Urbanisation
- Urbanisation refers to the increasing population in urban areas due to migration from rural areas and the natural population growth in cities. It involves the expansion of cities and towns as more people move to urban centres seeking better living standards, job opportunities, and amenities.
Characteristics of Indian Urbanisation
- Rapid Urban Population Growth
- Increasing Urban Population: India’s urban population has been growing significantly. According to the 2011 Census, about 31.16% of the population lived in urban areas, which has continued to rise.
- Mega Cities: Emergence of mega cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad with populations exceeding 10 million.
- Economic Transformation
- A shift from Agriculture to Industry and Services: Urban areas are primarily driven by industrial and service sectors, contributing substantially to the GDP.
- Economic Opportunities: Cities offer diverse job opportunities, attracting rural populations seeking better employment prospects.
- Development of Urban Infrastructure
- Housing and Real Estate: Rapid expansion of residential and commercial real estate to accommodate growing populations.
- Transport Networks: Development of extensive road, rail, and metro networks to facilitate urban mobility.
- Urban Migration
- Rural-to-Urban Migration: A significant portion of urban population growth is due to migration from rural areas in search of better living conditions and opportunities.
- Inter-State Migration: Movement of people from less developed states to more developed urban centres.
- Growth of Informal Sector
- Informal Employment: A large segment of the urban workforce is employed in the informal sector, including construction, street vending, and domestic work.
- Urban Slums: Rapid urbanization has led to the proliferation of slums, with a considerable number of urban dwellers living in informal settlements with inadequate access to basic services.
- Environmental Challenges
- Pollution: Increased air, water, and soil pollution due to industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and improper waste disposal.
- Resource Depletion: Overexploitation of natural resources such as water and green spaces to meet urban demands.
- Social and Cultural Diversity
- Diverse Populations: Cities are melting pots of different cultures, languages, and religions due to migration from various parts of the country.
- Cultural Exchange: Urban areas facilitate cultural exchange and integration, contributing to a dynamic social fabric.
- Urban Poverty and Inequality
- Economic Disparities: Significant economic disparities exist within urban areas, with stark contrasts between affluent neighbourhoods and impoverished slums.
- Access to Services: Inequitable access to healthcare, education, sanitation, and other essential services.
- Technological Advancements
- Smart Cities: Initiatives to develop smart cities with advanced infrastructure, digital governance, and sustainable urban solutions.
- Information Technology Hubs: Cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad are major IT hubs, fostering technological innovation and growth.
- Urban Governance and Planning
- Urban Planning: Efforts to implement planned urban development through policies like the Smart Cities Mission and the AMRUT scheme (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation).
- Municipal Governance: Strengthening municipal bodies and local governance to manage urban growth and provide public services effectively.
- Impact of Globalization
- Global Connectivity: Indian cities are becoming increasingly connected to global markets, influencing local economies, lifestyles, and cultural trends.
- Foreign Investment: Urban centres attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI), contributing to economic development and infrastructure projects.