14-June-2024-Editorial

URBANISATION 

Urbanisation is the process where people move from rural areas to urban centres, resulting in the growth of cities and towns. This trend has accelerated in recent decades, significantly impacting India’s urban centres, which face challenges such as water shortages, urban heating, and infrastructural strains. 

What is Urbanisation? 

Urbanisation refers to the movement of people from rural to urban areas, leading to the expansion of cities and towns. 

Global Trend: Identified by the United Nations as one of four major demographic trends, alongside population growth, ageing, and international migration. 

Types: 

• Planned Settlements: Developed by government agencies or housing societies according to approved plans, aiming for sustainable and livable environments. 
• Unplanned Settlements: Arise without legal approval, often lacking basic amenities and are located in precarious areas such as near drains, railway tracks, or low-lying flood-prone zones. 

Trends in Urbanisation 

Global Trends: 

• Urban population increased from 751 million in 1950 (30% of the world’s population) to 4.2 billion in 2018 (55%). 
• Projections for 2030 and 2050 estimate urban populations at 5.2 billion (60%) and 6.7 billion (68%) respectively. 

India’s Trends: 

• Urban population rose from 27.7% in 2001 to 31.1% in 2011, with an annual growth rate of 2.76%. 
• Shift in focus from large Tier 1 cities to medium-sized towns due to various factors like employment and education. 
• Maharashtra leads with 50.8 million urban residents, followed by Uttar Pradesh (44.4 million) and Tamil Nadu (34.9 million). 

Reasons for Urbanisation 

• Trade and Industry: Drives urbanisation by attracting labour, stimulating infrastructure development, and providing access to markets and innovation hubs. 
• Economic Opportunities: Cities offer more job opportunities than rural areas due to the presence of businesses, factories, and institutions. 
• Education: Better schools and universities attract people seeking improved education and job prospects. 
• Better Lifestyle: Cities offer more services like hospitals, libraries, and cultural opportunities, leading to a livelier lifestyle. 
• Migration: Migration contributes significantly, often leading to the growth of informal settlements due to high living costs in formal areas. 

Challenges Related to Urbanisation 

Environment-Related Challenges: 

• Air Pollution and Environmental Degradation: Severe air pollution from vehicles, industries, and construction. Example: 9 of the top 10 most polluted cities are in India (World Air Quality Report 2023). 
• Urban Flooding and Drainage Infrastructure: Inadequate drainage systems and encroachment on water bodies lead to frequent urban flooding. Example: Major floods in Hyderabad (2020, 2021), Chennai (2021), Bengaluru, Ahmedabad (2022), Delhi (2023), and Nagpur (2023). 
• Urban Heat Island Effect and Lack of Green Spaces: Increased temperatures and energy demand due to loss of green spaces. Example: Delhi’s record power demand in May 2024. 
• Water Scarcity and Inadequate Water Management: Acute water shortages due to population growth and depleting groundwater. Example: Chennai’s 2019 water crisis and recent issues in Bengaluru. 
• Inadequate Housing and Slum Proliferation: Urban housing shortage of 18.78 million units (2012-27), with over 65 million people in slums or informal settlements. 
• Traffic Congestion and Mobility Challenges: Severe traffic congestion, increasing commute times. Example: Bengaluru’s peak hour traffic speed of 18 km/h. 
• Inadequate Solid Waste Management: Struggles with solid waste management, leading to health hazards. Example: Indian cities generate 62 million tons of waste annually, with only 20% processed properly. 
• Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure Resilience: Increasing digital threats with urbanization. Example: Ransomware attack on AIIMS Delhi in 2022. 

Steps Needed to Address Urban Challenges 

Environment-Related Initiatives: 

• Sponge City Concept and Permeable Urban Landscapes: Integrating permeable pavements, green roofs, and rainwater gardens to absorb water and reduce flooding. 
• Distributed Waste-to-Energy and Decentralised Waste Management Systems: Promoting community-based waste management and public-private partnerships. 
• Smart Water Management and Recycling Infrastructure: Deploying smart water metering systems for efficient water use and leak detection. 
• Urban Digital Twins and Predictive Modeling: Creating virtual replicas of cities for scenario simulation and data-driven decision-making. 

Smart City Infrastructure: 

• Intelligent Traffic Management Systems: Implementing smart grids and IoT-enabled public services to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. 
• Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure Resilience: Investing in advanced cybersecurity measures to protect urban digital infrastructure. 

Accessibility and Awareness: 

• Participative Governance: Ensuring better dissemination of information and engaging citizens in urban planning for inclusive development. 

Conclusion 

Urbanisation in India presents both opportunities and challenges. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, integrating innovative urban planning, technology, and participative governance.  

By adopting sustainable practices and leveraging smart technologies, India can create liveable, resilient, and inclusive urban environments.