Urbanization is the movement of the population from the countryside to towns, involving land-use transformation, economic activities, and social structure. The United Nations describes it as one of the major demographic trends. During the same period, the urbanization rate in India increased from 27.8% in 2001 to 31.2% in 2011. It is also estimated that by 2030, the urban population will rise to as high as 590 million citizens. More rapid urbanization tends to have a strong impact on infrastructure, economic output, and social dynamics, offering ample opportunities and challenges.
Settings for the urban areas would either be planned or unplanned. The cities that are planned are designed by government agencies with the aspect of sustainability in mind, while the unplanned settlement emerges spontaneously, creating the onset of informal ways of living among its inhabitants. These cities are set to grow accordingly because of economic opportunities. However, they might face issues of inadequate infrastructure, environmental deterioration, and socio-economic disparities.
Urbanization is an opportunity and a challenge. If cities move toward comprehensive planning and reform, then urbanization will create economic prosperity and a better quality of life. The challenges can be sorted out for an inclusive, resilient urban future with the effective implementation of the TOD and other sustainable practices.
| GS Paper | General Studies I |
| Topics for UPSC Prelims | Urbanization, United Nations, 2011 Census, Global Liveability Index, Slums And Unauthorized Colonies, Flood Management, Urban Planning, World Air Quality Report 2023, Managing Solid Waste, Budget 2024-25, AMRUT, Housing For All, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), Municipal Bonds. |
| Topics for UPSC Mains | Significance of Planned Urbanisation for Sustainable Development. |
This editorial is based on “Making transit-oriented urban development work” published in Hindustan Times on 03/09/2024. The article examines the frequent mention of TOD in Union budgets and the difficulties in its execution.
Understanding the intricacies of urbanization and its challenges is crucial for UPSC aspirants. This topic is directly related to the UPSC syllabus, particularly in GS Paper 1, which covers urbanization, population issues, and developmental challenges. Knowledge of TOD and its impact on sustainable development can aid in answering questions on urban planning and governance.
The topic of urbanization and its associated challenges is crucial for UPSC aspirants due to its direct link to India’s developmental agenda. The 2024 Union Budget’s emphasis on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) highlights its potential to enhance sustainable urban growth. Previous UPSC questions have explored urban floods and UN-Habitat’s role, making an understanding of urbanization trends and TOD essential for tackling both Prelims and Mains effectively.
Urbanization is a complicated process characterized by the movement of people from rural areas to cities. Thus, land use, economic activities, and social structures change significantly. According to the United Nations, it is one of the major demographic trends. It involves more than just population movements. Spatial growth, economic diversification, cultural transformation, and even political changes are part and parcel of this phenomenon. These considerably influence urban population density and built environment development.
| Settlement Type | Description | Development | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planned Settlements | Systematically developed urban areas created by government agencies or housing societies. | Designed to foster sustainable environments with consideration of physical, social, and economic factors. | Ensures organized development. |
| Unplanned Settlements | Develop without official sanction, often on government or private land. | Spontaneous development without structured planning. | A mix of permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary structures. Often located near city drains, railway tracks, or flood-prone areas. Informal and precarious living conditions. |
In the Global Liveability Index 2023, by the Economist Intelligence Unit, New Delhi and Mumbai both ranked 141st, with Chennai being ranked 144th. This reflects low scores in stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
“The urban population in India rose from 27.7% in 2001 to 31.1% in 2011 and is projected to grow even more by 2030, impelled by employment, education, and security.”
The rankings of New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai in the Global Liveability Index 2023 underline some of the challenges Indian cities need to surmount. Stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure are some of the most important parameters that go into determining liveability. Engaging with these issues is paramount for improving the liveability of cities.
Urban Population Growth in India
Between 2001 and 2011, India’s urban population increased from 27.7% to 31.1%. By 2030, urban areas are projected to contribute 70% to GDP, 85% of total tax revenue, and 70% of new jobs, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This growth emphasizes the need for sustainable urban planning.
Indeed, urban development is suffering a lot from challenges that cities worldwide are battling to deal with. These issues run the gamut from rapid urbanization management and ensuring sustainable growth to addressing the diversified needs of the population. These need innovative planning and collaboration across different sectors.
Inadequate drainage systems and encroachment on natural water bodies cause urban flooding, as seen in events in Delhi (2024 & 2023), Nagpur (2023), Bengaluru and Ahmedabad (2022), Chennai (2021), and Hyderabad (2020-2021).
