Urbanisation
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Urbanisation
Source: TH
Context: World Cities Day is observed on October 31, highlighting urban challenges and opportunities worldwide.
• This year’s theme, “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability,” reflects the focus on sustainable urban growth led by younger generations.
Definition and Present Status of Urbanisation:
Definition: Urbanisation refers to the increase in population within urban areas, leading to expansion and development.
• Urban Population: About 40% (500 million) of India’s population now lives in urban areas (World Bank, 2023).
• Urban Growth Rate: Grew from 27.7% in 2001 to 31.1% in 2011, with a 2.76% annual rate (Census 2011).
• Regional Distribution: Maharashtra: 8 million (13.5% of urban population). Uttar Pradesh: 4 million. Tamil Nadu: 9 million (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).
• Maharashtra: 8 million (13.5% of urban population).
• Uttar Pradesh: 4 million.
• Tamil Nadu: 9 million (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).
• Shift to Medium Towns: Growth focus is shifting from Tier-1 cities to mid-sized towns due to factors like employment and lifestyle (ADB, 2019).
• Global Context: India contributes significantly to the global urban population of 4.7 billion (57.5%) with projections to double by 2050 (UN).
• Housing Demand: Shortfall of 18.78 million urban housing units, mostly affecting low-income groups (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2012-27).
Types of Urbanisations:
• Natural urbanisation: Growth within urban populations due to natural birth rates.
• Migration-driven urbanisation: Influx of people from rural to urban areas seeking better job opportunities, services, and lifestyle.
• Peripheral urbanisation: Expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas, forming peri-urban regions.
• Economic urbanisation: Driven by industrialisation, business hubs, and employment opportunities.
Challenges in Urbanisation:
• Environmental issues: Air pollution and urban heat islands; 9 of the 10 most polluted cities globally are in India (World Air Quality Report, 2023).
• Inadequate housing: Around 40% of urban Indians live in slums, with an estimated housing shortfall of 18.78 million units.
• Water scarcity: Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai face recurring water crises due to poor management.
• Traffic and mobility: Congestion costs are rising, with cities like Bengaluru seeing average peak traffic speeds as low as 18 km/h.
• Waste management: India generates 62 million tons of waste annually, with only 20% treated (CPCB).
Government Initiatives:
· Smart Cities Mission: Developing sustainable and citizen-friendly urban infrastructure.
· AMRUT: Improving basic services in cities, including water supply, sanitation, and public transport.
· Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U): Aiming to address housing shortages in urban areas.
· Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Promoting cleanliness and waste management.
· Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Aims at poverty reduction and livelihood opportunities in urban areas.
Way forward:
• Environmental initiatives: Adoption of the “Sponge City” concept to manage rainwater and reduce urban flooding.
• Digital urban planning: Implementation of urban digital twins for data-driven urban governance.
• Smart water management: Use of technology to detect and manage water distribution efficiently.
• Cybersecurity for Urban Systems: Protecting critical urban digital infrastructure from cyber threats.
Conclusion:
India’s urbanisation must align with the SDG Goal 11 for sustainable cities and NITI Aayog’s Urban Transformation Strategy, emphasizing inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. Through multi-level planning and technological integration, India can work towards achieving urban sustainability and inclusivity in line with global standards.
Insta Links:
• Urbanization
• With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements: (UPSC-2020)
• Worker productivity (Rs. per worker at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas.
• The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.
• In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased.
• The growth rate in rural employment decreased.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Answer: b)