Urbanisation and its Hazards (2008)
Urbanization refers to general increase in population and the
amount of industrialization of a settlement. It includes increase in the number
and extent of cities. It symbolizes the movement of people from rural to urban
areas. Urbanization happens because of the increase in the extent and density of
urban areas. The density of population in urban areas increases because of the
migration of people from less industrialized regions to more industrialized
areas. The concept “Urban Sprawl” means increase in spatial scale or increase in
the peripheral area of cities. “Urban Sprawl” has its own drawbacks.
The city and its infrastructure may not be adequately planned.
Traffic is high with increased time needed for commuting.
Essential services are not reachable within time.
City administration becomes extremely difficult.
An excellent example of urban sprawl within our country is
that of the city of Bangalore. After the establishment of IT industry in
Bangalore, the population exploded from 24,76,355 in 1980 to 42,92,223 in 2001
with influx of 18 lakh immigrants within two decades. The growing population has
increased pressure on several resources including civic amenities, residential
availability, cost of living, local infrastructure, transport, traffic and
administration. Bangalore has lost many if its water bodies (lakes) and
consequently the fragile ecosystem has been disturbed due to the everincreasing
need for space, to cater to residences and business establishments.
