February 28

World Urbanization Prospects. UN

United Nations Population Urbanisation Trackbacks (0)

The Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs has issued Highlights of the 2007 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects (full text, pdf, 223 KB). The report contains key findings, and some graphs and tables. The data is available online. Read more in the UN News Story.

Permanent Link: World Urbanization Prospects UN Pulse

November 08

India: Urbanisation And Economic Growth

Economic conditions and policy India Urbanisation Trackbacks (0)

Urbanization in India: Integral Part of Economic Growth
Source: World Bank

Urbanization is not a side effect of economic growth; it is an integral part of the process. As in most countries, India’s urban areas make a major contribution to the country’s economy. Although less than 1/3 of India’s people live in cities and towns, these areas generate over 2/3 of the country’s GDP and account for 90% of government revenues.

India’s towns and cities have expanded rapidly as increasing numbers migrate to towns and cities in search of economic opportunity. Slums now account for 1/4 of all urban housing. In Mumbai, more than half the population lives in slums, many of which are situated near employment centers in the heart of town, unlike in most other cities in developing countries.

Meeting the needs of India’s soaring urban populations is and will continue to be a strategic policy matter. Critical issues that need to be addressed are:

  • Poor local governance
  • Weak finances
  • Inappropriate planning that leads to high costs of housing and office space; in some Indian cities costs are among the highest in the world
  • Critical infrastructure shortages and major service deficiencies that include erratic water and power supply, and woefully inadequate transportation systems
  • Rapidly deteriorating environment

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