COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT

REPORT
On

URBANIZATION
- An Urban Community Problem

Done By:

Mohammed Shafeeq. M 17BME1206

Sai Kirutheka 17BME1075

Rahul Shah 17BLC1183
P . Aswin Sevugan 17BME1084
 URBANIZATION - An Urban Community Problem

WHAT IS URBANISATION :
Urbanization is a process whereby populations move from rural to urban
area, enabling cities and towns to grow. It can also be termed as the
progressive increase of the number of people living in towns and cities.
Urbanization is very common in developing and developed worlds as
more and more people have the tendency of moving closer to towns and
cities to acquire “privileged” social and economic services as well as
benefits. Historically, it has been strongly related with industrialization.
Majority of people move to cities and towns because they view rural
areas as places with hardship and backward/primitive lifestyle.
Therefore, as populations move to more developed areas (towns and
cities) the immediate outcome is urbanization.
Urbanization process had been started during the industrial revolution,
when workforce moved towards manufacturing hubs in cities to get jobs
in factories as agricultural jobs became less common. Theoretical studies
have demonstrated that Urbanization is the result of social, economic
and political developments that lead to urban concentration and
expansion of big cities, changes in land use and revolution from rural to
urban pattern of organization and governance.

WHY DID IT HAPPEN?

1. Industrialization
Industrialization is a trend representing a shift from the old agricultural
economics to novel non-agricultural economy, which creates a
modernized society. Through industrial revolution, more people have
been attracted to move from rural to urban areas on the account of
improved employment opportunities. Industrialization has increased
employment opportunities by giving people the chance to work in
modern sectors
2. Commercialization
Commerce and trade play a major role in urbanization. The distribution
of goods and services and commercial transactions in the modern era
has developed modern marketing institutions and exchange methods
that have tremendously given rise to the growth of towns and cities.

3. Social benefits and services

There are numerous social benefits attributed to life in the cities and
towns. Examples include better educational facilities, better living
standards, better sanitation and housing, better health care, better
recreation facilities, and better social life in general. On this account,
more and more people are prompted to migrate into cities and towns to
obtain the wide variety of social benefits and services which are
unavailable in the rural areas.

4. Employment opportunities
In cities and towns, there are ample job opportunities that continually
draw people from the rural areas to seek better livelihood. Therefore,
the majority of people frequently migrate into urban areas to access well
paying jobs as urban areas have countless employment opportunities in
all developmental sectors such as public health, education, transport,
sports and recreation, industries, and business enterprises. Services and
industries generate and increase higher value-added jobs, and this leads
to more employment opportunities

5. Modernization and changes in the mode of living

Modernization plays a very important role in the process of urbanization.
As urban areas become more technology savvy together with highly
sophisticated communication, infrastructure, medical facilities, dressing
code, enlightenment, liberalization, and other social amenities
availability, people believe they can lead a happy life in cities. In urban
areas, people also embrace changes in the modes of living namely
residential habits, attitudes, dressing, food, and beliefs.
Urban Community Problems - Due to Urbanization
i. Housing problems
Overcrowding leads to a constant problem of scarcity of houses in urban
areas.With the increase in the number of people living in urban centers,
there is continued scarcity of houses. This is due to insufficient
expansion space for housing and public utilities, poverty, unemployment,
and costly building materials which can only be afforded by few
individuals.
This problem is particularly more severe in those urban areas where
there is large invasion of jobless or underemployed immigrants who
could not find place to live when they come in cities and towns from the
nearby areas. The major factors for housing problems are lack of
building materials and financial resources, insufficient expansion of
public utilities into sub-urban areas, poverty and unemployment of
urban immigrants, strong caste and family ties and lack of enough
transportation to sub-urban areas where most of the available land for
new construction is to be found.

