Environmental Factors and Residential Choice in Dimapur Town, Nagaland

Urbanization in India has led to not only acute housing problems but also environmental problems. However, many urban dwellers in India, particularly the poor, are either unaware or indifferent of the environmental hazards they are exposed to around them. Even if some are conscious of the hazards, many of them are compelled to live under such conditions due to various reasons. Despite the widespread concern for better and healthier housing environment, very little research has been carried out in order to understand and mitigate the problems of living conditions in most urban areas, especially in developing countries like India. Housing choice in an urban area like Dimapur assumes a special significance for the presence of heterogeneous ethnic, social and cultural groups with varied requirements and lifestyles. This paper tried to identify the environmental factors that influence households in determining their residential choices along with socio-economic and other factors.