Rapid rate of urbanization in India has put some serious pressure on the Indian cities. The facts speak for themselves. Urban population is expected to increase from 286 million in 2001 to 534 million in 2026. In terms of percentage increase it is 38%. It is also projected that 67% of the population growth in next 25 years is going to take place in the urban areas.
This tremendous urban population growth has raised question on many issue which both the government and the public are facing.
Urban Amenities:
Cities are lacking water facility round the clock. Then there is the problem of sewage disposal. Open sewer system is followed in many urban fringe areas- and when rain lashes out then it is a huge mess. Garbage disposal is another irritant. Government is not able to supply these amenities due to tremendous increase in population
Slum and Squatter Settlements:
The migration of rural poor in search of jobs to the cities have created slums and squatter settlements where there is no basic facilities. These settlements have become the breeding ground for illegal activities and crime. Slum clearance board has been set up in all the Indian cities but, its function is limited by finance, slow paper work.
Traffic Congestion:
The number of vehicles plying in cities run into millions. During the peak hours, the traffic moves in snail’s pace. Come monsoon season, the roads are damaged and potholes created, holding the city on ransom.
Heat Island:
The heat trapped in the city during the day has no way to escape producing artificial heat and changing the climate.
Pollution:
Vehicle exhaust,burning of garbage, CFC exhaust mixed with heat during the day creates a toxic mix. Pollution has made things worse in the cities. Nausea, severe headache, bronchitis, asthma, organ failure are few health problem faced by urban dwellers.
The government has its own set of problems. They are not able to cope up with all these issue since rise in urban population is very rapid. One effective solutions which the government can implement is promoting tier II cities as an employment hub and encouraging satellite towns with all the facilities to reduce the pressure on cities.
