Urbanisation pattern of Himachal Pradesh

Urbanisation pattern of Himachal Pradesh

In 1901, urban Population of Himachal Pradesh was merely 77332 persons which accounted for 4.03 percent of the total population of the state. Period 1901-11 marked a negative urban Growth of – 23.46 percent.entire colonial period was characterized by very slow urban growth. The process of Urbanization speeded up only after the independence; with the Decadal growth of urban population ranges from 32-35 percent between 1971 and 2001. According to 2001 census the urban population of the state is around 9.8% of total population which is least in the country far behind the national Average of 27.78%. Slow urban expansion of Himachal Pradesh is largely due to its agricultural economy, inaccessibility, presence of large number of small villages, sparse population distribution, tough terrain, lack of industrialization etc. The history of urbanization shows that Himachal Pradesh has always been a least urbanized state of India.

In 1971 only in Shimla (78.70 percent) the level of urbanization was above 40 percent. Nahan was the only tehsil in 30.01-40 % category. 14 tehsils had urban population below 10 percent of their total population. The state has 20 tehsils that have urbanization level between 0.01-10 percent and remaining 10 tehsils come under 10.01-20 percent urbanization. District Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti have no urban population. This may be attributed to several geographical factors besides socioeconomic development of the tribal region.

In 1971 there were only 36 towns in Himachal Pradesh which have increased in all subsequent census. The number of towns have been classified, declassified and reclassified during this time period e.g. in 2001 Sarahan town (Sirmour) and Pandoh has been declassified, Dhalli merged with Shimla Municipal Corporation. New inclusions were town of Mant Khas (Kangra) and Baddi (Solan). Due to their large area and population district Kangra have large number of towns. Shimla district also possesses considerable number of towns. In 1971 total population of Shimla town was 55368 followed by Sundernagar, Mandi, Nahan, Chamba, Dharamshala, Solan, Kullu, Bilaspur and Una. Sundernagar registered a very high growth rate of 268.45 percent in 1961-71 and became second largest town of Himachal Pradesh this excessive growth rate was due to Migration of large population from outside because of construction of Beas-Satluj Link Project. Sundernagar marked a negative growth in 1991 census because of outmigration of large number of people because of the completion of the Project Solan town also registered an impressive growth rate of 65.70 percent.

Challenges of urbanization in himachal pradesh

Urbanisation, which will be an inevitable part of growth for Himachal in the approaching years, will be a major trial. Unless proper initial planning is done, probabilities of retrieving benefits of development for urban residents are austere. The state is least urbanized throughout the country. Greater economic opportunity and educational prospects are being offered by the state, but the urban areas lack in terms of social and Human Development outcomes. Foreseeing the growth of migratory population in the urban areas, the state arose as a home to migrants from different parts of the country and the world, including Nepal, but there is no complete data of migrants and only small regional level surveys are conducted from time to time. As urbanization comes with an environmental costs, the need for striking a balance between needs to grow along with social and environmental sustainability should be focused upon. Economic alteration and changes in population will also pose a major challenge for the state. “In spite of constructive approach of people towards Economic Development, their role in the future development can be conditional.

Emphasizing that change brings huge transformation in hopes, ambitions and motivations of citizens. Expectations and aspirations are like a double-edged sword where people grasp opportunities for better quality of lives but if expectations are not fulfilled, it can lead to frustration. The people are highly aspirational for their state, with an anxiety about the effect that rapid development will have on their culture and values and the fear of losing them.

Himachal is well suited to strive on its preceding success and continue moving forward, but the future strategies should focus on rapid and effective response to expanding population and fulfilling their basic needs, without leaving a large carbon footprint for the future generations. Some major problems which are seen in the area because of urbanization are:

  • Deterioration in the quality of air, water and agricultural land.
  • Solid & Hazardous Waste Management issues
  • Law & Order Problems
  • Noise Pollution
  • River Bed mining
  • Poor living conditions
  • Housing shortage
  • haphazard construction in industrial areas

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Urbanisation is the process of growth and change in human settlements that results in an increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas. It is a complex phenomenon that is driven by a variety of factors, including economic development, technological change, and social and cultural factors.

In Himachal Pradesh, urbanisation has been relatively slow compared to other parts of India. In 2011, only 20.6% of the population lived in urban areas. However, the pace of urbanisation is accelerating, and it is projected that by 2050, more than half of the population of Himachal Pradesh will be living in urban areas.

There are a number of factors that are driving urbanisation in Himachal Pradesh. One factor is economic development. The state has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, and this has led to an increase in the demand for labour. As a result, many people have moved from rural areas to urban areas in search of EMPLOYMENT.

Another factor that is driving urbanisation is technological change. The development of new technologies, such as telecommunications and transportation, has made it easier for people to live and work in urban areas. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are choosing to live in urban areas.

Social and cultural factors are also playing a role in urbanisation. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people moving from rural areas to urban areas in search of a better Quality Of Life. This is due to a number of factors, such as the availability of better Education and healthcare facilities in urban areas.

Urbanisation has a number of impacts on Himachal Pradesh. One impact is on the Environment. Urban areas tend to have a higher demand for Resources, such as water and energy. This can lead to environmental problems, such as pollution and deforestation.

Another impact of urbanisation is on the economy. Urban areas tend to be more productive than rural areas. This is because they have a larger pool of labour and a greater concentration of businesses. As a result, urbanisation can lead to economic growth.

