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REFERENCE NEWS:
The Budget has announced new rental housing with dormitory-type accommodation for industrial workers. This is envisaged to be developed in public-private partnership (PPP) mode with upfront financial support under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme. The Budget Speech also mentions a huge investment of Rs.11.11 lakh crore for capex in infrastructure. While this would include highways and many other sectors, cities can also make efforts to partake a share in it.
URBANISATION IN INDIA
Urbanisation refers to the process by which an increasing proportion of a country's population moves to urban areas, leading to the growth and expansion of cities. This process is driven by various factors such as economic opportunities, better living standards, and improved infrastructure in cities compared to rural areas.
Cities are home to about 50 crore people, accounting to about 36% of India’s population.
This is a rapid growth from 31% as per Census 2011 which projected the urban population growth to 40% by 2030.
The urban population is growing at a pace of 2% to 2.5% annually
According to UN projections, 70% of the total world population will live in urban areas by 2050 as compared to 50% in 2010.
The percentage of Urban population in the US, Europe and China is 83%, 73 % and 47 % respectively compared to India’s.
The states of UP and Kerala have the highest number of mega cities existing in one state with population more than 1 million
Delhi and Goa have more than 90% and 60% of their respective population residing in urban areas which makes them the most urbanised states in India
FACTORS LEADING TO URBANISATION IN INDIA
IMPACTS OF URBANISATION IN INDIA:
Positive Impacts of Urbanization in India:
Economic Growth: Urban areas contribute significantly to the country's GDP. Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi are economic hubs with industries ranging from finance to IT.
Example: Bengaluru's IT sector has transformed the city into a global technology hub, contributing to economic growth and employment generation through FDI and SEZ generation.
Employment Opportunities: Urbanization creates diverse job opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, services, and IT and the new emerging care economy.
Example: The expansion of the service sector in cities like Pune has provided numerous employment opportunities.
Improved Infrastructure and Services: Cities typically offer better infrastructure, including transportation, healthcare, and education.
Example: Most of the tertiary health facilities are available in Tier 1 cities like Mumbai, Delhi etc.
Negative Impacts of Urbanization in India:
Overcrowding and Congestion: Rapid urbanization leads to overcrowding in cities, resulting in congestion and strain on infrastructure.
Example: Mumbai's suburban railway network is often overcrowded, leading to frequent delays and accidents.
Environmental Degradation: Urbanization contributes to pollution, loss of green spaces, and increased waste generation.
Example: Delhi faces severe air pollution issues, particularly during winter months, due to vehicular emissions and industrial activities.
Housing Shortages and Slums: High population density in cities leads to housing shortages, resulting in the growth of slums and informal settlements.
Example: Dharavi in Mumbai is one of the largest slums in Asia, with poor living conditions and inadequate access to basic services.
Infrastructure Strain: Existing infrastructure often cannot keep up with the rapid pace of urbanization, leading to issues like inadequate water supply and sewage systems.
Example: Bengaluru faces frequent water shortages and flooding due to inadequate urban planning and infrastructure and destruction of its wetlands
Social Inequality: Urbanization can exacerbate social inequalities, with marginalized communities often lacking access to essential services and opportunities.
Example: Migrant workers in cities like Delhi and Mumbai often live in precarious conditions with limited access to healthcare and education especially in North Delhi and Delhi outskirts
Social Problems of Urbanisation: Issuesraised include change of family structure, Ghettoization, gated community culture etc.
MEASURES TO ADDRESS THE UNSUSTAINABLE URBANISATION:
Integrated Urban Planning: Develop comprehensive urban plans that integrate land use, transportation, and environmental sustainability.
Example: Ahmedabad's Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is an integrated urban transport solution that reduces traffic congestion and pollution.
Green Infrastructure: Implement green roofs, urban forests, and green belts to enhance air quality and reduce urban heat islands.
Example: Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay exemplifies urban greening and biodiversity conservation.
Affordable Housing: Promote inclusive housing policies to provide affordable housing and reduce slum development.
Example: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. The new Budget announced Dormitory rental housing for urban workers
Water and Waste Management: Enhance waste segregation, recycling programs, and water conservation initiatives. Solid waste management practices to be strictly adhered
Example: Pune's waste management system involves NGOs in waste segregation and recycling, significantly reducing landfill waste.
Sustainable Transportation: Develop public transport networks and encourage non-motorized transport options like cycling and walking.
Example: Cochin International Airport entirely powered by Solar power, Water metro
Renewable Energy Integration: Promote the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind in urban areas.
Example: Gujarat’s solar power initiatives have integrated solar panels in urban infrastructure to meet energy demands sustainably.
Smart Cities Development: Use technology to enhance urban management, improve service delivery, and increase efficiency.
Example: The Smart Cities Mission in India focuses on using ICT to create sustainable and efficient urban spaces.
Community Participation: Involve local communities in urban planning and decision-making processes to ensure that development meets their needs.
Example: Participatory budgeting in cities like Porto Alegre, Brazil, allows citizens to have a say in how municipal funds are spent.
Disaster Resilience and Climate Adaptation: Develop strategies to make urban areas resilient to natural disasters and climate change impacts.
Example: Japan’s disaster management systems, which include early warning systems and resilient infrastructure, serve as a model for urban resilience.
Policy and Governance Reforms: Strengthen urban governance structures to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Example: The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) focuses on improving urban governance and infrastructure development.
Use of Viability Gap Funding for urban infrastructure development
CASE STUDIES OF SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION:
Chandigarh: Chandigarh is known for its well-planned urban design and efficient public transportation system, which has helped to reduce congestion and improve quality of life for residents.
Indore: Known for its waste management initiatives, Indore has implemented a number of programs to improve the collection and disposal of waste. Hence, Indore has topped the 'Swachh Survekshan Awards' for the sixth time in 2022.
