Urbanization & Migration in India
Delhi Police Exams – Economic & Human Geography
Introduction: India's Changing Settlement Landscape
India is rapidly transforming from a rural-based society to an urbanized one.
Urbanization and migration are two major processes shaping population distribution, economic development, and social structure.
What is Urbanization?
Urbanization is the process of growth of cities and increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas.
Key Facts (Census 2011):
- Urban Population: 31.2% (about 377 million people)
- Rural Population: 68.8%
- Most Urbanized State: Goa (62%)
- Least Urbanized State: Himachal Pradesh (10%)
- Most Urbanized UT: Delhi (98%)
- Least Urbanized UT: Lakshadweep (44%)
Causes of Urbanization
| Natural Causes | Human Causes |
|---|---|
| Industrialization | Job opportunities |
| Better transport & communication | Education & health facilities |
| Modern lifestyle attraction | Migration from rural to urban |
Types of Urbanization
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Urbanization | Growth of one large city | Delhi, Mumbai |
| Dispersed Urbanization | Growth of small towns | Punjab, Haryana |
| Planned Urbanization | Government-planned cities | Chandigarh, Gandhinagar, Navi Mumbai |
Urban Hierarchy in India
| Category | Population (2011) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mega City | >10 million | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata |
| Metropolitan City | 4–10 million | Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai |
| City | 1–4 million | Jaipur, Lucknow |
| Town | <1 million | Dehradun, Panaji |
What is Migration?
Migration is the movement of people from one place to another for better opportunities, security, or living conditions.
- Migrants = Population movers
- Migration changes both origin and destination areas.
Types of Migration
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Internal | Within the same country | Bihar → Delhi |
| International | Between countries | India → UAE |
| Rural to Urban | Village → City | Farmers → Factory workers |
| Urban to Rural | City → Village | Reverse migration during COVID-19 |
| Seasonal | Temporary movement for work | Sugarcane laborers, brick kiln workers |
Causes of Migration
| Push Factors (From Origin) | Pull Factors (To Destination) |
|---|---|
| Poverty, unemployment | Jobs, higher wages |
| Natural disasters | Better living standards |
| Lack of education | Modern facilities |
| Poor health care | Safety, security |
Consequences of Migration
A. Positive Effects
- Reduces rural pressure
- Provides cheap urban labor
- Remittances improve rural economy
- Exchange of ideas and skills
B. Negative Effects
- Overcrowding in cities
- Unemployment & slums
- Pressure on housing, transport, water
- Rural brain drain
Migration Patterns in India
- Rural to Urban → Most common (job-based migration).
- Urban to Urban → Professionals moving for better opportunities.
- Rural to Rural → Seasonal farm laborers.
- Urban to Rural → Reverse migration (especially post-pandemic).
Major Migration Corridors (Internal):
- UP → Delhi
- Bihar → Maharashtra
- Odisha → Gujarat
- Rajasthan → Punjab
Problems of Urbanization
| Problem | Impact |
|---|---|
| Overcrowding | Poor living conditions |
| Housing shortage | Growth of slums |
| Traffic congestion | Air & noise pollution |
| Unemployment | Social unrest |
| Waste management | Sanitation crisis |
Government Initiatives
| Program / Mission | Launched Year | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Cities Mission | 2015 | Develop 100 smart cities |
| AMRUT | 2015 | Urban water & sewerage improvement |
| PMAY (Urban) | 2015 | Affordable housing for all |
| Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) | 2014 | Sanitation & waste management |
| Digital India | 2015 | Digital connectivity in cities |
Practice Questions (Delhi Police PYQ-style)
As per Census 2011, what percentage of India's population lives in urban areas?
Options: A) 21% B) 26% C) 31% D) 36%
Category: Urbanization
Show Answer
C) 31%
Which state is the most urbanized in India?
Options: A) Maharashtra B) Tamil Nadu C) Goa D) Delhi
Category: Urbanization
Show Answer
C) Goa
Migration of people from rural to urban areas is mainly due to —
Options: A) Natural disasters B) Employment opportunities C) Religious reasons D) Climate
Category: Migration
Show Answer
B) Employment opportunities
Which Indian city is known as the "most populated urban agglomeration"?
Options: A) Mumbai B) Delhi C) Kolkata D) Bengaluru
Category: Urbanization
Show Answer
B) Delhi
The Smart Cities Mission was launched in —
Options: A) 2014 B) 2015 C) 2016 D) 2017
Category: Government Initiatives
Show Answer
B) 2015
The major reason for urban slum growth is —
Options: A) High literacy B) Rapid migration C) Government planning D) Industrial decline
Category: Urban Problems
Show Answer
B) Rapid migration
Which factor is considered a "pull factor" for migration?
Options: A) Floods B) Unemployment C) Better job opportunities D) Drought
Category: Migration
Show Answer
C) Better job opportunities
Quick Comparison Table
| Aspect | Urbanization | Migration |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Growth of cities | Movement of people |
| Process Type | Structural (long-term) | Dynamic (ongoing) |
| Cause | Industrial & social growth | Push–Pull factors |
| Impact | Urban lifestyle, economy | Demographic change |
| Result | Urban expansion | Population redistribution |
Exam Tricks & Mnemonics
"RURB" = Rural + Urban → India's Future (Rurban Mission)
"5 M's of Migration":
Money, Marriage, Mobility, Market, Modernity
"Smart AMRUT" → Key Urban Missions
Revision & Exam Points
Final Exam Tips
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