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[December Thematic Report] Urbanisation

by Shreya Kaushik | 01-03-2024 03:35


                              Urbanisation 

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.


When cities grow, they cover the ground with concrete and roads, so water can't soak into the soil like before. Instead, it rushes over surfaces and into rivers, causing flooding. Additionally, urban development changes the shape and flow of streams, making them faster and more prone to flooding. It also promotes the sewage discharge from the factories and homes in the water bodies leading to the degradation in the quality of the water. As cities expand, they change natural habitats by adding pollutants from fertilizers and destroying homes for plants and animals. This pushes native species out and harms the balance of ecosystems. However, urbanization also creates new habitats, attracting both native and non-native species. Pests like pigeons, rats, and mosquitoes thrive in urban areas. So, while urban growth disrupts some habitats and harms biodiversity, it also offers opportunities for new species to thrive. Balancing the needs of existing ecosystems with the changes brought by urbanization is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and preserving the natural world in cities. 


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. 


References:
[1] Bhuvandas, Nishi. ¡°(PDF) Impacts of Urbanisation on Environment.¡± ResearchGate, Feb. 2012, www.researchgate.net/publication/265216682_Impacts_of_urbanisation_on_environment

[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/