The Open Space Category under the Physical Pillar considers two core indicators to calculate the category Index. It primarily looks at availability of green spaces and public and recreational spaces per capita.

A total of 2 parameters have been considered for determining the Open Space Index. These have been explained below. Kindly click each parameter for detailed description and tentative sources of information.

No. Name Unit Benchmark
8.1 Per capita availability of green spaces   Square metres (sq.m.) 10-12 sq.m. per capita
Description:
The extent to which urban greens and open spaces such as recreational spaces, organized greens and common spaces like flood plains, forest cover, vacant lands etc. are available in the city leading to a better urban environment. The Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) guidelines, 2014 prescribe benchmarks for open spaces in cities.
Expressed as:
Total area of green space (sq.m.)
=
Total population of the city
Methodology / Interpretation and Sources of Data:
  • Total area under urban greens will include recreational spaces, organized greens and common spaces such as flood plains, forest cover, vacant lands etc. as per URDPFI guidelines.
  • Data on area of urban greens can be obtained from the land use plan available with the ULB/ Planning Authority or Development Authority. Where an updated GIS database is available the same can be used.
  • Population data can be sourced from the decennial Census of India. Past census figures should be used as base, and annual growth rate should then be used to arrive at current population.
8.2 Per capita availability of public and recreational places   Square metres (sq.m.) City with the highest per capita availability (amongst cities in the same city-size classification as given in this document) will be treated as a benchmark
Description:
This indicator denotes the extent to which recreational and public spaces are available in the city for recreation, social interaction and active physical activities. Such spaces can include playgrounds, stadiums and sports complexes, city and district parks, neighbourhood parks and tot lots, zoological/botanical gardens, multi-use open spaces and maidans for cultural events, publicly accessible waterfront areas, promenades, public squares etc.
Expressed as:
Total area of public and recreational places (sq.m.)
=
Total population of the city
Methodology/ Interpretation and Sources of Data:
  • Recreational spaces will include (i) Playgrounds, Stadiums (indoor and outdoor), sports complexes, clubs and swimming pools; (ii) City and district parks, neighbourhood parks and tot lots, zoological/botanical gardens, bird sanctuary; and (iii) Multi-open spaces and maidans for cultural events, public gatherings etc.
  • Public spaces like publicly accessible beaches and waterfronts, promenades and public squares, and spaces of gathering/social interaction at neighbourhood-level shall be included. Neighbourhood spaces must be at least 1/6 acre (0.067 hectare) in area as per LEEDS standards for neighbourhoods. Further, spaces less than 1 acre (0.4 hectare) must have a proportion no narrower than 1 unit of width to 4 units of length.
  • Data can be obtained from land use/ GIS plans and records available with the ULB/ Development Authority and corroborated through physical surveys.
  • Population data can be sourced from the decennial Census of India. Past census figures should be used as base, and annual growth rate should then be used to arrive at current population