ii. Overcrowding:
It is a situation in which large number of people lives in too little space.
Overcrowding is a consistent result of over-population in urban areas. It
is obviously expected that cities are increasing their size due to massive
movement of people from undeveloped areas but it squeezed in a small
space due to overcrowding. Most people from rural or undeveloped
areas always have the urge of migrating into the city that normally leads
to congestion of people within a small area.

iii. Unemployment:
The problem of joblessness is also serious as the problem of housing.
Urban unemployment in India is estimated at 15 to 25 per cent of the
labour force. This percentage is even higher among the educated people.
It is estimated that more than half of unemployed youths around the
globe live in metropolitan cities. And India is not special, even here it is
approximate that about half of all knowledgeable urban unemployed
youth are living in four metropolitan cities such as in Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, and Chennai. Additionally, although urban incomes are higher
than the rural incomes, they are awfully low because of high cost of
living in urban areas. Major causes of urban unemployment are the huge
relocation of people from rural to urban areas.

iv. Water and sanitation problems

Water is one of the most essential elements of nature to maintain life
and right from the beginning of urban civilisation. However, supply of
water started falling short of demand as the cities grew in size and
number. Overcrowding also highly contributes to water scarcity as
supply falls short of demand.
Urban centres in India are almost consistently beset with inadequate
sewage facilities. Because of overpopulation and rapid
population increase in most urban centers, it is common to find there
are inadequate sewage facilities. Municipalities and local governments
are faced with serious resource crisis in the management of sewage
facilities. As a result, sanitation becomes poor and sewages flow
chaotically, and they are drained into neighboring streams, rivers, lakes,
or seas. Eventually, communicable diseases such as typhoid, dysentery,
plague, and diarrhea spread very fast leading to suffering and even
deaths.

v. Urban Crimes
Issues of lack of resources, overcrowding, unemployment, poverty, and
lack of social services and education habitually leads to many social
problems including violence, drug abuse, and crime. Most of the crimes
such as murder, rape, kidnapping, riots, assault, theft, robbery, and
hijacking are reported to be more prominent in the urban vicinities.
In developed cities of India, people get connected with different types of
individuals who do not have similarity with one another. The problem of
crimes increases with the increase in urbanization. In fact the increasing
trend in urban crimes tends to upset peace and tranquility of the cities
and make them insecure to live in mainly for the women. The problem
of urban crime is becoming more complicated in current situation
because criminals often get shelter from politicians, bureaucrats and
leaders of the urban society

vi. Problem of Urban Pollution and Traffic congestion

Rising urbanization in present situation led to develop industries and
transport systems out of proportion. These developments are mainly
responsible for contamination of environment, particularly the urban
surroundings. Urban pollution is mainly the collection of impurities
created by cities which would certainly shock city dwellers. It includes
Air, water, ground the entire environment. Air pollution has dangerous
consequences which emerge due to urbanization. Cities are the source
of several dangerous gases, particularly vehicles like passenger cars,
Lorries, buses but in numerous urban agglomerations, the main source
of the worsening of air quality is from industrial facilities which emit
veritable poisons into the air, which is then inhaled by riverside dwellers.
Water is also source of pollution in urban areas. Since earlier times,
cities are attracting millions of rural residents to their recognizable
shores.
When more people move to towns and cities, one of the major
challenges posed is in the transport system. More people means
increased number of vehicles which leads to traffic congestion
and vehicular pollution. Also as the cities grow in dimension, people
will move to shop and access other social needs/wants which often
cause traffic congestion and blockage. Transport problem increases and
becomes more complex as the town grows in dimension. With its growth,
the town performs varied and complex functions and more people move
to work or shop.

vii. Decline in quality of living for urban dwellers

Urbanization is major concern for management researchers because it
decline in quality of living for urban inhabitants. As the metropolis
becomes a developed city, the land value will also increase. The housing
provision will focus more to fulfil the needs of the high income group. As
such, there will be a problem in the provision of housing, especially for
the middle and low class people. The supply of housing for the urban
poor is still inadequate as the cost of these houses is very high to which
low and middle income group cannot afford. The lack of housing
provision for the low income group has led to the continuation of
unlawful resident settlements in the city. These unlawful tenant
settlements will certainly lack in proper infrastructure that will bring
about many hindrances to the urban environment and create social
problems such as child education, crime, drugs, delinquency and others.