Rapid urbanization, characterized by extensive commercial and residential developments, leads to socioeconomic divides, environmental strain, and challenges in maintaining balanced urban growth.
Favoring highway development over transit oriented development (TOD) increases congestion and coordination issues between transit and city planning agencies.
Rapid urbanization and an increase in private vehicles cause severe traffic congestion, extending commute times and reducing productivity.
Urban areas in India face severe air pollution from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction, with Delhi being the world’s most polluted capital city.
The reduction of green spaces exacerbates the urban heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures and increased energy consumption.
Rapid urban growth and declining groundwater levels cause severe water shortages, as seen in the Delhi water crisis (2024) and Chennai water crisis (2019).
A shortage of around 18.78 million housing units leads to the proliferation of slums and informal settlements, straining infrastructure and exacerbating poverty.
Indian cities face challenges in managing solid waste, resulting in garbage accumulation and health risks.
Major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai have expanded metro rail networks to address urban congestion and provide efficient public transportation.
Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) projects aim to reduce congestion and pollution while improving mobility, with corridors connecting Delhi to Meerut, Panipat, and Alwar.
Lower Parel has evolved into a TOD hub with high-rise buildings around local train stations. Thereby, reflecting the increased integration of transit and urban spaces.
Dedicated tracks and cycle-sharing programs promote sustainable transport, reducing pollution and improving public health.
Areas restricting access for high-emission vehicles, like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This promote cleaner transport options and improve air quality.
Integrating real estate development with transit funding. This model generates substantial income, reduces urban sprawl, and enhances ridership through increased density.
Various strategic steps have been taken in the development of sustainable urban centers by governments and urban planners. These strategic initiatives involve infrastructural development, smart city technologies, and regulatory frameworks for guiding the principle of growth. These measures are meant to enhance living standards in urban areas while economically empowering such areas based on sustaining the environment.
| Political: The effects of urbanization are far from being realized with the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT in revitalizing urban infrastructure and housing. Improvement in the urban area involves political will and coordination between agencies. It also obtains strength from the constitutional and legal framework given under Articles 243Q and 243W, empowering local governance. Economic: The cities are very crucial from the point of view of the economic well-being of India: they contribute a lot in terms of GDP, tax revenues, and the creation of jobs. Industries and businesses begin to flow in since there is a concentration of population and better economic prospects within the urban areas. However, this economic responsibility attached to providing efficient services such as housing, waste management, and transportation often burdens the local economy. Social: Urbanization changes social structures; cities offer a broad range of education and lifestyle options that attract people from all walks of life. Rapid urban growth also leads to social segregation, as is demonstrated by the difference between designed settlements and undesigned slums, which appears to be particularly harmful to social harmony and, consequently, community health. Technological: All technological interventions at the ground level have become extremely relevant-for instance, Metro Rail Projects and RRTS. Technologies for solid waste management, water conservation, and pollution control are very important for sustainable urban living; however, their investment and adoption at the level of municipalities becomes crucial. Environmental: Urban areas face severe environmental challenges like air pollution, urban flooding, and water scarcity. Sustainable practices that would contribute towards the decrease of environmental impacts from vehicle emissions would include things like Transit Oriented Development, compact city design, and inclusion of green spaces. Legal: The legal framework supports urban development through the use of policies and regulations in land use, building norms, and environmental compliance. This, therefore, will involve effective legal mechanisms dealing with unplanned settlement development and enforcement of regulations for sustainable urban growth. |
The process of urbanization has reached a critical turning point now, which is throwing up new challenges and opportunities for development at the global and national levels. Yet, comprehensive planning and reform would be required to ensure that urbanization contributes to economic prosperity and quality of life. Such initiatives include the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, for example, which addresses infrastructure deficits to improve urban livability. In addressing these challenges, effective implementation of transit-oriented development, better interagency coordination, and modernization of planning practices will be required. A preoccupation with sustainable growth, improvement in infrastructure, and good governance not only offers cities a chance to capture the advantages of urbanization but also minimizes the problems that come with urbanization. Thus, it leads to a more inclusive and resilient future.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Mains Q. Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural-urban integration. (GS Paper I, 2015) Q. The Global Liveability Index often ranks Indian cities poorly, citing issues like slums and unauthorized colonies. Examine the socio-economic factors contributing to the growth of slums in Indian cities. Propose solutions to enhance liveability and achieve the ‘Housing for All’ goal. |
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