Urbanisation

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).
• 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).

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.

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