viii. Unsuccessful urban governance

The urban authority undergoes with multifaceted challenges to manage
a city. The fast speed of urbanization is major challenges which need
every party to be more focused in undertaking each and every
responsibility in urban development. However, the involvement of
several agencies and departments in urban management made it
complicated to synchronize many actions and resultant, it affects the
efficiency of those actions. Besides this, the local authority also deals
with the different goals and interests of community groups which they
need to fulfil. The local authority also needs to find solution for different
social issues.

ix. Slums and Squatter Settlement

The natural development of unchecked, unexpected and random
growth of urban areas is the growth and spread of slums and unlawful
resident settlements which present a prominent feature in the
environmental structure of Indian cities, particularly of urban centers.
The fast urbanization in combination with industrialization has resulted
in the enlargement of slums. The explosion of slums occurs due to many
factors, such as, the lack of developed land for housing, the high prices
of land beyond the reach of urban poor, a large influx of rural migrants
to the cities in search of jobs.

x. Trash Disposal
Urbanization pushed Indian cities to grow in number and size and as a
result people have to face the problem of trash disposal which is in
alarming stage. Most cites do not have proper arrangements for garbage
disposal and the existing landfills are full to the edge. These landfills are
breeding grounds of disease and countless poisons leaking into their
environs. Wastes putrefy in the open inviting disease carrying flies and
rats and a filthy, poisonous liquid, called leachate, which leaks out from
below and contaminates ground water. People who live near the
decomposing garbage and raw sewage get victims to several diseases
such as dysentery, malaria, plague, jaundice, diarrhoea, and typhoid.

xi. Health problem due to urbanization

Factors affecting health in slums are Economic conditions, Social
conditions, Living environment, Access and use of public health care
services, Hidden/Unlisted slums and Rapid mobility. In general, poor
environmental quality contributes to 25%-33% of global ill health.
Physical, mental, and social health is affected by living conditions. There
are numerous examples that impact on human living such as lead
exposure, noise, asbestos, mould growth, crowding, respiratory disease,
and spread of infectious diseases, accidents, and mental illness. Health
impacts of inadequate housing conditions are an intricate issue involving
variety of exposures (physical, chemical, biological, building, and social
factors) and various health outcomes such as asthma and allergies,
respiratory diseases, cardiovascular effects, injuries, poisoning, mental
illnesses. Issues of overcrowding, lack of resources, poverty,
unemployment, and lack of education and social services can lead to
numerous many social problems for example crime, violence, drug use,
high school drop-out rates, and mental health problems.
SURVEY ( Using Google form):
Industrialization, Modernization and Commercialization are the main
causes of Urbanization. Out of the three main causes, the responses
show that Industrialization is the most probable cause of Urbanization,
followed by Commercialization and Modernization.
When it comes to the consequences of Urbanization, the people's
opinion throws light on how Urbanization affects Overcrowding, Urban
Crimes, Unemployment, Health, and traffic congestion and pollution.
Among the above the most affected area is traffic congestion and
pollution. This is followed by Health, Overcrowding, Urban crimes and
Unemployment.
The most feasible solution for urbanization is Building sustainable and
environmentally friendly cities. Also, Development of rural area and
raise its standards to that of urban and Population control.

