Urbanization in South Asia

Some Facts :- 

Over 54% of the world's population now lives in urban areas, creating 80% of global GDP, consuming two-thirds of global energy and accounting for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to World Bank data. 

Urbanization leads to concentration of economic activity, improves productivity and spurs job creation, specifically in manufacturing and services.

What about South Asia's urbanization ??

South Asia’s urbanization is “messy and hidden” in that an estimated 130 million South Asians live in informal settlements — i.e. slums and sprawl. 

Hidden urbanization is seen in the large share of India’s population that lives in settlements that possess urban characteristics but do not satisfy the criteria required to be officially classified as urban.

The report also points out that urban population growth is not driven by rural to urban migration as is commonly thought. 

It says that 44% of the urban population growth that India experienced between 2001 and 2011 was due to natural increase and 29.5% to the reclassification of rural settlements into census towns.

The report called for initiatives at the policy and institutional level to tap the economic potential it offers. 

Problems of Urbanization :- 

Increased urban populations put pressure on basic services, infrastructure, land, housing and environment.

What should be focus ?

Focus has to be on reforms, they are required to address three fundamental urban governance deficits in:
• Empowerment deficit - of local governing bodies - Inter-governmental fiscal relations must be improved to address empowerment.

• Resources deficit - practical ways must be identified to increase the resources available to local governments to allow them to perform their mandated functions.

• Accountability deficit - mechanisms must be strengthened to hold local governments accountable for their actions.

To tackle messy urbanization and bring about lasting improvements in both prosperity and livability, policies are also required 

• to improve the ways in which cities are connected and planned,
• in working of land and housing markets, and
• in city’s resilience to natural disasters and the effect of climate change.

The challenge will be to make the transition inclusive, providing opportunities and jobs to youth, especially women, and supported by efficient service infrastructure. If managed well, urbanization can lead to sustainable growth.