Urbanization Challenges for a Sustainable Future

The process of urbanization brings both opportunities and problems as cities develop and the population increases. Rare urban settlements can be found with better job accessibility, health care, and education. However, since the growth is so fast, it creates a huge strain on the resources, infrastructure, and housing and many times leads to excessive complications such as overcrowding, environmental pollution, and poor service delivery. Confronting this situation is critical since no nation can afford occupation and prosperity in cities without considering the sanctity of the environment and the well-being of city dwellers. As such, a good future city will have these challenges of urbanization resolved through smart urban planning, efficient infrastructure development and utilization, and sustainable resource management.

Tags: GS – 1,Urbanization– Population and Associated Issues– Poverty and Developmental Issues

Table of Contents

Context:

Urbanisation is a complex process where populations shift from rural to urban areas, transforming land use, economic activities, and social structures.
India’s urbanisation rate increased from 27.8% in 2001 to 31.2% in 2011, with projections suggesting about 590 million urban residents by 2030.
Despite urban growth driving GDP and job creation, challenges like inadequate infrastructure, transit issues, safety concerns, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequalities remain.

What is Urbanization?

About:
- Urbanisation is the complex process of population movement from rural to urban areas, leading to changes in land use, economic activities, and social structures.
- It involves demographic shifts, city expansion, economic diversification, cultural changes, and evolving governance systems, resulting in increased urban density and developed built environments.
- Recognized by the UN as a major demographic trend alongside population growth, ageing, and migration, urbanisation shapes cities’ spatial and functional dynamics.
Types of Urban Settlements:
- Planned Settlements: Developed by government agencies or housing societies based on official plans to create sustainable environments, considering physical, social, and economic factors for organised growth.
- Unplanned Settlements: Emerge spontaneously, often on government or private land, resulting in disorganised areas with mixed permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary structures, typically located in less regulated or flood-prone areas.
Trends in Urbanization:
- According to the Global Liveability Index 2023, New Delhi and Mumbai are ranked 141st, and Chennai 144th, reflecting low scores in stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure.
- Urbanisation in India increased from 27.7% in 2001 to 31.1% in 2011, with a shift from Tier 1 cities to medium-sized towns due to employment, education, and security factors.
- By 2030, urban areas are projected to contribute 70% to GDP, 85% of total tax revenue, and 70% of new jobs, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Reasons for Urbanization:
- Trade and Industry: Attracts labour, drives infrastructure development, and facilitates market access and innovation.
- Economic Opportunities: Cities offer more job prospects, with businesses and institutions providing diverse employment opportunities.
- Education: Urban areas typically offer superior educational facilities, attracting people seeking better educational and career prospects.
- Better Lifestyle: Cities provide enhanced services like hospitals and libraries, and a vibrant social and cultural environment.
- Migration: Drives urbanisation, leading to the growth of informal settlements due to high living costs in established urban areas, resulting in slums and unauthorised colonies lacking basic amenities.

Challenges Related to Urban Development:

Urban Flooding:
- Issue: Severe flooding due to inadequate drainage and encroachment on natural water bodies.
- Examples: Flooding in Delhi (2024, 2023), Nagpur (September 2023), Bengaluru, Ahmedabad (2022), Chennai (November 2021), and Hyderabad (2020, 2021) highlight infrastructure weaknesses and the need for improved flood management.
Gurugramisation of Cities:
- Issue: Rapid urbanisation leads to extensive development and sprawl, creating socioeconomic divides and environmental strain.
- Examples: Gurugram’s transformation exemplifies the challenges of balancing growth with sustainability.
Highway-Oriented Development:
- Issue: Preference for highway development can diminish the appeal of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and increase peripheral congestion.
- Challenges: Poor coordination between transit and city planning agencies, like between Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Delhi Development Authority, and cultural resistance to TOD.
Traffic Congestion and Mobility Challenges:
- Issue: Rapid urbanisation and increased private vehicles lead to severe congestion, extended commute times, and reduced productivity.
Air Pollution and Environmental Degradation:
- Issue: Severe air pollution from vehicle emissions, industry, and construction.
- Examples: World Air Quality Report 2023 ranks nine of the ten most polluted cities globally in India, with Delhi as the most polluted capital.
Urban Heat Island Effect and Lack of Green Spaces:
- Issue: Rapid urban expansion and reduced green spaces increase temperatures and energy consumption.
- Examples: Delhi’s extreme heatwave in May 2024 pushed power demand to over 8,000 megawatts.
Water Scarcity and Inadequate Water Management:
- Issue: Severe water shortages due to rapid growth, rising populations, and declining groundwater levels.
- Examples: Water crises in Delhi (2024), Chennai (2019), and Bengaluru underscore the severity of water management issues.
Inadequate Housing and Slum Proliferation:
- Issue: Housing shortage and slum proliferation strain infrastructure and exacerbate poverty.
- Statistics: An estimated 18.78 million housing units are short in India (2012-2027), with over 65 million people in slums.
Inadequate Solid Waste Management:
- Issue: Challenges in managing solid waste lead to garbage accumulation and health risks.
- Statistics: Indian cities generate about 62 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, with only 20% processed or treated.

