18.2.2

Urabinsation in India

Test yourself

Urbanisation

Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi are the three most populated cities in India.

Illustrative background for Urbanisation Illustrative background for Urbanisation  ?? "content

Urbanisation

  • The rate of urbanisation in India is increasing.
  • 34% of people now live in urban areas of the country.
  • The three most populated cities in India are:
    • Mumbai
    • Kolkata
    • Delhi
Illustrative background for MumbaiIllustrative background for Mumbai ?? "content

Mumbai

  • Mumbai is located in the state of Maharashtra and is one of the key cities on the west coast of the country.
  • The population of Mumbai from the 2001 census was 12 million, but the wider metropolitan area is estimated to be over 22 million.
Illustrative background for Population growth Illustrative background for Population growth  ?? "content

Population growth

  • The cause of rapid population growth in Mumbai in recent decades has been the result of natural increase and rural-urban migration.
  • This has resulted in a rapid expansion of squatter settlements on the edge of the city leading to several challenges for the government including:
    • Sanitation issues, diseases, water shortages and waste disposal.
Illustrative background for KolkataIllustrative background for Kolkata ?? "content

Kolkata

  • Kolkata, located in the state of West Bengal, has an estimated population of 4.6 million and is the 7th most populated city in India.
  • If you include the wider metropolitan area the city’s population exceeds 14 million, making it the 3rd largest city in relation to its metropolitan area.
Illustrative background for Urban growthIllustrative background for Urban growth ?? "content

Urban growth

  • Similar to Mumbai, Kolkata has experienced rapid urban growth because of natural increase and rural-urban migration which has also created challenges for the government.
Illustrative background for Congestion and wasteIllustrative background for Congestion and waste ?? "content

Congestion and waste

  • Traffic congestion in both cities is a huge issue, with gridlocked roads and dangerously packed trains a daily challenge due to millions of people trying to navigate around the city.
  • In terms of waste disposal, Mumbai is struggling to deal with the 7000 metric tonnes of rubbish produced each day, leading to overflowing waste on the streets, causing diseases to spread.
Illustrative background for The futureIllustrative background for The future ?? "content

The future

  • The Indian government recognises that measures must be taken to make these cities habitable.
  • Mumbai officials have considered several options to try and deal with the challenges caused by the rapid population growth, such as:
    • Driverless cars, improved traffic lighting, new waste disposal recycling schemes and awareness of the issues through educating its citizens on how to live more sustainably.

Jump to other topics

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson