Urban Issues – UPSC Indian Society Notes

Urbanization has brought significant changes in the social, economic, and physical aspects of cities in India. However, it has also led to various challenges and problems that need to be addressed for sustainable development. Some of the main problems associated with urbanization in India are:

Overcrowding: India’s urban areas are facing a significant population explosion. According to the World Urbanization Prospects report by the United Nations, India’s urban population is projected to reach 416 million by 2030. This has resulted in overcrowding, with people living in cramped spaces, inadequate housing, and inadequate access to basic amenities like water, sanitation, and healthcare.
Slums: As a result of overcrowding, slums have become a common sight in urban areas in India. According to the Census of India, 2011, around 17% of the urban population lives in slums. These slums lack basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, and are often hotspots for crime and disease.
Traffic Congestion: With increasing population and urbanization, traffic congestion has become a significant problem in cities. According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group, traffic congestion in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore costs the economy around $22 billion annually. The increasing number of vehicles on the roads has led to long traffic jams, increased travel time, and air pollution.
Environmental Degradation: Rapid urbanization has led to significant environmental degradation in cities. The high levels of air and water pollution have adverse health effects on citizens, and the loss of green spaces has impacted the local biodiversity. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, around 80% of India’s cities have poor air quality.
Urban Poverty: While urbanization has brought economic growth to some, it has also resulted in rising urban poverty. According to the World Bank, around 80 million people in India live in urban poverty, with limited access to basic amenities and services like housing, healthcare, education, and social protection.
Inadequate Infrastructure and energy crisis: The rapid pace of urbanization has led to inadequate infrastructure development in many cities. The lack of basic amenities like water, sanitation, and electricity, along with inadequate transportation and communication facilities, have hampered the quality of life of urban citizens.
Unemployment: Unemployment is a persistent problem in urban areas, particularly among the youth. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reported that the unemployment rate in India is projected to be 3.5% in 2022, with a significant portion of the population being underemployed or informally employed. Rapid urbanization, a mismatch between education and job requirements, and a lack of skilled workforce are some of the major reasons for the problem of unemployment in urban areas.
Climate change: Climate change is another significant challenge faced by urban areas in India. Cities account for more than 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), India is likely to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves due to climate change.

Urban areas are particularly susceptible to these extreme weather events, which can lead to significant economic losses, infrastructure damage, and loss of life. Furthermore, the urban heat island effect, which is a phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities, can exacerbate the impact of heatwaves and contribute to poor air quality.

Table of Contents

Water Crisis

Water crisis in India is a critical issue that has been affecting millions of people across the country. It is a result of various factors such as increasing population, urbanization, climate change, and lack of efficient water management policies. The problem is more severe in urban areas, where the demand for water is increasing at a rapid rate due to a growing population and industrialization.

According to a report by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), 21 major cities in India, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, will run out of groundwater by 2020. The report also highlighted that by 2030, the country’s water demand is expected to be twice the available supply, indicating a severe water crisis.

The water crisis in India is not limited to urban areas but also affects rural areas. A significant proportion of the country’s population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, and inadequate access to water resources affects their agricultural productivity, leading to lower incomes and food insecurity.

Climate change is another factor that exacerbates the water crisis in India. The changing rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, and melting glaciers impact the country’s water resources, making them unpredictable and unreliable. This situation is further worsened by inefficient water management policies, inadequate infrastructure, and limited investments in water conservation and management.

The water crisis in India has severe implications for public health, agriculture, and economic growth. It is crucial for the government and various stakeholders to address this issue by investing in sustainable water management practices, promoting water conservation, and ensuring efficient water distribution systems.

To address these issues, there is a need for the implementation of sustainable and inclusive urban development strategies. Strategies such as the promotion of green jobs, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and waste management can address both unemployment and climate change. Additionally, urban planning and development should take into account the potential impacts of climate change and implement appropriate measures to mitigate and adapt to these impacts.

NFHS-5 on Urbanization

According to the latest NFHS-5 survey conducted in 2019-20, the urban population in India has grown significantly over the past decade. The proportion of the population living in urban areas increased from 28% in 2005-06 to 34% in 2019-20. This indicates a rapid pace of urbanization in the country.

However, the survey also highlights some of the challenges associated with urbanization. One of the major concerns is the disparity in health outcomes between urban and rural areas. The NFHS-5 survey shows that the prevalence of stunting among children under five years of age is higher in urban areas (27.2%) than in rural areas (22.8%). Similarly, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher in urban areas (22.3%) than in rural areas (16.3%). This indicates that while urbanization has brought about improvements in certain aspects of health, it has also led to an increase in non-communicable diseases and malnutrition.

Unemployment is another major issue associated with urbanization. The NFHS-5 survey shows that the unemployment rate among men in urban areas is higher (8.7%) than in rural areas (5.5%). Similarly, the unemployment rate among women in urban areas is higher (18.5%) than in rural areas (13.6%). This indicates that while urbanization has led to the creation of more jobs in certain sectors, it has also resulted in a high degree of unemployment and underemployment.

