Urbanization and Environmental Effects

Urbanization and environmental effects

Introduction:

‘Pensioners’ Paradise’!, once upon a time Pune city was known for it. The excellent weather and the peaceful life in the city had earned it the nickname of ‘Pensioners’ Paradise’! Today it has turned into a chaotic place, City has become a victim to may problems like traffic, transport, waste management, pollution, etc.

Issue description:

In last 20 years Pune had taken big leap in urbanization and matching cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad. However it has come with its own cost. Urbanization was inevitable. As it was a stepping stone to prosperity boosting economic growth, but it also lead to poverty, unemployment, lack of proper housing and sanitation, infrastructure problems. Due to various factors such as climate, land availability, strategic location Pune became attractive investment hub and hence real estate grew at very faster rate. It tops property growth rate in India. However it has caused environmental/social issues.

These are more of negative externalities, as these are spillover effect of real estate development and its cost is not captured by real estate market.

Traffic and transport

        Increase in population has resulted in huge number of vehicles. Pune has around 4 million private vehicles today, and this city has become amongst the most polluted cities in India. Lack of adequate public transport has caused high congestion. Unplanned constructions are another reason for congestions at many places.

Waste and sewage management

        As population increased, waste and sewage problem has become critical in recent years. As real estate has grown in all the directions, earlier designated dumping grounds became part of residential areas causing potential for deceases. One third of sewage water is disposed in mula-mutha Rivers which is major cause of water pollution

Inequity(farmers future)

        In order to cope up with real estate demand, more and more farmland is getting converted into residential and commercial areas.  Farmers are given compensation but it’s one time compensation, majority of the farmers being illiterate didn’t know how to spend 1 time money. Eventually after spending complete money on temporary causes they and their families have been living on daily wages.

What are the reasons?

        Rapidly developing economies are often portrayed as sustainability laggards as they are focused more on raising their citizens out of poverty than protecting the environment. Pune is very much involved in India’s rapid economic growth.

No strong environmental governance

Though there are government agencies in place for various approvals with respect to real estate development they haven’t been able to control unplanned real estate growth. Its very easy to get land and start real estate development, however no due diligence is given to supporting infrastructure needed.