How TOD Promotes Sustainable Urban Development

Reduction in Traffic Congestion:
- Benefit: TOD integrates high-density, mixed-use neighbourhoods with efficient public transit, reducing private vehicle reliance, easing traffic flow, and minimising environmental impacts.
Mitigation of Suburban Sprawl:
- Benefit: TOD promotes compact, well-planned urban areas, reducing environmental degradation and fostering vibrant communities with mixed-use development.
Enhanced Urban Lifestyle:
- Benefit: TOD provides diverse land uses within walking distance of transit stations, enhancing quality of life and supporting a healthier urban environment.
Environmental and Economic Benefits:
- Benefit: TOD reduces pollution and fossil fuel dependency, boosts local businesses, lowers transportation costs, and attracts investment, contributing to long-term sustainability.

Examples of Successful TOD Implementation

Metro Rail Projects:
- Description: Expansion of metro rail networks in major cities to alleviate urban congestion and improve public transportation.
- Examples: Operational metro systems in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, and others, with additional projects underway.
Urban Transport Policies:
- Description: Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) projects aim to reduce congestion and pollution while enhancing mobility.
- Example: The Integrated Transport Plan for NCR 2032 identified key corridors like Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat, and Delhi-Alwar to connect major cities in the Delhi NCR.
Mumbai’s Lower Parel:
- Description: Transformation into a TOD hub with high-rise residential and commercial developments around local train stations, integrating transit and urban spaces.
Noida’s Cycle Zones:
- Description: Features dedicated tracks, cycle-sharing programs, and integrated urban design to promote sustainable transport.
- Benefits: Reduces pollution, improves public health, and supports a pedestrian-friendly city by separating bike lanes from traffic and enhancing safety.
No Emission Zones:
- Description: Urban areas that restrict access for high-emission vehicles to cut pollution and promote cleaner transport.
- Example: London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) reduces air pollution by restricting high-emission vehicles and supports TOD by integrating with public transit and encouraging sustainable transportation.
Hong Kong’s Property + Rail Model:
- Description: Integrates real estate development with transit funding.
- Mechanism: Authorities buy land development rights before rail construction, sell them post-construction at higher prices, and use the revenue to finance transit operations.
- Benefits: Generates substantial income, reduces urban sprawl and pollution, and enhances ridership through increased density.

Steps Taken for Urban Development

Government Initiatives:
- Budget 2024-25: Creation of TOD plans for 14 major cities with populations above 30 lakh. Rs 2.2 lakh crore central assistance for urban housing over five years, with interest subsidies for affordable loans.
- Smart Cities Mission: Develops 100 cities using smart solutions to enhance infrastructure and services, focusing on water supply, sanitation, waste management, urban mobility, and e-governance.
- AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation): Targets 500 cities to improve basic infrastructure services like water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green spaces.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): Provides financial assistance for house construction or renovation for the urban poor, including credit-linked subsidies and partnerships with private developers.
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban): Aims to eliminate open defecation, improve solid waste management, and raise sanitation awareness through toilet construction and modern waste management practices.
- Digital India: Focuses on providing digital infrastructure, public Wi-Fi, digital service delivery, and cashless transactions to create smart urban ecosystems.
- Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (2022-23): Rs 6000 crore for urban planning reforms, including modernization of building bylaws, TDR adoption, LAP and TPS implementation, TOD, and creation of sponge cities.
- Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (2023-24): Rs 15000 crore to enhance urban planning through human resource development, town planning schemes, modernization of building bylaws, in-situ slum rehabilitation, TOD, and strengthening urban ecosystems.
Constitutional and Legal Frameworks:
- Articles 243Q and 243W: Grant local governments (municipalities) powers for urban planning and development.
- 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: Provided constitutional status to urban local bodies and introduced Part IX-A to the Constitution.

12th Schedule: Defines the powers, authority, and responsibilities of municipalities.

Conclusion

Urbanisation stands at a pivotal point in both global and national development, presenting a blend of opportunities and challenges. For cities to thrive and evolve, embracing thorough planning and reform is crucial to ensure urbanisation drives economic growth and enhances quality of life. By prioritising sustainable growth, infrastructure enhancement, and robust governance, cities can leverage the benefits of urbanisation while mitigating its challenges, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient urban future.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q:1 With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct? (2017)

UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.
UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

Ans: (b)

Mains:

Q:1 The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2016)

Source: HT

FAQs

Q: What are the main problems of urbanization?

Answer: Overcrowding, traffic congestion, pollution, inadequate housing, and insufficient public services like health, education, and sanitation are the issues mainly related to urbanization. These may overburden city infrastructure and degrade the living conditions of citizens.

Q: How does rapid urbanization affect the environment?

These are the repercussions of rapid urbanization: deforestation, loss of green areas, air pollution, and the adulteration of water. High consumption of energy and waste leads to environmental degradation and contributes to climate change.

Q: Why is urban planning important for a sustainable future?

Answer: Urban planning plays a paramount role in making cities livable and eco-friendly for proper management and use of resources. Enough housing, less pollution, proper transportation facilities, and the preservation of nature together make cities sustainable through good urban planning.

Q: How can cities become more sustainable?

Answer: Cities can become more sustainable through eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy, public transport, reducing waste, and increasing green spaces. Other policies, such as those focused on energy-efficient buildings and responsible water management, help to promote sustainability.

Q: In what ways can people help to address the issue of urbanization?

These include the adoption of sustainable practices, such as utilizing public transport, reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and participating in local green initiatives. It is in this very conscious awareness and participation in sustainable practices that substantial differences can be achieved at the local levels.

To get free counseling/support on UPSC preparation from expert mentors please call 9773890604

Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
Learn CSAT – CSAT for UPSC
Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here

Urbanization Challenges for a Sustainable Future – UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis – 09th Sep 2024 – Edukemy