Q. Discuss the major Demographic trends in Urbanisation &its impact on India. What is the Role of Smart Cities Mission -2016 in improving the Liveability index of Indian Cities

Approach:
Introduction:
• Briefly define urbanization and its economic role (mention 60% GDP contribution).
• Link urban growth challenges with Article 21 (Right to Life) ensuring liveable urban environments.
• Set the context: why studying demographic trends and impacts is crucial.
Body:
A. Major Demographic Trends in Urbanisation:
• Urban population growth rate (Census 2011, NITI Aayog projections).
• Emergence of megacities (>10 million population).
• Urban sprawl into peri-urban areas (e.g., Gurugram, Noida).
• Migration-driven urban growth (~37% contribution).
• Rise of census towns between 2001–2011.
B. Impact of Urbanisation:
• Positive: Economic growth, service sector expansion, infrastructure development, access to education/health, innovation.
• Negative: Housing shortages, environmental degradation, slum proliferation, pressure on services, urban inequality.
C. Role of Smart Cities Mission:
• Strengthening infrastructure (sanitation, housing, waste management).
• Promoting green urbanism, e-governance, resilient infrastructure.
• Example cities like Pune, Bhopal for liveability improvements.
Conclusion:
• Highlight India's lag in Global Liveability Index (Hyderabad rank 132).
• End positively: Smart Cities Mission offers a transformative roadmap toward sustainable, inclusive, globally competitive urban centers.

Introduction:
Urban areas contribute nearly 60% to India’s GDP, fuelled by population growth, megacity expansion, and rural-to-urban migration. Amidst this growth, the increasing pressures on cities raise concerns linked to Article 21 of the Constitution, making it important to understand the demographic trends and their impacts on urban India.

Body:
A. Major Demographic Trends in Urbanisation
-Urban Population Growth: Urban share at 31.16% (Census 2011), projected to exceed 40% by 2036 (NITI Aayog).
-Emergence of Mega Cities: Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru surpassing 10 million population.
-Urban Sprawl: Expansion into peri-urban belts (e.g., Gurugram, Noida).
-Migration-Driven Urbanisation: Migration accounting for over 37% of urban growth (NSSO).
-Growth of Census Towns: Over 3,894 new census towns identified (2001–2011).

B. Impact of Urbanisation on India Positive Impacts:
-Economic Growth: Urban areas contributing 60% of India's GDP (World Bank 2022).
-Expansion of Service Sector: Growth of IT, finance, and startups hubs (e.g., Bengaluru).
-infrastructure Development: Building of metros, highways, expressways (e.g., Delhi Metro Phase-IV).
-Educational and Health Access: Improved access to schools, universities, and hospitals.
-Social Mobility and Innovation: Increase in startups, entrepreneurship, and creative industries.
Negative Impacts:
-Urban Housing Shortage: 18 million units shortfall (MoHUA 2019).
-Environmental Degradation: Pollution, urban flooding, and heat islands (e.g., Delhi AQI crises).
-Expansion of Slums and Informal Settlements: 17% of urban population living in slums (Census 2011).
-Strain on Basic Services: Water scarcity, traffic congestion, poor sanitation in Tier-1 cities.
-Urban Inequality and Marginalisation: Growing disparities between rich gated communities and slum dwellers.
C. Role of Smart Cities Mission (2016) in Improving Liveability
-Strengthening Core Infrastructure: Focus on water supply, sanitation, electricity, solid waste management.
-Promoting Smart Mobility and E-Governance: Integrated traffic, citizen-centric digital services (e.g., Pune).
-Affordable Housing Focus: Complementing PMAY-Urban objectives in Smart Cities areas.
-Green and Resilient Urbanism: Parks, walkable streets, open green spaces (e.g., Bhopal Smart City).
-Fostering Urban Innovation and Resilience: Climate-resilient projects, public participation models.

Conclusion:
The absence of any Indian city in the top 100 of the 2023 Global Liveability Index, with Hyderabad placed at 132nd, highlights the persistent gap between urban expansion and quality of life. Initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission (2016) offer a transformative pathway towards building healthier, more inclusive, and globally competitive urban centers.