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Urbanization is a growing global phenomenon, and India is no exception to the trend. With rapid urbanization, Indian cities have seen expansion with an increasing population within a few decades. This city expansion resulted in urban sprawl, a phenomenon that arose with the uncontrolled growth of urban regions near rural or developed areas.
In the Indian context, urban sprawl is characterized by unplanned, unmeasured, and uncontrolled city expansion causing the depletion of land, the loss of agricultural land, and the unfavourable development of urban infrastructure. The issues raised environmental as well as mental health issues in no time.
The Sabarmati Riverfront Project, Ahmedabad, is an initiative tackling this phenomenon. Meanwhile, in Pune, transit-oriented development (TOD) is another approach towards urban sprawl and promoting sustainable development. The strategy focused on densifying the area near transit nodes and encouraging people to opt for public modes rather than private transportation. Additionally, First Nation countries are concentrating on TOD for city expansion to indulge in high density near the transit nodes.
Urban Sprawl in India
Urban sprawl in India is an effect of rapid urbanization. It can be observed through low-density development, fragmented and unplanned expansion growth, and a lack of infrastructure and services. This has led to various challenges, such as traffic congestion, environmental degradation, a lack of infrastructure, the loss of agricultural land, and social segregation.
Additionally, there are social implications, affecting the well-being of the Indian residents. As a result, informal settlements and housing infrastructure with poor accessibility to social infrastructure and services result in social segregation, affecting the life quality and mental well-being of the people. Not only in India, but first-world nations do face the challenges of urban sprawl. Sydney is one example of a city that faced urban sprawl and how the NSW Government has projected to tackle urban sprawl with a place-based planning approach (A Metropolis of Three Cities, NSW Government).
Causes of Urban Sprawl
- Increasing Population
India has a significant increase in population, the highest in the world, leaving China behind. This increment arose the need for infrastructure, leading to rapid urbanization. The desire for more urban space was fueled, further resulting in rural-urban migration.
- Inadequate Planning
Based on the 2011 Census, only 18% of the cities were planned. However, cities tend to grow as fragmented and uncoordinated without adequate zoning rules and land use policies.
- Infrastructure Challenges
Urban sprawl puts additional strain on existing infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sanitation, and public services. In many cases, infrastructure development falls behind the rapid growth of metropolitan areas, resulting in traffic congestion, pollution, and insufficient service delivery.
- Transportation
According to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways data, India’s national highway length expanded by 28% between 2007 and 2017. The growth of transportation infrastructure enhances the accessibility and appeal of peri-urban areas for residential and commercial development while leading to urban expansion(Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 2017).
- Government Policies
Urban sprawl can be influenced by various government policies and incentives. Special economic zones (SEZs) promoting industrial and commercial growth often result in urban expansion in the surrounding areas (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India).
- Land market dynamics
According to the National Sample Survey (NSS), individual ownership of agricultural land declined from 64% to 58% between 2002 and 2013. This refers to the conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural reasons, such as urban development (NSS, 2014).
- Population density and built-up density
Census data gives information about population density and built-up density in various regions. Data from numerous time points show variations in density patterns, demonstrating urban sprawl in areas with lower population density and higher built-up density.
Approaches to Mitigate Urban Sprawl
To address urban sprawl in Indian cities, some of the following comprehensive approaches are required:
- Effective urban planning
Improving urban planning processes to encourage compact, mixed-use development and avoid unplanned sprawl. As an approach, Portland bounded the city expansion protecting the farmlands and natural environment which resulted in high-density development and revitalization of existing urban spaces. Additionally, bikeways and green pathways are being developed promoting cycling and walking.
- Development of infrastructure
Investing in infrastructure projects will increase connectivity, service access, and quality of life in core urban and peri-urban areas. Mitigating the issues, Hafencity; Europe’s largest inner city redevelopment project revolves around infrastructure incorporation and walkability is the centre of talks. India; considering re-development as an approach can lead the path.
- Sustainable Development
Encouraging sustainable development methods such as transit-oriented development, green building projects, and natural resource conservation. Vauban, Germany has car-free zones, more public transportation, and access; to eco-friendly and positive energy buildings and urban agriculture (residents growing their food promoting local food production).
- Community Engagement
Involving local communities in the planning and decision-making process ensures that development efforts address their needs and goals. Vauban with participatory planning; involving residents in the planning and development processes fostering a strong sense of community and ownership.
- Policy Development and Refinement
Policy responses include enforcing land-use restrictions, promoting affordable housing, and encouraging compact development through policy measures and incentives. Seoul, South Korea introduced the Greenbelt Policy in 1970 protecting natural areas and preventing urban sprawl. The policy has been adjusted allowing development to meet the sustainability criteria which balances environmental conservation.
Conclusion
Urban sprawl in India has serious consequences for the environment, society, and the economy. It causes the loss of agricultural land,?greater?infrastructure and transportation costs, economic inequities, and environmental deterioration. Sustainable urban development techniques and effective sprawl management strategies can reduce negative impacts.?India can achieve sustainable urban growth through integrated urban planning, compact and mixed-use development, efficient public transit,?green spaces and agricultural land preservation, and cheap housing options.
Furthermore, embracing transit-oriented development, implementing smart city initiatives, and including stakeholders in decision-making processes, all help to promote long-term urban growth. These techniques promote economic progress, social inclusion, environmental quality, and sustainable cities for current and future generations.
However, effective implementation necessitates robust policy frameworks, rules, and oversight systems. Collaboration among government entities, urban planners, policymakers, and communities is crucial for successfully implementing sustainable practices and managing urban expansion. Prioritizing sustainable urban development is vital for creating resilient, inclusive, and ecologically friendly cities amid India’s rapidly growing urbanization. India can achieve a sustainable urban future that balances economic growth and social well-being by learning from both the challenges and successes of sprawl.
Sources
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/theintersection/the-unplanned-growth-of-indian-cities-unveiling-the-urban-mess-54905/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377849118_Rapid_Urbanizations_of_Metropolitan_Cities_in_India_A_Review
- https://wgbis.ces.iisc.ac.in/energy/urban/chapter1.htm
- https://timesproperty.com/news/post/urban-sprawl-in-india-blid6527#:~:text=Urban%20sprawl%20is%20a%20phenomenon,the%20urban%20and%20rural%20environments.