Assessing Urban Liveability: A Case Study of Madurai City Using the Indian Liveability Index

The concept of liveability, rooted in ancient philosophy and evolving through urban research, lacks a singular definition but emphasizes the quality of life in urban environments. This study examines the effectiveness of the Liveability Index introduced by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, in discerning spatial disparities in liveability within Madurai City, Tamil Nadu. Utilizing secondary data from various sources, including the Corporation of Madurai City, the study evaluates 49 indicators categorized into four pillars: Institutional, Social, Economic, and Physical. Through a detailed spatial analysis, the study identifies areas characterized by higher and lower levels of liveability, providing insights into the factors contributing to disparities. The findings reveal that liveability in Madurai is notably high in core wards, with some peripheral wards also exhibiting favourable scores. The primary pillars determining liveability are identified as Physical and Social, with Governance presenting exceptions. However, discrepancies in the Economic Index highlight the need for additional indicators for a comprehensive assessment. The study underscores the importance of the Liveability Index in facilitating city-to-city comparisons and identifying areas for improvement, thereby enhancing urban planning and policy interventions.