Urbanisation and Settlements - Rural and Urban

URBANISATION

• Urbanization in India is undergoing a rapid acceleration. 
• As of 2011, the urban population exceeded 30%, and projections indicate a further increase to 41% by 2030. 
• The swift pace of urbanization presents an unprecedented challenge in terms of management and policy. 
• Surprisingly, India has not initiated a comprehensive national dialogue addressing the monumental shift in the nation's composition.

The current urban landscape in India is characterised by a dispersed pattern, encompassing a diverse array of large and small cities scattered across the country. Interestingly, the growth of Indian towns is predominantly driven by the tertiary sector, marking a noteworthy departure from the conventional reliance on the secondary sector. It is ironic that the development of cities in India is intricately tied to the expansion of the tertiary sector, with the communication, transport, services, and construction sectors playing pivotal roles in urban growth.

In contrast to developed countries where cities often owe their development to the manufacturing sector, India's urbanisation narrative takes a distinctive trajectory. 

• The communication sector, transport infrastructure, services, and construction activities emerge as the primary catalysts propelling the growth of Indian cities.
• Regional disparities in urbanization are evident, with Southern India exhibiting higher urbanization levels compared to Northern and Eastern regions. 
• This disparity is attributed to historical, socio-cultural, and educational resource factors that are more prevalent in the Southern states.

The advent of globalization in India has further amplified the urbanization trend, particularly contributing to the robust development of South India. 

The infusion of high Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the establishment of diverse industries in these states have been instrumental in driving their urbanization process.

SETTLEMENTS

Settlements, essential for human survival, are constructed to provide shelter from natural phenomena and various artificial challenges, facilitating social life enjoyment. Establishing a settlement hierarchy involves ranking settlements within a region or country based on population size or the type and range of services they offer.

• In this hierarchy, smaller settlements typically provide low-order services like post offices and newsagents. 
• Conversely, larger settlements offer a more extensive array of high-order services, including facilities like leisure centers and chain stores. 
• The size of a settlement correlates with the breadth of services it provides, thereby influencing its market area or sphere of influence.
•  In essence, larger settlements encompass a greater range of services, expanding their impact and influence in the surrounding region.

RURAL SETTLEMENTS

• Majority engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, forestry, and fishing.
• Occupations directly linked to the land.
• Population Size and Density:
  • Small population size in rural settlements.
  • Low population densities prevail.
  • Lack of basic infrastructure like sewage, roads, and high communication networks.
• Economic Factors:
  • Generally low per capita income in rural settlements.
• Land Use and Landscape:
  • Extensive land use characterizes rural settlements.
  • Open landscapes with limited urbanization.

Factors Affecting Location:

• Land Quality: Settlements near fertile lands suitable for agriculture.
• Upland Selection: Choosing upland areas to avoid flooding, preventing damage to houses.
• Defense Considerations: Building villages on defensive hills and islands during political instability or war.
• Planned Settlements: Government initiatives for planned settlements, providing shelter and infrastructure.

Water Supply:

• Proximity to Water Bodies: Rural settlements located near rivers, lakes, and springs for easy access to water.

Advantages of Water-Based Settlements:

• Water for drinking, cooking, washing.
• Irrigation of farmland.
• Fishing for diet and transportation facilitation.

Patterns of Rural Settlements:

1-Linear Pattern:

• Houses along roads, railways, rivers, canals, or valley edges.

2-Rectangular Pattern:

• Found in plain areas or wide inter-montane valleys with roads intersecting at right angles.

3-Circular Pattern:

• Develops around lakes and tanks, with a central open space for protecting animals from wild animals.

4-Star-Like Pattern:

• Forms where several roads converge, creating star-shaped settlements.

5-T-Shaped, Y-Shaped, Cross-Shaped:

• T-shaped at tri-junctions, Y-shaped when a third road converges, cruciform at crossroads.

7-Double Village:

• Settlements extending on both sides of a river with a bridge or ferry.

Challenges of Rural Settlements:

Infrastructure Deficiency:

• Lack of modern facilities, unmetalled roads, and inadequate communication networks.

Water Supply Issues:

• Inadequate access, leading to water-borne diseases.

Drought Conditions:

• Vulnerability to drought, affecting crop patterns.

Sanitation Challenges:

• Absence of garbage disposal and toilets causing health problems.

Housing Vulnerability:

• Houses made of thatch, wood, and mud susceptible to damage during floods and rains, requiring regular maintenance.

Road and Communication Problems:

• Lack of facilities causing difficulties, especially during the rainy season.

Health and Education Gaps:

• Inadequate educational and health infrastructure, posing challenges for large rural populations in underdeveloped countries.

Urban Settlements: Characteristics, Classification, and Types

• Dominance of non-primary activities like manufacturing and the service sector.
• High population density, typically exceeding 400 people per square kilometer.
• Designated and notified by the government as an urban settlement.

Census Classification (India - 2011):

Statutory Towns: Places with a municipality, corporation, cantonment board, or notified town area committee.

Census Towns: Defined by the Census of India 2011, including areas with urban characteristics but not officially notified as statutory towns.

Key Points:

• Urban settlements are characterized by a diverse economic base, high population density, and government recognition.
• Classification considers factors such as age, population, functions, and physical forms.
• In India, rural settlements vary from clustered to dispersed, while urban settlements are officially recognized and classified by the government, including statutory and Census towns.
• Understanding the types and characteristics of urban settlements is crucial for urban planning, infrastructure development, and resource allocation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How fast is urbanization growing in India?

Ans. As of 2011, the urban population exceeded 30%, and projections indicate a further increase to 41% by 2030.

Q. What challenges does rapid urbanization pose in India?

Ans. The swift pace of urbanization presents unprecedented challenges in terms of management and policy, yet there is no comprehensive national dialogue addressing this shift.

Q. What factors contribute to the growth of Indian cities?

Ans. Indian towns are predominantly growing due to the tertiary sector, including communication, transport, services, and construction, marking a departure from the reliance on the secondary sector.

Q. How does urbanization in India differ from developed countries?

Ans. Unlike developed countries where cities often grow due to the manufacturing sector, India's urbanization is driven by the communication sector, transport infrastructure, services, and construction activities.

Q. Are there regional disparities in urbanization within India?

Ans. Yes, Southern India exhibits higher urbanization levels compared to Northern and Eastern regions, attributed to historical, socio-cultural, and educational resource factors.

Q. How has globalization influenced urbanization in India?

Ans. The advent of globalization in India has amplified urbanization, particularly contributing to the robust development of South India through high Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and diverse industries.

Q. What is a settlement hierarchy?

Ans. A settlement hierarchy involves ranking settlements based on population size or the type and range of services they offer within a region or country.

Q. How does settlement size correlate with the range of services provided?

Ans. Smaller settlements offer low-order services, while larger settlements provide high-order services, creating a hierarchy where size influences the breadth of services and market area.

Q. What are the main characteristics of rural settlements in India?

Ans. Characteristics include engagement in primary activities, small population size, low density, lack of infrastructure, low per capita income, extensive land use, and varied settlement patterns.

Q. How do water bodies influence the location of rural settlements?

Ans. Rural settlements are often located near rivers, lakes, and springs for easy access to water, providing advantages such as irrigation, fishing, and transportation.

Q. What are the challenges faced by rural settlements in India?

Ans. Challenges include infrastructure deficiencies, water supply issues, vulnerability to drought, sanitation challenges, housing vulnerability, road and communication problems, and gaps in health and education.

Q. How are urban settlements classified?

Ans. Urban settlements are classified based on age, population size, functions, and physical forms, with types including clustered, agglomerated, semi-clustered, helmeted, and dispersed or isolated settlements.

Q. What characterizes urban settlements in India?

Ans. Urban settlements are characterized by occupational diversity, high population density, and government notification designating them as urban areas.

Q. What is the significance of Census towns in India?

Ans. Census towns, defined by the Census of India 2011, include areas with urban characteristics but are not officially notified as statutory towns, contributing to the overall urban landscape.