Pattern of urban settlement

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Urban Growth and Urbanization patterns in Jharkhand do not seem to attract any significant academic attention. The ‘newly’ born state that came into existence on 15th November 2000 as the 28th state of Indian Union has however remained in turbidity of political economy of growth since its formation. For a long time, Jharkhand remained as a part of Bihar, but after Indian independence, the demand for a separate state of tribals started gaining momentum (Jharkhand Govt.). Not to any surprise, the swaths of scholarship have ventured to analyze the instability of political governance in Jharkhand. Amidst these developments, the urban has turned up as the strategic site both for aggressive reforms and restructuring as well as social movements contesting the reforms agenda.

The State Government however seems to project a bit pessimistic view of the urbanization trends and patterns of the region4 . The urbanization level in Jharkhand has made a progress of 1.81 Percentage points between 2001-11 moving from 22.24% in 2001 to 24.05% in 2011. The total number of towns in 2001 was 119 which rose to 152 in 2011 and even though the urbanization levels in the region falls short below the national Average, the state has made a significant progress by adding a net urban Population of 1.9 million. The historical growth of urban areas in Jharkhand region clearly shows a marked increase in the total number of towns after 1941. However the real jump in the growth of urban areas was visualized since 1951. Between 1951-61, 24 new towns were added to the list. However this number dropped down to 12 for the period 1971-81 reflected in the form of a slight hitch in the upward rising curve. Beyond 1981 there has been continued rise in the number of new towns with each successive decade, bringing in the total number of towns to 152. Well the regional patterns of urbanization portrays some quite interesting picture with majority of districts with very low level of urbanization while three districts namely Bokaro, Dhanbad and Purbi Singhbhum with more than 40% urbanization levels in 2001.

The highest level of urbanization was in Purbi Singhbhum district i.e. 55.03% while Godda experienced the lowest urbanization level of 3.53%. In 2011 the number of districts with above 40% urbanization level raised to 5 including Ranchi and the newly formed Ramgarh districts. Talking of the geographical distribution, the most urbanized areas were the east central and south east parts of the state in both the years. Such distribution patterns have developed owing largely to the pattern of industrial developments in the regions. Out of the five most industrialized districts, three are the hub of industrial activities in the state. Ranchi on the other hand accrues its urban growth to both industrial developments as well as to fact of being the administrative centre of the state. The districts in the north-east part of the state i.e. Godda, Pakur, Dumka, Deoghar, Giridih and Sahibganj too depicts urbanization levels well below 12% which is far below the state aggregate of 24.05% in 2011. The central rectangular strip running from north to south of the state including Kodarma, Hazaribag, Sariakela, and Paschim Singhbhum portrays urbanization levels between 12% to 40%. However the change in urbanization levels is highest in Ranchi district which experienced 8.07 percentage points of increment in the urbanization levels. Following Ranchi were Dhanbad and Palamu with 5.76% and 5.69% change respectively. Deoghar, Sahibganj, Bokaro, Pakur, Kodarma, Giridih, Godda and Garhwa experienced changes in urbanization levels between 1-3 percentage points. Well down below the ladder Lohardaga, Paschim Singhbhum and Hazaribagh have undergone de-urbanization with the highest negative growth of -7.35% in Hazaribagh. Apart from all these, one of the most disturbing aspects sprouting out of the regional patterns of urbanization in Jharkhand has been the continuous low level of urbanization in the entire western region comprising of Chatra, Palamu, Garhwa, Gumla and Simdega which has remained below 12% in both 2001 and 2011 as well. Thus the overall regional pattern of urbanization did not alter very significantly between 2001 and 2011. The central and south-eastern parts maintained their primacy in the urban hierarchy of the region.,

Urban settlement is the process by which people gather together in cities. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as economic opportunity, access to Resources, or cultural and social factors.

