• UGI USER
  • Apr 10, 2024
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URBANISATION IN INDIA: SHAPED BY HISTORICAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS

Syllabus:

  • GS-1-Ancient history and the city planning, Geographical factors for urbanisation
  • GS-3 – Urbanization , issues and remedies

Focus :

  • The rate of urbanization in Bengal is higher than that of the country and 35% of the state’s population live in urban area compared to 32% national average.
Source- UN

Colonial Legacy:

  • Colonialism played a significant role in shaping urban spaces in India.
  • Urbanisation continued post-Independence until the 1960s, influenced by colonial urbanism.
  • Cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata evolved dramatically due to colonial influence.
About URBANISATION:

  • The process through which an increasing percentage of a population moves into cities and other urban areas is known as “urbanization.”
  • As per the 2011 Census, approximately 31.2% of India’s population lived in urban areas. By 2030, this is expected to account for almost 40% of the total population growth.
  • SDG -11- By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.

Impact of Green Revolution and Neoliberalisation:

  • The Green Revolution and neoliberal policies further accelerated urban expansion in India.
  • Rapid urbanisation ensued to accommodate growing population demands.
  • Wealth generated from these policies contributed to unequal urban growth.

Creation of Enclaves:

  • Metropolitan cities witnessed substantial expansion and rapid urbanisation.
  • Urban spaces transformed into concrete enclaves, reflecting wealth disparities.
  • Consumer culture revolutionised housing, health, and education sectors in these cities.
Case Study: Kolkata’s Urban Transformation:

  • Kolkata exemplifies the evolution of urban spaces in India.
  • Introduction of Salt Lake City aimed at decongesting Kolkata.
  • Development of infrastructural projects like Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (EM Bypass) contributed to urban expansion.

Socio-spatial Hierarchies:

  • Socio-economic disparities led to the creation of hierarchical neighbourhoods.
  • High-rise complexes segmented by income groups highlighted urban crisis.
  • Swanky developments along EM Bypass catered exclusively to the affluent.

Plight of Urban Outcasts:

  • Residents outside affluent enclaves faced social and economic marginalisation.
  • Term “urban outcasts” coined to describe those living adjacent to luxury developments.
  • Socio-spatial inequalities disrupted social life, leading to deprivation and subjugation.

Urban Marginality and Exploitation:

  • Urban marginality perpetuated by neoliberal policies and historical socio-economic dynamics.
  • Interplay of caste, class, and religion contributed to urban marginalisation.
  • Kolkata’s history of anti-colonial and communist movements exemplifies urbanisation dynamics.

Emergence of Bypass Urbanism:

  • Concept of “bypass urbanism” denotes sporadic urban development adjacent to bypass roads.
  • New dimensions like new towns and real estate projects emerged parallel to bypasses.
  • Bypass urbanism represents a slow but emerging trend in urban studies.

Roads as Sites of Power and Friction:

  • Roads symbolise more than mere transportation routes.
  • Historically, roads served as manifestations of power and social engagement.
  • Bypasses and circular roads reflect heterogeneity in urban infrastructural development.

Socio-Economic Bypassing:

  • Urban infrastructural developments inadvertently created socio-economic disparities.
  • Bypass roads led to socio-economic bypassing, exacerbating urban marginalisation.
  • Urbanisation in India reflects a complex interplay of historical legacies, economic policies, and socio-spatial dynamics.

Conclusion:

  • Urbanisation in India is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by historical, economic, and socio-spatial factors.
  • Understanding the complexities of urban development is crucial for addressing socio-economic disparities and fostering inclusive growth.

Source:The Hindu

Mains Practice Question :

GS-1 

  • “Discuss the impact of historical legacies, economic policies, and socio-spatial dynamics on urbanisation in India, with specific reference to case studies like Kolkata. “(250 words)

“How has the concept of ‘bypass urbanism’ emerged in the context of urban development?.”(250 words)