According to the public opinion, alternate solutions for Urbanization are

listed below:
 Proper city planning and management should be done with which
we could easily overcome urbanization problems.
 Restriction of more new companies of existing type. Instead
expanding the existing one to high standards.
 Make essential services available at door service everywhere.
 Urbanization Combat poverty by promoting economic development
and job creation. Involve local community in local government.
Reduce air pollution by upgrading energy use and alternative
transport systems.
 We should try afforestation and maintain a healthy environment.
Also developing rural areas yields great results.
 Better resource management.
 Use the concept of Rural Urban Continuum.
 We have to improve the urban facilities which will in turn increase in
creation of jobs. Buildings and factories that won't harm the
renewable resources are necessary. For this, we need a strong urban
governance. It is all a cycle.
 More job securities.
 Eco friendly urbanisation.
 By encouraging rural and traditional businesses and providing them
with policies and benefits, this will lead to the upliftment of the rural
society and also it develops economy of the country.
 Improvement in social management and public governance.
 Artificial Intelligence.
 Smart cities.
 Foreign investments.

Possible solution:

1. Building sustainable and environmentally friendly cities

Governments should pass laws that plan and provide environmentally
sound cities and smart growth techniques, considering that people
should not reside in unsafe and polluted areas. The objective here is to
build sustainable cities that embrace improved environmental
conditions and safe habitats for all urban populations. Governments
should also encourage sustainable use of urban resources and support
an economy based on sustainable environment such as investment in
green infrastructure, sustainable industries, recycling and environmental
campaigns, pollution management, renewable energy, green public
transportation, and water recycling and reclamation.

2. Provision of essential services

Urban stakeholders must ensure all populations within the urban areas
have access to adequate essential social services namely education,
health, sanitation and clean water, technology, electricity, and food. The
objective here is to provide and implement employment opportunities
and wealth creation activities so that people can earn a living to pay for
the maintenance of the services. Subsidies can also be availed by the
government to lower the costs of basic healthcare, basic education,
energy, education, public transportation, communication systems and
technology.

3. Creation of more jobs

To lessen the negative effects of rapid urbanization while at the same
time conserving natural ecosystems, private investments should be
encouraged so as to utilize natural resources and create more job
opportunities. Tourism promotion and the sustainable exploitation of
natural resources can create more jobs for the urban populations.
Subsidies and grants may as well be provided to foreign and private
investment in environmentally friendly development projects that
encourage job creation.

4. Population control
Key stakeholders in urban areas must provide campaigns and counseling
for effective medical health clinics and family planning to help reduce
the high rates of population growth. Medical health clinics oriented
towards family planning options must be made accessible across the
entire urban area with the objective of controlling diseases and
population growth.
5. Need to strengthen urban governance

6. Long term strategic urban planning with the overall regional

planning perspective.

7. Efficient use of urban land.

8. Rapid Mass Transport (RMT) for better transportation system.

9. Improvements of urban utilities such as water and sewerage NUHM

(National Urban Health Mission) for better urban public health.
10. Investment in new urban infrastructure assets and maintenance of
assets.

Other Possible solution for it:

 The most effectual way to resolve issues of urbanization is to make
the economy of village and small scale fully viable. Economies must
be revitalized if government undertakes huge rural development
program. It is suggested that surplus manpower must be absorbed in
village in order to migrate to urban areas. It is needed to control
traffic congestion in urban region and people must be encouraged to
use public transport. India must improve the traffic control system to
avoid accidents. It is necessary to implement resilient clean-up
campaign. Government must make polices to construct low cast
multi-storeyed flats in order to accommodate the slum dwellers.
Government should provide funds to encourage entrepreneurship
and also find solution for pollution in the nation. Reports of WHO
stated that the health cities proposal aimed to develop the physical,
mental, environmental, and social welfare of people who live and
work in urban centres. People from different backgrounds, including
community members to government representatives, from cities
were organized and encouraged to come together and work
together in order to deal with the problems that emerge in urban
environments. This association of people shared strategies, success
 stories, and resources to tackle the concerns of the local society.
WHO reports indicated that, "A healthy city is one that is continually
creating and improving the physical and social environments and
expanding the community resources that enable people to mutually
support each other in performing all the functions of life and in
developing to their maximum potential."

