Unsustainability of urbanization and the trend of rural-to-urban migration

Question: The movement of people from countryside

to cities cannot be sustained. Discuss

The increasing movement of people from rural areas Delhi is one of the most densely populated
to urban centres is not a sustainable trend, meaning cities in the world, with a population of
that it cannot continue indefinitely without negative over 30 million people. This high population
consequences. Urbanisation may have reached its limits density, combined with the city's rapid
and may be posing serious challenges to the urbanization and industrialization, has put
environment, infrastructure, and social systems of significant pressure on its infrastructure
cities. There is a need to re-evaluate the current and resources, leading to increased
patterns of urbanisation and migration and find ways pollution levels and as of 2021 it is the
to make them more sustainable and equitable. highest polluted city in the world.

Arguments for the claim: Arguments against the claim:

Overcrowding: can strain resources and buildings Economic Growth: Urbanization can
beyond capacity. This can lead to a decline in the contribute to economic growth by
quality of life for urban residents. Mumbai is one attracting businesses and investment.
of the most densely populated cities in the world, Cities offer greater opportunities for
with a population of over 20 million people. This employment, education, and innovation
has led increase in air pollution, water scarcity, than rural areas.
rates of disease and challenges in housing and Improved Infrastructure: As more people
public transportation. move to cities, governments may invest in
Environmental challenges: Urbanization can cause infrastructure projects such as public
environmental challenges, such as air and water transportation, roads, and utilities to
pollution, deforestation, and the loss of support the growing population.
biodiversity. Technological Advancements: cities
Resource depletion: As cities grow, they require become centres of innovation and
more resources to sustain themselves, such as technological advancement. This can lead
water, energy, and food. to advancements in areas such as
Rural decline: The migration of people from rural healthcare, energy, and transportation,
areas to urban centers can lead to a decline in which can benefit people both in cities and
rural economies, as fewer people are available to in rural areas.
work in agriculture and other rural industries. Environmental Sustainability: There are
Economic challenges: Urbanization can lead to sustainable development practices.
economic challenges, such as unemployment and
Singapore is a smart city that has invested
income inequality, as the job market becomes
in technology and infrastructure to improve
increasingly competitive and wages may not keep
the quality of life for residents. Features of
up with the cost of living in cities.
Singapore's smart city include an integrated
Social challenges: Urbanization can also lead to
transport system, intelligent traffic
social challenges, such as crime, social isolation, and
management, smart housing, and ecological
the breakdown of traditional community
initiatives. These have made Singapore one
structures.
of the most livable cities in the world.

From the topic of the movement of people from countryside to cities, it can be concluded that while urbanization has its advantages, it also presents
challenges and risks that must be carefully managed. The arguments for and against the sustainability of this movement highlight the need for thoughtful
planning and management to ensure that cities can continue to support growing populations without sacrificing quality of life or harming the environment.
Additionally, examples of smart cities such as Singapore demonstrate how technology and innovation can be harnessed to make urban areas more livable,
efficient, and sustainable.