Urbanization refers to the process of people migrating from rural to urban areas, leading to the growth and expansion of cities and towns. It is driven by factors such as industrialization, commercialization, better social services, and employment opportunities in urban areas. Urbanization in India has been driven significantly by the deregulation of its economy in the 1990s witnessing private sector growth and urban development. With 53 cities having populations over one million, projected to rise to 87 by 2031, economic powerhouses are expected to emerge. Goa leads in urbanization, with 62% urban population, followed by Kerala with 47.7%. Mizoram and Sikkim show significant urban growth. Tamil Nadu remains the most urbanized state. Therefore, achieving sustainability in Indian cities, balancing economic, ecological, and social aspects alongside urbanization is vital for the long-term sustainability of the nation. 

At a glance taking into national and global perspective, urbanization has brought both positive and negative impacts on society. It has led to job creation, technological advancements, improved infrastructure, better transportation and communication, high-quality education and healthcare facilities, and has overall increased living standards. Whereas, on the ecological side, it led to several adverse effects on the environment and biodiversity. The infrastructure development using urban materials such as concrete and asphalt absorbs heat which has led to the phenomenon of heat islands making the urban cities hotter than their surroundings. Additionally, most of the industrial activities, infrastructural development, technological advancements, and transportation take place, these human activities cause degradation to the land, soil, and air by polluting them and deforestation due to the construction of the urban cities. Research also shows change in precipitation patterns in urban cities due to urbanization for example some urban areas often receive more rainfall compared to surrounding regions due to factors like dust particles promoting the condensation of water vapor into rain droplets.

To mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of urbanization, we need to take a multifaceted approach at various frontiers including innovation and technological development such as creating green infrastructure and smart urban cities, promotion of sustainable technologies such as renewable energy and smart transportation, making urban policies keeping in mind the ecological balance such as PM Gatishakti plan, and spread mass awareness amongst the people towards a sustainable living. 

[2] Chowdhury, M. (2021, October 11). What is Urbanization and Its Effect on Society? An Important Topic for Upcoming UPSC Exam. UPSC Pathshala. https://upscpathshala.com/content/urbanization-important-topic-upcoming-upsc-exam/