Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
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Context:
With the increasing pace of urbanisation along with the baggage of problems it comes.
Urbanisation:
- Urbanisation is the process of transformation that occurs as a society evolves from predominantly rural to predominantly urban areas.
- It involves the increase in the proportion of a country’s population residing in urban areas, leading to the expansion and growth of cities and towns.
- Urbanisation is not just about the physical expansion of cities but also encompasses social, economic, and cultural transformations.
- It involves the migration of individuals from rural to urban areas in pursuit of employment opportunities, improved living standards, access to better education and healthcare facilities, and a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.
What is urban?
Urban refers to areas characterised by:
- high population density,
- advanced infrastructure, and
- diverse, typically non-agricultural economic activities.
- These areas typically have a concentration of buildings, housing complexes, commercial establishments, and social amenities.
The Indian Census identifies two categories of ‘urban’ areas:
Statutory towns — those which have urban local bodies like municipal corporation, municipality or municipal committee.
Census towns — All those places satisfying the following 3 criteria:
- Population of atleast 5000 persons.
- Minimum population density of 400 persons per sq. km. and
- 75 per cent of the male workforce is employed in the non-agricultural activities.
Urban agglomerations:
Urban agglomerations encompass a broader area, including not only a city but also its surrounding suburbs and neighboring towns that share economic, social, and functional ties.
Over Urbanisation:
It happens in rural areas due to expansion of urban activities and characteristics in rural areas which gradually replaces the rural traits.
Positive impacts of urbanisation
Economic Growth and Opportunities:
- Urban areas serve as engines of economic growth.
- According to the World Bank, more than 80 per cent of global GDP is generated in the cities.
- The concentration of industries, businesses, and services in urban centers leads to increased productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurial activities.
Improved Infrastructure and Services:
- Urban areas tend to have better-developed infrastructure and a wider range of services compared to rural areas.
- Urbanisation drives the expansion of transportation networks.
Social and Cultural Exchange:
- Urbanisation fosters social interaction and cultural exchange due to the diversity of people from different backgrounds residing nearby.
- Urban centers become melting pots of diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and ideas.
- This cultural vibrancy promotes creativity, tolerance, and the exchange of knowledge, leading to social cohesion and a rich cultural tapestry.
Education and Skill Development:
- Urban areas offer better access to educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities.
- This facilitates higher levels of education and skill development among urban populations.
Technological Advancements:
- Urban areas often witness the adoption and development of advanced technologies.
- The concentration of research institutions, technology parks, and innovation hubs in urban centers fosters technological advancements and promotes innovation.
- Urbanisation facilitates the dissemination of new technologies, leading to improved efficiency in various sectors such as transportation, communication, energy, and healthcare.
Various social problems due to urbanisation
- Overcrowding and Housing Shortage
- Traffic Congestion and Pollution
- Inequality and Social Exclusion
- Environmental Degradation
- Inadequate Service Provision
SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB
