Current Affairs 3 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

GS Paper I: Urbanisation
Syllabus: Urbanisation

Source: The Hindu (TH)

Context:

World Cities Day, observed on October 31, emphasizes the global challenges and opportunities brought about by urbanization. This year’s theme, “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability,” underscores the role of younger generations in leading sustainable urban growth.

Definition and Current Status of Urbanisation:

• Urbanisation is the increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas, resulting in the expansion and development of cities.
• Urban Population: In 2023, approximately 40% of India’s population (500 million people) resides in urban areas (World Bank).
• Urban Growth Rate: India’s urban population grew from 27.7% in 2001 to 31.1% in 2011, with a steady annual growth rate of 2.76% (Census 2011).
• Regional Distribution:
  • Maharashtra: 8 million (13.5% of India’s urban population)
  • Uttar Pradesh: 4 million
  • Tamil Nadu: 9 million (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs)
  • Shift towards Medium Towns: The growth focus has shifted from large cities to medium-sized towns, driven by factors such as job availability and lifestyle choices (ADB, 2019).
• Global Context: India’s urban population contributes significantly to the world’s total of 4.7 billion (57.5%), with projections indicating it will double by 2050 (UN).
• Housing Demand: There is a significant housing shortage of 18.78 million urban units, mostly affecting low-income populations (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2012-27).

Types of Urbanisation:

• Natural Urbanisation: Growth due to higher birth rates in urban areas.
• Migration-Driven Urbanisation: Movement from rural to urban areas in search of better job opportunities, services, and living conditions.
• Peripheral Urbanisation: Expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas, creating peri-urban zones.
• Economic Urbanisation: Urban growth driven by industrialization, business hubs, and employment opportunities.

Challenges in Urbanisation:

1. Environmental Issues:
   • Air Pollution and Urban Heat Islands: Nine out of the ten most polluted cities globally are in India (World Air Quality Report, 2023).
   • Water Scarcity: Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai face recurring water crises due to poor resource management.
2. Inadequate Housing:
   Around 40% of India’s urban population lives in slums, and the housing deficit is estimated at 18.78 million units.
3. Traffic and Mobility:
   Urban congestion is worsening. For instance, in Bengaluru, average peak traffic speeds are as low as 18 km/h.
4. Waste Management:
   India generates 62 million tons of waste annually, with only 20% being processed (CPCB).

Government Initiatives:

1. Smart Cities Mission: Developing sustainable, citizen-centric urban infrastructure.
2. AMRUT: Aiming to improve essential urban services such as water supply, sanitation, and transport.
3. PMAY-U: Addresses housing shortages in urban areas through affordable housing schemes.
4. Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Promoting cleanliness, sanitation, and waste management in urban centers.
5. DAY-NULM: A program focused on poverty alleviation and creating livelihood opportunities in urban areas.

Way Forward:

1. Environmental Initiatives: Adoption of the “Sponge City” concept to mitigate urban flooding and manage rainwater efficiently.
2. Digital Urban Planning: Implementation of urban digital twins for data-driven urban governance.
3. Smart Water Management: Use of advanced technologies to optimize water distribution systems.
4. Cybersecurity for Urban Systems: Protecting critical urban infrastructure from potential cyber threats.

Conclusion:

India’s urbanization should be aligned with SDG Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and NITI Aayog’s Urban Transformation Strategy, which emphasizes inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. A combination of multi-level planning and technological innovations can help India realize sustainable, inclusive urban development that aligns with global standards.

Previous Year Question:
Concerning the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements (UPSC-2020):

1. Worker productivity in urban areas increased, while it decreased in rural areas.
2. The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.
3. Growth in the non-farm economy in rural areas increased.
4. The growth rate in rural employment decreased.

Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 4 only

Answer: (b)