Q. Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the growth of urban settlements in India.
UPSC Sociology 2024 Paper 2
Model Answer:
The growth of urban settlements in India has been rapid and multifaceted in recent years, reflecting broader socio-economic changes across the country.
Recent trends in urban growth in India include:
1. Metropolitanization: The expansion of existing large cities into sprawling metropolitan regions, as seen in the National Capital Region around Delhi. This aligns with Indian sociologist Ashis Nandy’s concept of the “unintended city.”
2. Smart Cities Initiative: Government-led development of technologically advanced urban centers, such as Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to improve urban infrastructure and quality of life.
3. Peri-urbanization: The blurring of rural-urban boundaries, creating hybrid spaces. For instance, areas surrounding Bengaluru have seen rapid transformation from agricultural to mixed-use landscapes.
4. Gentrification: Urban renewal in older city areas, often displacing lower-income residents. Mumbai’s mill areas exemplify this trend.
5. Satellite Towns: Development of smaller urban centers around major cities, like Navi Mumbai, to decongest core areas and provide affordable housing.
6. Urban Corridors: Emergence of continuous urban stretches along major transportation routes, such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway corridor.
These trends reflect the complex interplay of economic liberalization, globalization, and internal migration in shaping India’s urban landscape. As noted by sociologist Sujata Patel, these processes have led to increased social and spatial inequalities in Indian cities.
Conclusion: India’s urban growth is characterized by diverse patterns, presenting challenges and opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development.