Urbanisation also has a social impact. Urban areas tend to be more diverse than rural areas. This can lead to social problems, such as crime and POVERTY. However, it can also lead to social benefits, such as increased Tolerance and understanding.

In conclusion, urbanisation is a complex phenomenon that is having a significant impact on Himachal Pradesh. It is important to understand the factors that are driving urbanisation and the impacts that it is having in order to develop policies that can manage the process in a sustainable way.

Here are some additional details on the factors affecting urbanisation in Himachal Pradesh:

  • Economic development: The state has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, and this has led to an increase in the demand for labour. As a result, many people have moved from rural areas to urban areas in search of employment.
  • Technological change: The development of new technologies, such as telecommunications and transportation, has made it easier for people to live and work in urban areas. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are choosing to live in urban areas.
  • Social and cultural factors: In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people moving from rural areas to urban areas in search of a better quality of life. This is due to a number of factors, such as the availability of better education and healthcare facilities in urban areas.

Here are some additional details on the impacts of urbanisation in Himachal Pradesh:

  • Environmental impact: Urban areas tend to have a higher demand for resources, such as water and energy. This can lead to environmental problems, such as pollution and deforestation.
  • Economic impact: Urban areas tend to be more productive than rural areas. This is because they have a larger pool of labour and a greater concentration of businesses. As a result, urbanisation can lead to economic growth.
  • Social impact: Urban areas tend to be more diverse than rural areas. This can lead to social problems, such as crime and poverty. However, it can also lead to social benefits, such as increased tolerance and understanding.

What is urbanisation?

Urbanisation is the process of an area becoming more urban, or the growth of urban areas. It is often measured by the Percentage of the population living in urban areas.

What are the causes of urbanisation?

There are many factors that can contribute to urbanisation, including:

  • Economic development: As economies grow, people tend to move to cities in search of jobs and opportunities.
  • Technological change: New technologies can make it easier for people to live in cities, such as the development of public transportation systems.
  • Political factors: Governments may encourage urbanisation in order to promote economic growth.
  • Social factors: People may move to cities in search of a better quality of life, such as access to education and healthcare.

What are the effects of urbanisation?

Urbanisation can have both positive and negative effects. Some of the positive effects include:

  • Increased economic activity: Urban areas tend to be more economically productive than rural areas.
  • Improved access to Services: Urban areas tend to have better access to services such as education, healthcare, and transportation.
  • Increased cultural diversity: Urban areas tend to be more culturally diverse than rural areas.

Some of the negative effects of urbanisation include:

  • Increased pollution: Urban areas tend to have more pollution than rural areas.
  • Increased crime: Urban areas tend to have higher crime rates than rural areas.
  • Increased traffic congestion: Urban areas tend to have more traffic congestion than rural areas.

What are the challenges of urbanisation?

One of the biggest challenges of urbanisation is the provision of basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. Urban areas tend to have a higher demand for these services than rural areas, and it can be difficult to meet this demand.

Another challenge of urbanisation is the management of waste. Urban areas produce a lot of waste, and it can be difficult to dispose of this waste in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

Finally, urbanisation can lead to social problems such as crime and poverty. Urban areas can be crowded and stressful, and this can lead to social problems.

What are the solutions to the challenges of urbanisation?

There are a number of solutions to the challenges of urbanisation. One solution is to invest in Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, such as water and sanitation systems, electricity grids, and transportation networks. This will help to meet the demand for basic services in urban areas.

Another solution is to improve waste management. This can be done by investing in waste collection and disposal systems, and by promoting recycling and composting.

Finally, it is important to address the social problems that can arise from urbanisation. This can be done by investing in education and healthcare, and by providing social support services.

What is the future of urbanisation?

The future of urbanisation is uncertain. Some experts believe that urbanisation will continue to grow, while others believe that it will eventually plateau. The future of urbanisation will depend on a number of factors, including economic development, technological change, and political factors.

  1. Which of the following is not a major city in Himachal Pradesh?
    (A) Shimla
    (B) Dharamshala
    (C) Manali
    (D) Kullu

  2. The capital of Himachal Pradesh is:
    (A) Shimla
    (B) Dharamshala
    (C) Manali
    (D) Kullu

  3. The population of Himachal Pradesh is:
    (A) 6.8 million
    (B) 7.8 million
    (C) 8.8 million
    (D) 9.8 million

  4. The Literacy rate of Himachal Pradesh is:
    (A) 82%
    (B) 86%
    (C) 90%
    (D) 94%

  5. The main language spoken in Himachal Pradesh is:
    (A) Hindi
    (B) Punjabi
    (C) Pahari
    (D) Garhwali

  6. The main religion in Himachal Pradesh is:
    (A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
    (B) Islam
    (C) Christianity
    (D) Sikhism

  7. The main economic activity in Himachal Pradesh is:
    (A) agriculture
    (B) Tourism
    (C) Manufacturing
    (D) Mining

  8. The main exports of Himachal Pradesh are:
    (A) Apples
    (B) Tea
    (C) Timber
    (D) Himachali handicrafts

  9. The main imports of Himachal Pradesh are:
    (A) Petroleum products
    (B) Machinery
    (C) Food grains
    (D) Fertilizers

  10. The main tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh are:
    (A) The Shimla hills
    (B) The Kullu valley
    (C) The Manali valley
    (D) All of the above

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