Dharmendrasinhji Arts College ISO 9001:2015
Affiliated to Saurashtra University
Education Department, Govt. Of Gujarat

Geographical Field Visit of Rajkot City:

22/09/2025
Department of Geography (Dharmendrasinhji Arts College, Rajkot)

Under the guidance of Prof. Riteshkumar Patel, the Department of Geography, Dharmendrasinhji Arts College, conducted a geographical field visit for M.A. Semester–01 (Paper No. 04 – Urban Geography) to study Rajkot City as a City System. The objective of this field study was to understand the city’s development, internal structure, planning, and urban problems through a geographical perspective. Rajkot was selected as it is one of the most important industrial, cultural, and educational centers of Saurashtra. Students visited several locations such as slum areas, municipal offices, a fire station, a bus station, major roads and bridges, and a water filtration plant. Based on these visits and observations, they prepared this analytical report. Urban Issues and Field Visit Locations Due to rapid urbanization, Rajkot is facing several urban challenges including population growth, traffic congestion, lack of parking, the spread of slums, water scarcity, and pollution. The study of the Raiya Dhar slum revealed that a large portion of the population lacks access to basic facilities such as clean water, sanitation, and housing. The visit to the Raiya Dhar Water Filtration Plant helped students understand the city’s water purification and distribution process. At the Ramdevpir Sub Fire Station, students observed emergency response systems and firefighting operations. The visit to Ward No. 1 of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation provided insights into urban governance, citizen services, and decentralized administration. Observations at the bus station, roads, and bridges highlighted traffic flow, connectivity issues, and the need for better pedestrian safety and public transport management. Educational Importance, Benefits, and Conclusion This geographical field visit served as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. It enhanced students’ analytical and observational skills while giving them hands-on experience in mapping, surveying, and data collection. The study made students aware of the importance of sustainable urban planning and the real-world implications of rapid city growth. It also promoted environmental awareness, teamwork, and critical thinking. Rajkot, though a developing and progressive city, faces growing challenges such as poverty, pollution, and congestion. Effective planning, rehabilitation, and cleanliness drives are essential for sustainable growth. The field visit thus proved to be a valuable practical experience for understanding urban geography. Special thanks are extended to Principal Dr. Paresh Rawal, Head of Department Dr. Shirish Bhardwaj and Vagh Nikunj for their guidance and support throughout the study. (Report - Geographical field Visit of Rajkot City - 22-09-2025 https://dhcollege.ac.in/notes.php?id=1501)