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UPSC Syllabus: Prelims: General Issues on Environmental Ecology Mains: GS-I: Urbanisation, their Problems, and their Solutions. |
Urbanization:
- The physical expansion of urban areas (expansion of area, population etc.) is called urbanisation. It is a global change. According to the United Nations definition, people from rural areas moving to cities to live and work is also ‘urbanization’.
- While urbanization can promote economic growth and development, it often also brings significant challenges, especially when it occurs rapidly and without adequate planning.
Process of Urbanisation
- Urbanisation involves the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of better employment, education and living conditions. This process leads to the expansion of cities and towns as they accommodate the growing population.
The characteristics of an urban system are:
- High population density: Cities have a high concentration of people living in a relatively small area.
- Infrastructure Development: Urban areas have well-developed infrastructure, including transport, housing, healthcare and education facilities.
- Economic Activity: Cities are centers of economic activity, with diverse employment opportunities in industries, services and commerce.
- Social Services: Urban areas provide various social services such as schools, hospitals and recreational facilities.
- Complex Governance: Urban systems require complex administrative and governance structures to manage resources, services and development.
Problems Associated with Urbanisation and Their Causes
Environmental Degradation
- Pollution: Rapid urbanisation leads to increased air, water and soil pollution. Industrial activities, vehicular emissions and improper waste disposal are the main causes.
- Loss of Green Areas: Construction and urban sprawl lead to loss of green areas and biodiversity, affecting the urban ecosystem.
Pressure on Infrastructure
- Congestion: High population density in cities puts pressure on infrastructure, leading to traffic jams, inadequate public transport and lack of housing.
- Water and sanitation: Urban areas often face challenges in providing adequate water supply and sanitation facilities, leading to water shortages and health issues.
Social inequality
- Informal settlements: Rapid urbanization can lead to the development of informal settlements or slums, where residents do not have access to basic services and safe housing.
- Economic inequalities: The urban poor often face economic inequalities and lack access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
Effects of urban flooding
- Traffic disruptions: Flooding on roads, as experienced in Delhi, causes traffic jams for hours.
- Power outages: Power outages can occur due to damage to power infrastructure caused by waterlogging.
- Property damage: Flooding causes considerable damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
- Loss of life: Structural collapse and electric shock during floods can lead to death. At least 11 people died in the recent floods in Delhi.
2. Environmental Degradation
- Rapidly growing urbanisation often leads to deforestation, loss of green areas and pollution, affecting air quality and natural ecosystems.
3. Social Inequality
- Urbanisation can increase social inequality as marginalised communities may lack access to essential services and face displacement due to development projects.
Solutions to Problems of Urbanisation
1. Sustainable Urban Planning
- Water Masterplan: Develop a comprehensive water masterplan that can include rainwater harvesting, protection of natural water bodies and efficient drainage systems. The Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) emphasises the need for such a plan.
- Gravity Flow Utilisation: Implement filtration pits and other systems to use gravity flow to manage stormwater, while ensuring that it does not contaminate aquifers.
Land Use Regulations
- Zoning Laws: Enforce zoning laws to prevent construction in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
- Green infrastructure: Promote the development of green infrastructure such as parks, wetlands and green roofs to enhance water absorption and reduce runoff.
2. Infrastructure improvements
Drainage system upgrades
- Silt removal and maintenance: Regularly desilt and maintain drains to prevent blockages and ensure efficient water flow.
- Modern drainage solutions: Implement modern drainage solutions that can handle heavy rainfall, such as underground drainage systems and smart water management techniques.
3. Community and policy initiatives
Public awareness and participation
- Community participation: Involve communities in urban planning and flood management initiatives to ensure local knowledge and needs are considered.
- Awareness campaigns: Conduct awareness campaigns about the importance of sustainable practices and flood preparedness.
Policy and governance
- Strong regulations: Enforce strict regulations on land use, construction and environmental protection.
- Inter-agency coordination: Responsible for urban planning, water management and disaster response Improve coordination among various agencies.
Urbanization and its Implications
Economic Growth and Development
- Job Opportunities: Urbanization creates diverse job opportunities, thereby boosting economic growth. Cities such as Mumbai and Delhi are economic hubs that attract investments and businesses.
- Better Infrastructure: Urban areas often have better infrastructure, including transportation, healthcare, and educational facilities, which contribute to overall development.
Social and Cultural Benefits
- Education and Healthcare: Cities provide better access to quality education and healthcare services. The presence of prestigious educational institutions and hospitals improves the standard of living.
- Cultural Exchange: Urban areas are a mix of cultures, which promote cultural exchange and diversity. Events, museums, and cultural centers in cities promote cultural richness.
Innovation and Technological Advancement
- Research and Development: Urban centers often host research institutes and tech companies, which promote innovation and technological advancement.
- Digital connectivity: High internet penetration and digital infrastructure in cities support the growth of the digital economy and enhance connectivity.
Effects of urban flooding
Economic losses
- Property damage: Flooding causes extensive damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, leading to significant financial losses.
- Business disruption: Flooding disrupts business operations, impacting productivity and economic activities.
Humanitarian impacts
- Loss of life: Flooding can cause deaths due to drowning, structure collapse, and electrocution.
- Health issues: Stagnant water and poor sanitation during floods can lead to waterborne diseases and health crises.
Infrastructure damage
- Transport disruption: Flooding causes traffic jams, road blockages, and damage to transport infrastructure, affecting mobility.
- Power outages: Waterlogging can lead to power outages and damage to power infrastructure, disrupting daily life.
Government Initiatives to Tackle Urban Flooding
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines
- Urban Flooding Guidelines: The NDMA has issued guidelines for managing urban flooding, focusing on early warning systems, drainage management, and public awareness.
- Disaster Preparedness: The NDMA promotes disaster preparedness and response plans at the municipal and state levels.
Smart Cities Mission
- Integrated Water Management: The Smart Cities Mission includes components of efficient water management, rainwater harvesting, and improved drainage systems to reduce flood risk.
- Infrastructure Development: The mission aims to develop resilient infrastructure and enhance urban planning to mitigate the impacts of floods.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
- Urban Infrastructure: AMRUT focuses on improving urban infrastructure, including stormwater drains, to prevent urban flooding.
- Sustainable Urban Planning: The mission promotes sustainable urban planning and development to create resilient cities.
Way Forward:
Sustainable urban planning
- Master planning: Develop comprehensive urban master plans that integrate land use, water management and disaster preparedness.
- Green infrastructure: Promote green infrastructure such as parks, wetlands and green roofs to enhance water absorption and reduce runoff.
Improved drainage systems
- Drainage network upgrades: Upgrade and maintain urban drainage networks to handle heavy rainfall and prevent waterlogging.
- Rainwater harvesting: Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater, thereby reducing the burden on drainage systems.
Community participation
- Public awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about flood risks and preparedness measures.
- Community participation: Involve communities in urban planning and flood management
Investment initiatives to ensure local needs and knowledge are considered
Policy and governance reforms
- Regulatory frameworks: Strengthen regulatory frameworks to enforce land use planning, construction norms and environmental protection.
- Inter-agency coordination: Enhance coordination between various agencies responsible for urban planning, water management and disaster response to ensure a coherent approach.