Climate change is another major concern associated with urbanization. The rapid pace of urbanization has led to increased greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and waste generation. According to the NFHS-5 survey, the proportion of households using clean cooking fuel is lower in urban areas (57.6%) than in rural areas (73.2%). Similarly, the proportion of households with access to piped water supply is higher in urban areas (83.2%) than in rural areas (50.3%). This indicates that while urbanization has led to improvements in certain aspects of infrastructure, it has also led to environmental degradation and an increase in the carbon footprint.

Inclusive Cities

Inclusive cities are those that ensure equitable access to opportunities, services, and resources for all residents, regardless of their background, socio-economic status, or physical ability. Inclusive cities are a key aspect of sustainable development, and they promote social cohesion, reduce inequalities, and enhance the overall quality of life for their citizens.

Here are some key elements of inclusive cities:

Access to affordable housing: One of the most basic requirements for an inclusive city is access to affordable and safe housing. In many urban areas, there is a shortage of affordable housing, which can lead to homelessness and displacement. Inclusive cities must prioritize the development of affordable housing and ensure that all residents have access to adequate shelter.
Public transportation: Inclusive cities must provide affordable and accessible public transportation to ensure that all residents can easily access jobs, schools, healthcare, and other services. This includes the provision of accessible infrastructure, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, to facilitate non-motorized transportation.
Universal access to healthcare: Inclusive cities must ensure that all residents have access to affordable and quality healthcare services. This includes the provision of healthcare facilities and resources that are accessible to all residents, regardless of their income or background.
Inclusive economic development: Inclusive cities must promote economic development that benefits all residents, not just a privileged few. This includes providing access to education and training programs, as well as creating job opportunities that are accessible to all.
Social inclusion: Inclusive cities must prioritize social inclusion by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of urban life. This includes combating discrimination and fostering social cohesion through community-building initiatives.
Accessibility for people with disabilities: Inclusive cities must ensure that all residents, including those with disabilities, have equal access to public spaces, transportation, and services. This includes the provision of accessible infrastructure, such as ramps and elevators, and ensuring that public spaces are designed with the needs of all residents in mind.
Environmental sustainability: Inclusive cities must promote environmental sustainability by adopting green policies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote the use of renewable energy sources. This includes the provision of green spaces and the promotion of sustainable transportation options, such as biking and walking.

Certain examples of Inclusive Cities

Mysuru, Karnataka: Mysuru has been recognized as the first city in India to have a universal accessibility policy. The city has implemented a number of measures to make it more inclusive, such as providing ramps, tactile pavements, and audio signals at traffic intersections.
Puducherry, Union Territory: Puducherry has launched a project called “Heritage for All” which aims to make the city more accessible to people with disabilities. The project involves the restoration of heritage buildings and the installation of accessibility features such as ramps and lifts.
Kochi, Kerala: Kochi has implemented a number of measures to make the city more inclusive, such as providing accessible public transport, creating barrier-free footpaths, and installing audio signals at traffic intersections.
Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Indore has been recognized as one of the cleanest cities in India and has implemented a number of measures to make it more inclusive. The city has created a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities by providing accessible public transport, footpaths, and buildings.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Chennai has launched a number of initiatives to make the city more inclusive, such as the creation of barrier-free footpaths, installation of tactile pavements and audio signals at traffic intersections, and provision of accessible public transport.

These are just a few examples of the many Indian cities that are working towards becoming more inclusive.

