps have been taken from the authority, i.e., Marvi Town, established in 1983; Al Rahim Villas, approved in 2004; and London Town, approved in 2006, to determine the lack of social sustainability. These schemes were evaluated based on their ability to satisfy the social sustainability criteria necessary for the well-being of inhabitants.

Marvi Town initially featured designated green patches intended to serve as communal spaces for residents. However, the current condition of Marvi Town reveals a stark contrast to the original plan. The streets are untidy, and the green patches have been neglected and transformed into garbage dumps, negating their purpose as social interactive spaces, as shown in Figure 4.

Similarly, Al Rahim Villas, approved in 2004, was planned with green patches at the edges of the scheme to provide social interaction and leisure areas. Unfortunately, these areas have also deteriorated over time. The intended green patches have suffered the same fate as those in Marvi Town, now functioning as garbage dumps instead of communal spaces, as shown in Figure 5.

London Town, approved in 2006, presents a different but equally problematic scenario. The central area, highlighted in green on the approved maps, was designed to be a hub for social interaction, as shown in Figure 6. However, the current state of London Town reflects haphazard conditions, mainly due to the disruption of the communal space. This has hindered the area’s ability to serve its intended purpose, contributing to a chaotic environment rather than a sustainable social space.

Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 show orange arrows that indicate the sun’s path, demonstrating the movement of sunlight across the study area.

Blue arrows depict the direction of winter winds, which is crucial for understanding seasonal climatic impacts on the neighborhood design.

Red arrows represent the direction of summer winds, highlighting airflow patterns that influence thermal comfort and urban planning considerations.

Photographs taken by the author illustrate the unhealthy and unsanitary conditions in these housing schemes. The lack of maintenance and proper planning has resulted in untidy streets and a dearth of functional social interactive spaces. The analysis of these schemes across decades highlights a recurring issue: the failure to maintain and utilize green spaces as intended, a critical barrier to achieving social sustainability in Qasimabad.

This study’s results reveal significant dissatisfaction among residents of Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad, with the social sustainability of their neighborhoods. The research findings show accessibility, safety, green spaces, and community connectivity are the primary reasons behind residential dissatisfaction. The following section consists of detailed insights together with their derivations:

• Accessibility and Inclusivity:

Residents assessed the accessibility of walking infrastructure and bicycle routes as entirely inadequate. Studies showed that only 19% of private vehicle users found their service satisfactory, and public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure were rated unsatisfactory.

Urban planners in Hyderabad should establish comprehensive multi-modal transportation systems that deliver pedestrian-friendly, cyclist-friendly, and public transportation-accessible frameworks. Adequate infrastructure development will strengthen mobility and help create better accessibility and environmental sustainability benefits.

• Green Spaces and Public Amenities:

This study documented how authorized green areas in both Marvi Town and Al Rahim Villas were transformed into landfills due to inadequate care and neglect of the collective regions.

Urban planning requires stringent maintenance regulations to protect the usability of public spaces because their current functional state remains a problem. The government must create funding systems and supervision protocols to manage these public areas.

• Safety and Social Cohesion:

Safety was a primary concern because residents displayed considerable dissatisfaction during evening and night hours. The poor results from social cohesion indicators indicating fragmented community interactions showed unsatisfactory opportunities for cultural and recreational activities.

Surroundings that incorporate bright street lighting, protective public areas, and community-building programs should be implemented to foster social bonds within neighborhoods. Shared spaces within urban architecture develop better safety and cohesion when they promote interaction among people.

• Community Engagement:

Resident participation had limited access to decision-making processes throughout this study. Authorities involved in urban planning have created a gap between their initiatives and how well the community needs are met.

City planning benefits from adopting inclusive planning models because these create communities that guide urban development toward their fundamental needs. Statistical data showed Medellín, Colombia delivers innovative solutions after its residents participate in urban planning decisions.

• Environmental Concerns:

Studies showed that three major environmental deterrents stem from sanitation negligence, inadequate plantation practices, and ineffective waste management systems. The state of uncleanliness persisted in many urban spaces throughout the city.

Urban planning requires the development of waste management programs and environmental education initiatives about urban forestry for challenge mitigation. The city of Hyderabad should implement green infrastructure concepts from Singapore to create a seamless integration of urban planning and vegetation within high-density residential areas.

7. Conclusions

This research establishes the essential characteristics of socially sustainable residential communities in Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad. Results show that accessibility, safety measures, green space, and community engagement are fundamental to socially sustainable residential areas. A flourishing, socially sustainable neighborhood contains well-kept public areas and accessible facilities for people of all ages, as well as efficient transportation links together with protected natural elements to support community events.

This study demonstrates that achieving social sustainability strongly depends on maintaining community connectivity. Strengthening community bonds increases social cohesion, enhances public safety, and develops community-based resource stewardship. Creating vibrant interactive communities depends on resolving the problems of separated neighborhoods, insufficient paths for pedestrians and bicyclists, and deteriorating green areas.

Fundamental attention in planning processes should go to integrated strategies that accomplish better accessibility, space revitalization, and improved community participation. This study’s primary objective is to establish sustainable urban growth while maintaining social unity, leading to better-integrated neighborhoods that fulfill social sustainability standards.