- Over-urbanization is a phenomenon wherein the level of urbanization surpasses the level of industrialization.
- It refers to the increased exemplifications of the characters of urbanization in a city or its surrounding rural area.
- In an over urbanized area, population growth outstrips its job market and the capacity of its infrastructure. This phenomenon can also be referred as Urbanisation without Industrialisation.
- It results from excessive development of urban traits. Due to the expansion of the range of urban activities and occupations, greater influx of secondary functions like industry, the increased sophistication and mechanization of life and the influx of urban characters into the surrounding rural area, over urbanization gradually replaces the rural and traditionalistic traits of a community.
- E.g. Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi are some of the over urbanized cities.
FAQs
1. What is over-urbanization?
Over-urbanization refers to the rapid and unsustainable growth of urban areas beyond the capacity of their infrastructure, resources, and services to adequately support the population. It often leads to various socio-economic and environmental challenges.
2. What are the causes of over-urbanization?
Over-urbanization can result from factors such as rural-to-urban migration driven by economic opportunities, natural population growth, inadequate urban planning, lack of affordable housing, and poor governance. Additionally, rapid industrialization and globalization can exacerbate the trend by concentrating economic activities in urban centers.
3. What are the consequences of over-urbanization?
The consequences of over-urbanization include strain on infrastructure such as water supply, transportation, and sanitation systems, increased pollution levels, overcrowded living conditions, social inequality, unemployment, and heightened vulnerability to natural disasters. It can also lead to the degradation of green spaces and loss of biodiversity.
4. How does over-urbanization affect communities?
Over-urbanization can fragment communities, strain social cohesion, and exacerbate inequalities. It often results in the formation of informal settlements or slums characterized by inadequate housing, limited access to basic services, and heightened vulnerability to crime and disease. Additionally, over-urbanization can marginalize certain populations, leading to social exclusion and unrest.
5. What strategies can address over-urbanization?
Addressing over-urbanization requires a comprehensive approach that includes effective urban planning, investment in infrastructure and public services, promotion of sustainable development practices, provision of affordable housing, enhancement of rural livelihood opportunities to reduce rural-to-urban migration, and inclusive governance mechanisms that prioritize the needs of all urban residents. Encouraging the development of secondary cities and decentralization of economic activities can also help alleviate pressure on major urban centers.
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