Urbanization: An urge for City Planning

Urbanization is the process of population transport from Rural to Urban areas leading to an increase in population concentration in urban areas which causes the physical expansion of cities and facilities available.

• Status of Urbanization in India:-

1. According to some recent estimates, it shows that urban areas constitute almost 60% of the total GDP of the country.

2. UN World urbanization prospects of 2018 state that by 2050 around 50% of the total Indian population will be residing in urban areas of the country.

• Factors affecting urbanization in India:-

1. Industrialization- More setting up of Manufacturing hubs and Industries attracts employment.

2. Modernization- Technology growth enhances the development

3. Globalization- Investments from foreign MNCs and SEZs are mostly centered in urban areas.

4. Infrastructure development- Mainly taking place under the government's flagship programs like - the smart city initiative, PM Avas yojana.

5. Population growth- Leading to more youth population migrating to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and prospects.

6. Rural-Urban Migration- Many private and government projects lead to rural land clearance and the population migrating to urban areas in search of a substitute.

• Social consequences of Urbanization:-

1. Family size- shifting from a joint family to a more nuclear family leads to more requirements for houses.

2. Caste & culture- rural people migrating to urban places tend to face more discrimination and alienation amongst themselves.

3. Women empowerment- Women being employed in more pink collar jobs and get more educated leading to better job opportunities and securing financial independence.

• Issues related to Urbanization:-

1. Housing crisis

2. Water crisis

3. Waste-management

4. Pollution

5. Urban city Infrastructure

6. Vulnerable to disasters

7. Social issues

• Some of the Government measures in this regard:-

1. Smart city Initiative

2. PM Awas Nidhi Yojana

3. National mission on sustainable habitat

4. Amrut Yojana- Civic amenities

5. NITI Aayog's recommendations of 500 priority cities and participation planning.

• Way Forward:-

1. Circular Economy- Minimizing impacts on the environment

2. Global best practices- Eg. Singapore

3. Census town under the governance

4. Private sector partnerships- Innovative solutions

5. Sustainable Infrastructure- Sustainable urbanization strategies by SDG Goals 2030

6. Prevent distress migration- RURBANIZATION by developing rural areas with city amenities and basic facilities.