Possible Remedies for Urban Issues

Green cover: Increasing green cover in urban areas can significantly improve the quality of life by mitigating air and noise pollution, reducing the urban heat island effect, providing recreational spaces and promoting biodiversity. India’s National Forest Policy, 1988 mandates a minimum of 33% of land area to be covered with forests. However, as per the State of Forest Report, 2019, India’s forest cover is only 24.56% of the total geographic area. There are several initiatives by state governments and local bodies to increase green cover in urban areas, such as the Miyawaki method of afforestation in Chennai, Telangana’s Haritha Haram programme, and the Delhi government’s Tree Transplantation Policy.
Efficient and Integral City Planning: Good urban planning is essential for creating liveable and inclusive cities. It involves designing and managing the physical and social aspects of cities, including land use, transportation, housing, public spaces, and community services. The Smart Cities Mission launched by the Indian government aims to create 100 smart cities across the country, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development. For instance, the Bhopal Smart City project focuses on improving public transport, creating smart infrastructure, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Better Transportation Facility: One of the key challenges of urbanisation is providing efficient and affordable transportation facilities. It is essential to reduce congestion and improve connectivity between different parts of the city. Initiatives such as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Mumbai’s suburban railway system, and Bangalore’s Namma Metro have been successful in reducing traffic congestion and providing affordable transport options to citizens.
Amendment of Rent Control Acts: Rent control acts are meant to protect tenants from exorbitant rents and eviction. However, in India, they have often led to a shortage of rental housing and deteriorating living conditions for tenants. Amending the rent control acts and introducing policies such as the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, can encourage landlords to rent out their properties and improve the availability and quality of rental housing.
Limited Environment Pollution: Pollution in urban areas, particularly air and water pollution, has become a significant public health issue in India. Initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme and the Swachh Bharat Mission aim to reduce pollution levels in urban areas. The Delhi government’s odd-even scheme, which restricted the use of private vehicles on alternate days, was successful in reducing air pollution levels in the city.
Public Health Delivery system: Urban areas in India face significant challenges in providing access to quality healthcare. Initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat programme aim to provide universal health coverage to citizens, particularly those from low-income households. The programme provides cashless health insurance cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. The government’s National Urban Health Mission aims to improve the availability and quality of healthcare services in urban areas.
Power Utilities: One of the major challenges faced by urban areas in India is inadequate and unreliable power supply. To address this issue, various measures have been taken, such as the establishment of power utilities that aim to ensure a continuous and reliable power supply to urban areas. The government has launched various schemes, including the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) and the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), to improve power infrastructure and increase access to electricity in urban and rural areas. As per the Ministry of Power, the country achieved 100% village electrification in 2018 and is now focused on achieving 24×7 power for all.
Sewerage Management: Sewerage management is a critical aspect of urban development and involves the safe and efficient collection, treatment, and disposal of human waste. In India, many cities face issues with the inadequate or non-existent sewerage system, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases and environmental pollution. The government has launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) to address these issues and promote cleanliness and sanitation. The mission aims to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) India by constructing household and community toilets and improving the sewerage system.
Increase job opportunities: Urbanization has led to a significant increase in the number of people migrating from rural to urban areas in search of better job opportunities. However, many cities in India are facing high levels of unemployment due to the mismatch between the skills possessed by the workforce and the demands of the job market. To address this, the government has launched various initiatives to boost employment opportunities, such as the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), which aims to provide employment and skill development opportunities to the urban poor. The government has also launched the Skill India Mission to enhance the employability of the workforce by providing training and certification in various skills. Additionally, various sectors such as IT and e-commerce have emerged as major job creators in urban areas.

Examples:

The IPDS scheme has been successful in improving the power infrastructure in various cities, including Varanasi, which saw a reduction in power outages from 5 hours to just 2 hours per day after the implementation of the scheme.
The city of Indore has been recognized as the cleanest city in India for four consecutive years under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, thanks to its efficient sewerage management and solid waste management practices.
The NULM has been successful in providing employment and skill development opportunities to the urban poor in various cities, including Ahmedabad and Jaipur. The scheme has also helped in promoting entrepreneurship by providing access to credit and technical support to start-ups and small businesses.

The Ease of Living Index (EoLI) is an index that evaluates the quality of life and the ease of living in different cities in India. It was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2018. The index ranks 111 cities based on four pillars – institutional, social, economic, and physical infrastructure.

Some key findings of the Ease of Living Index 2020 are:

Bengaluru has topped the index, followed by Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Surat.
Shimla is the highest-ranked city in the hills, while Bhubaneswar is the highest-ranked city in the east.
Delhi has ranked 13th in the overall ranking and is the highest-ranked Union Territory.
Mumbai has ranked 47th, which is a drop from its 2018 ranking of 29.
Guwahati has ranked the lowest, followed by Rampur, Kohima, Bihar Sharif, and Patna.
The index is useful in identifying the areas where a city needs improvement to provide better living standards for its citizens. It helps policymakers and urban planners to prioritize areas for development and allocate resources accordingly.

FAQs

1. What are urban environment issues?

Urban environment issues refer to challenges and problems related to the ecological and environmental aspects of urban areas. These may include pollution, waste management, deforestation, and loss of green spaces.

2. What are urban transportation problems?

Urban transportation problems refer to challenges related to mobility and transportation in urban areas. These may include traffic congestion, inadequate public transportation, and pollution from vehicles.

3. How does traffic congestion affect urban areas?

Traffic congestion can lead to increased travel time, stress, air pollution, and economic costs. It can also hinder productivity and quality of life for urban residents.

4. How do urban health issues differ from rural health issues?

Urban health issues often differ from rural health issues due to factors like population density, sanitation conditions, lifestyle, and healthcare accessibility. Urban areas may face unique health challenges.

5. What are urban planning issues?

Urban planning issues involve challenges related to the design, development, and management of urban spaces. These may include inadequate infrastructure, lack of affordable housing, and zoning conflicts.

6. How does inadequate urban planning impact cities?

Inadequate urban planning can lead to inefficient land use, urban sprawl, infrastructure deficits, and unequal access to basic services, which can hinder a city’s growth and sustainability.

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