This paper analyses the essential role of mixed-use streets in contemporary cities and addresses their inherentissues. The study highlights the national policy focus on mixed-use streets, which can improve sustainability,economic development, social integration, and quality of life. Due to divided responsibilities, traffic prioritization,and changes in the commercial sector, mixed-use streets are sometimes neglected. The study reviews mixed-usestreet patterns in Okhla, an unplanned, high-density area; examining how population density and urban activitiesaffect streets, focusing on its imprecise definition and seeming popularity. An extensive case study reveals the lackof specific zoning standards, poor planning provisions, and low network density along with traffic congestion, spaceencroachment, and a lack of public spaces. The author proposes merging multivariable densities and using networkdensity to portray urban structure. The findings contribute to sustainable urban development discussions and helppolicymakers and planners improve mixed-use spaces' livability and functionality.

This study investigates peri-urban land management in Uttar Pradesh through a comparative analysis of Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj, focusing on the gap between planned frameworks and actual urban growth. As rapidly expanding Tier-II cities, they represent critical sites where formal planning intersects with complex peri-urban transformations. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining GIS-based master plan conformance analysis using Effective Boundary Control (EBC) with semi-structured expert interviews. This integration enables both spatial measurement of urban expansion and interpretive understanding of underlying governance and institutional dynamics. The results reveal significant divergence between planned and observed development, particularly in peripheral areas, with clear variation across cities. Kanpur exhibits the highest level of non-conformance (EBC: 2.23), indicating weak boundary control and pronounced peri-urban sprawl. Varanasi also demonstrates substantial deviation (EBC: 2.06), reflecting persistent gaps between planning intent and implementation. In contrast, Prayagraj shows relatively stronger conformance (EBC: 1.04), though underlying challenges remain. These differences are shaped by local conditions, including land acquisition conflicts, fragmented governance structures, infrastructure deficits, and limited financial mechanisms. Importantly, the findings underscore that even where spatial conformity appears stronger, it does not necessarily translate into effective planning outcomes. The study concludes that peri-urban growth is not simply unplanned but is shaped by negotiated and context-specific processes. It highlights the need for adaptive, implementation-focused planning, stronger institutional capacity, and integrated financial strategies. By bridging spatial and qualitative analysis, the research provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding and managing peri-urban development in rapidly urbanizing regions.