 Rural areas need to be made developed, so that people don’t think

about migrating in such huge number. Here, the role of State
government becomes more important, along with the Panchayat Raj
Institutions, the latter needs to be given more powers and functions.
The 73 rd constitutional amendment act related to rural local self
government needs to be re-look and frame according to the real
needs of the rural people, especially because of climate change, the
people who depends upon agriculture directly or indirectly are
mostly going to be affected. Furthermore, initiating number of
programme’s for the welfare of the people living in rural areas,
especially related to providing employment by the government; like
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which
guarantees 100 days of work for one unemployed person in a family
in a year. Since, unemployment is the main reason for migration of
the people, especially to urban areas. Also, the private players need
to be encouraged, so to set up business in rural areas by giving them
concession of various kinds. Even if people want to migrate for
better opportunity and life in that situation, instead of putting
pressure on big cities, it is preferable to identify and develop the
small towns and cities, which can absorb the rural migrant located
near to their place.

 The governments don’t have such sufficient resources in their hands,

thus both Central and State governments need to encourage private
participation investment in the infrastructure creation and
development. The Scheme of PPP [Public Private Partnership] should
be explored and encouraged, in the field of financing various public
goods and services in urban areas.
 India is not only a developing economy, but also a liberal democracy
too, where there are competing demands for public investment.
There required a lot of money for infrastructure build up and
governments don’t have such huge amount; and also, the big foreign
and domestic companies are not interested to invest in India,
because they cite the problem of high costs [interrupted] power, bad
infrastructure and high transactions costs in general (Menon & Mitra,
2009). Here, the SEZ [Special Economic Zone] can be promoted and
utilize as a tool; to attract and locate investments not only in big
metros and cities, but also more importantly in those areas where
investments for infrastructure were lacking, especially in small towns
and cities, which also create employment opportunities.

 Climate change policies should be made central, to India’s long term

urbanization policies. Especially, if we see there exist a major
problem of water and power in big cities and towns, this can be
partially solved by making every citizen accountable for climate
change. Initially, starting with the upper middle class, who are
staying in posh colonies or areas making it mandatory for them, for
having rain water harvesting and installing solar plant in their roof
top. The reason, for being start with the rich people because, they
have the money and space for doing it. Gradually, the governments
should implement it for the middle and below middle class, although
it will be not easy to do it for the latter two category, because of
financial and space limitation. But more than space, it was the
financial constraint which is a big hindrance. Here, both Central and
State governments need to take initiative, for providing freely to
rainwater harvesting and installing solar plant, in roof top of the
houses of the people belong to below poverty line and subsidizing it
for the middle class. The above initiatives of the governments should
be started as a pilot project. If the results are good, then it needs to
be expanded and if not satisfactory, then it needs to be re-modified
by rectifying the present problems.
 Sustainable Development: The Solution to Urbanization problems

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of

the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs."
India has played an important role in shaping the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). This has meant that the country’s national
development goals are mirrored in the SDGs. As such, India has been
effectively committed to achieving the SDGs even before they were fully
crystallized.

Conclusion
This is rightly said, that this century is urban century, where more people
are living in urban areas. The urbanization concept provides both the
challenges and opportunities for every country, although it may not be
uniform in every country. In India also, the urban population is
increasing in good number, but there exist a problem of infrastructure
deficit, which was a big hurdle in the way of providing basic services to
the people and also more importantly the economic growth of the
country. Thus, it is the right time for our country, to think and act
seriously about the negative implications of the urbanization concept,
and make it useful for the development of the country. But, urbanization
needs to be sustainable in two counts i.e. First, it is need to equally
benefit all the people in the society i.e. socially inclusive and secondly,
environmentally sustainable.

Also, generally the three important questions needs to be answered by

the future study on urbanization was, first question is regarding, ‘what
does urbanization mean for rural areas needs to be explored’? The
second question is ‘does urbanization leads to reduction in poverty rate
is questionable’? Thirdly, ‘are the developing and under-developing
countries are prepared to handle their urban transition’? The answer to
these questions will help us to understand, the urbanization concept
very well for the development of the any society and people living in it,
including India.