India needs to reconsider its definition of 'urban'
In India, the traditional methods of defining urban areas are being challenged, with a shift towards a more comprehensive and multidimensional approach. This new approach, which considers urbanization as a socio-cultural phenomenon, not just a physical or economic process, is gaining traction.
One unconventional indicator of urbanization is the presence of McDonald's outlets. In India, these outlets are used as proxies for defining urban spaces, suggesting a correlation between globalized consumer culture and urban development.
The current framework for defining urban areas relies on subjective criteria such as population size, density, and the occupational distribution of the male workforce. However, this binary classification of areas as rural or urban based solely on occupation does not reflect the hybrid livelihoods that many Indians pursue. Many people combine agricultural work with urban jobs, commuting daily or seasonally between rural and urban areas.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of rural and urban economies will encourage policies that promote balanced regional development. Regions with high economic output, diversified industries, and active trade and commerce networks should be classified as urban, regardless of population size. This approach will help integrate urban and rural development efforts, paving the way for more equitable and sustainable urban development.
Areas with robust transportation networks, internet penetration, and market access often function as urban hubs, even if they do not meet traditional population-based criteria. Physical and digital connectivity is a critical indicator of urbanization.
The new approach also considers access to urban services like healthcare, education, water supply, sanitation, and waste management as more meaningful indicators of urbanization than population size alone. This perspective acknowledges the importance of these services in improving the quality of life in urban areas.
The jurisdictional area of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or municipalities for public service delivery will expand severely with this redefinition, as it will include peri-urban regions and emerging towns. This expansion will lead to better municipal service delivery and infrastructure development.
Central and state government grants and schemes for rural areas would no longer apply in these newly defined urban areas, and urban development funds and smart city projects might need to be expanded. This shift requires a rethinking of urban policies and governance structures.
The implications of this redefinition are far-reaching. By 2050, urban sites in India are expected to host over 800 million people, over half of India's population. Redefining urban boundaries to include peri-urban regions and emerging towns will ensure that policies and programs are better aligned with the realities on the ground, paving the way for more equitable and sustainable urban development.
The research of three professors – Prof. Dr. Iris Schneider from Hochschule Döpfer, Lucie Flek from Universität Bonn, and Dr. Moritz Lürig, an evolutionary biologist at Universität Bonn – has contributed to this shift in perspective. Their work focuses on nursing science, transdisciplinary health research, and evolutionary biology/complex system modeling, respectively. Their findings have highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to defining urban areas.
In conclusion, the redefinition of urban areas in India is a significant step towards a more equitable and sustainable urban development. By adopting a multidimensional approach, we can ensure that policies and programs are better aligned with the realities on the ground, leading to improved quality of life for millions of people.
