Indian Urbanization under Globalization; Development or Delusion!

Urbanization is one of the indicators of development. Developing economies strains itself to industrialize and urbanize their economies. India historically was the cradle of urbanization. The cities, Harappa and Mohenzdaro were known for its organized, standard and structural town planning and its architectural style, beauty and excellence. But after Indus valley civilization had an abrupt end, India lived in her villages. As per 2011 census, India has 6.41 lakh inhabitant villages. After India embraced globalization as its new economic Dharma in 1991, urbanization is gaining momentum. Since 1991, urbanization has raised enormously adding 160 million in 20 years, which increased to 31.16% by 2011. In another 20 years, Urbanization is expected to add another 250 million to its existing 377 million, taking the urban population to over 627 million. In reality, there is hardly anything called as Urban Planning in India. The Urban Ministry, Urban Planning department miserably failed to foresee the growth and plan for the future urban growth. Urban areas in India hence grew in haphazard and unscientific manner without proper planning. But population grew, Vehicles too. The net result is that majority of Indian cities are already choking under its own weight. Lack of urban infrastructure has lead to roads which is good for traffic jams and congestion. There is acute shortage of housing, water, power, sanitation, public transportation facilities, inadequate playgrounds and recreational facilities. But the adequacy is more in growth of multiple problems like waste management, provision of management of services, reducing green cover, extreme micro climates. People, private and Government should equally participate to make our urban areas the place of worth living. If the socially and economically weaker sections are also part of inclusive growth of urbanization, then a sustainable faster inclusive urbanization is definitely possible. It will also in true sense, make the urbanization as one of the indicator of development and not a delusion