Urban Agglomeration – UPSC Indian Society Notes

by Edukemy Team April 9, 2024

The term “urban agglomeration” was introduced in the 1971 census. Sometimes, places like large railway colonies, university campuses, port areas, or military camps are built near but outside the official city or town limits.
These areas might not qualify as towns themselves, but if they’re part of the continuous spread with the nearby town, they’re considered urban. These areas are called “outgrowths” and can cover an entire village or part of one. When towns and their outgrowths are taken together as one urban unit, it’s known as an “urban agglomeration.”
An urban agglomeration, as defined by the Census of India in 2001, is a continuous urban area formed by a town and its surrounding outgrowths (OGs). It can also include two or more towns that are physically connected, with or without their own outgrowths. For it to be classified as an Urban Agglomeration, it needs to have at least one official town and a total population of no less than 20,000 according to the 2001 Census.

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FAQs

Urban Agglomeration refers to the spatial concentration of people, economic activities, and infrastructure in and around cities. It encompasses not just the city itself but also its surrounding suburbs and areas linked economically and socially to the urban core.

While both terms refer to densely populated urban areas, Urban Agglomeration typically emphasizes the physical and functional integration of cities and surrounding areas, including smaller towns and suburbs. Metropolitan Areas, on the other hand, are defined by administrative boundaries and statistical criteria set by governments for planning and governance purposes.

Factors driving Urban Agglomeration include economic opportunities, better infrastructure, access to services, cultural amenities, and social networks. These factors attract people and businesses to urban areas, leading to population concentration and the development of interconnected urban regions.

Urban Agglomeration can lead to economies of scale and agglomeration effects, fostering innovation, productivity, and economic growth. It facilitates the efficient provision of infrastructure and services, promotes cultural exchange and diversity, and offers a wide range of employment opportunities and amenities to residents.

Challenges of Urban Agglomeration include congestion, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, housing affordability issues, social inequalities, and strains on natural resources. Managing growth sustainably, ensuring equitable development, and addressing environmental concerns are crucial for the long-term viability of urban agglomerations.

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