There are many different patterns of urban settlement, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common patterns include:

  • Central business district (CBD): The CBD is the heart of a city, where most of the commercial and financial activity takes place. It is typically a dense, high-rise area with a mix of office buildings, shops, restaurants, and hotels.
  • Suburbs: Suburbs are residential areas that lie outside the city center. They are typically less dense than the CBD and have a more suburban feel, with single-family homes and large yards.
  • Urban sprawl: Urban sprawl is the expansion of cities into the surrounding countryside. It is often caused by the growth of the suburbs, as people move further and further away from the city center in search of more affordable housing and a larger living space.
  • Conurbation: A conurbation is a large urban area that is made up of several cities that have grown together. Conurbations are often found in areas with a high population density, such as Europe and East Asia.
  • Megalopolis: A megalopolis is a very large urban area that is made up of several conurbations. Megalopolises are often found in areas with a very high population density, such as the Northeastern United States and the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area.
  • Edge city: An edge city is a type of suburban development that is located on the outskirts of a city. Edge cities are typically characterized by a high concentration of office buildings, shopping malls, and restaurants.
  • Satellite city: A satellite city is a smaller city that is located near a larger city. Satellite cities are often bedroom communities, where people live but commute to work in the larger city.
  • Garden city: A garden city is a type of planned city that is designed to be both beautiful and functional. Garden cities are typically characterized by low-density housing, green spaces, and public transportation.
  • New town: A new town is a planned city that is built from scratch. New towns are often built to relieve overcrowding in existing cities or to provide housing for new industries.
  • Green belt: A green belt is an area of land that is set aside for agriculture or recreation. Green belts are often located around cities to prevent urban sprawl.
  • Urban renewal: Urban renewal is the process of redeveloping an area of a city that has fallen into decline. Urban renewal can involve demolishing old buildings and replacing them with new ones, or it can involve rehabilitating existing buildings.
  • Gentrification: Gentrification is the process of renovating and rebuilding a neighborhood, often resulting in an increase in property values and the displacement of low-income residents.
  • Slum: A slum is a densely populated area characterized by POVERTY, poor sanitation, and inadequate housing. Slums are often found in developing countries, but they can also be found in developed countries.
  • Favela: A favela is a type of slum that is found in Brazil. Favelas are typically built on hillsides and are characterized by makeshift housing and a lack of basic Services.
  • Shantytown: A shantytown is a type of slum that is found in Latin America and the Caribbean. Shantytowns are typically built on the outskirts of cities and are characterized by makeshift housing and a lack of basic services.
  • Squatter settlement: A squatter settlement is a type of slum that is built on land that is occupied illegally. Squatter settlements are often found in developing countries, but they can also be found in developed countries.
  • Refugee camp: A refugee camp is a temporary settlement that is built to house refugees. Refugee camps are often located in developing countries, but they can also be found in developed countries.
  • Boomtown: A boomtown is a town that experiences a rapid increase in population, typically due to the discovery of Natural Resources or the construction of a major new Industry.
  • Ghost town: A ghost town is a town that has been abandoned by its residents. Ghost towns are often found in mining towns or in towns that have been bypassed by major transportation routes.
  • Company town: A company town is a town that is owned and operated by a single company. Company towns are often found in mining towns or in towns that are located near a major industrial plant.
  • Military town: A military town is a town that is home to a large military base. Military towns are often found near major military installations.
  • University town: A university town is a town that is home to a major university. University towns are often characterized by a high concentration of students and faculty.
  • Retirement community: A retirement community is a town or neighborhood that is designed for people who are retired. Retirement communities are often characterized by amenities such as golf courses, swimming pools, and walking trails.

What is a city?

A city is a large human settlement. It is characterized by a high population density and a high degree of urbanization. Cities are typically centers of economic activity, culture, and government.

What are the different types of cities?

There are many different types of cities, but some of the most common include:

  • Capital cities: These are the cities that are the seat of government for a country or state.
  • Commercial cities: These are cities that are centers of economic activity.
  • Cultural cities: These are cities that are known for their arts, culture, and history.
  • Industrial cities: These are cities that are centers of manufacturing and industry.
  • Port cities: These are cities that are located on a coast or river and are important for trade and transportation.
  • Resort cities: These are cities that are popular tourist destinations.

What are the benefits of living in a city?

There are many benefits to living in a city, including:

  • Access to jobs and Education: Cities are typically centers of economic activity, so there are often more job opportunities available in cities than in rural areas. Cities also tend to have better schools and universities than rural areas.
  • Cultural and entertainment opportunities: Cities offer a wide variety of cultural and entertainment opportunities, such as museums, theaters, and concert halls.
  • Diversity: Cities are typically more diverse than rural areas, which can provide residents with a wider range of experiences and perspectives.
  • Public transportation: Cities typically have better public transportation systems than rural areas, which can make it easier to get around without a car.

What are the challenges of living in a city?

There are also some challenges to living in a city, including:

  • Cost of living: Cities tend to have a higher cost of living than rural areas. This is due to factors such as higher housing costs, higher transportation costs, and higher taxes.
  • Pollution: Cities can be more polluted than rural areas due to factors such as traffic congestion, industrial emissions, and waste disposal.
  • Crime: Cities tend to have higher crime rates than rural areas. This is due to factors such as population density, poverty, and social inequality.
  • Crowding: Cities can be crowded and noisy, which can be stressful for some people.

What is the future of cities?

The future of cities is uncertain. Some experts believe that cities will continue to grow in size and importance, while others believe that cities will eventually decline in population and importance. The future of cities will likely depend on a number of factors, such as technological advances, economic trends, and environmental changes.

  1. Which of the following is not a type of urban settlement?
    (A) Central place
    (B) Conurbation
    (C) Megalopolis
    (D) Urban sprawl

  2. Which of the following is the most common type of urban settlement in the world?
    (A) Central place
    (B) Conurbation
    (C) Megalopolis
    (D) Urban sprawl

  3. Which of the following is a characteristic of a central place?
    (A) It is a large city with a population of over 1 million people.
    (B) It is a densely populated area with a high concentration of businesses and services.
    (C) It is a major transportation hub with a Network of roads, railways, and Airports.
    (D) It is a center of government and administration.

  4. Which of the following is a characteristic of a conurbation?
    (A) It is a large city with a population of over 1 million people.
    (B) It is a densely populated area with a high concentration of businesses and services.
    (C) It is a major transportation hub with a network of roads, railways, and airports.
    (D) It is a group of cities that have grown together to form a single urban area.

  5. Which of the following is a characteristic of a megalopolis?
    (A) It is a large city with a population of over 1 million people.
    (B) It is a densely populated area with a high concentration of businesses and services.
    (C) It is a major transportation hub with a network of roads, railways, and airports.
    (D) It is a vast urban area that extends over multiple states or countries.

  6. Which of the following is a characteristic of urban sprawl?
    (A) It is a type of urban development that is characterized by low-density housing, large-lot subdivisions, and extensive use of automobiles.
    (B) It is a type of urban development that is characterized by high-density housing, small-lot subdivisions, and limited use of automobiles.
    (C) It is a type of urban development that is characterized by mixed-use development, walkable neighborhoods, and public transportation.
    (D) It is a type of urban development that is characterized by single-use development, car-dependent neighborhoods, and limited public transportation.

  7. Which of the following is a positive effect of urban sprawl?
    (A) It can help to reduce traffic congestion.
    (B) It can help to preserve open space.
    (C) It can help to reduce Air Pollution.
    (D) It can help to improve the Quality Of Life for residents.

  8. Which of the following is a negative effect of urban sprawl?
    (A) It can lead to increased traffic congestion.
    (B) It can lead to the loss of open space.
    (C) It can lead to increased air pollution.
    (D) It can lead to a decline in the quality of life for residents.

  9. Which of the following is a policy that can be used to reduce urban sprawl?
    (A) Infill development
    (B) Transit-oriented development
    (C) Smart growth
    (D) All of the above

  10. Which of the following is a goal of smart growth?
    (A) To reduce urban sprawl
    (B) To preserve open space
    (C) To improve the quality of life for residents
    (D) All of the above

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