Effects Of Urbanization Of India

Thousands of years ago, India was an advanced civilization, but it fell behind as the rest of the world advanced and industrialized during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Suddenly, within the past 20 years, India also began to industrialize. Although India’s urbanization came with many positives, its urbanization also very negatively impacted living conditions in modern India. Indian citizens face jeopardized health because of India 's environment due to the air pollution, water pollution, and growing water scarcity. India’s growing air pollution levels endanger the living conditions of Indian citizens. The increasing pollution levels are caused by population growth as the country industrializes. India’s roads are heavily used, with some

The Ganges, once a flowing, supple source of water for the Indian people, has receded during recent years. India’s reservoirs have also receded to only 29% of what they used to be. Because of one region’s water deficiency, panicked farmers have resorted to breaching embankments to obtain sufficient water for their crops. Along with troubles with irrigation, this region’s water shortages also mean that its citizens will not have sufficient water to make it through the summer. Indian monsoons have decreased in recent years, causing an even more decreased water supply. BBC explains the root of India’s water shortage, saying, “In the mid-1990s, [India and Bangladesh] signed a 30-year agreement to share water. (The precipitous decline in water levels happened during a 10-day cycle when India is bound by the pact to divert most of the water to Bangladesh. The fall in level left India with much less water than usual)” (7). Although a good idea in theory, in practice, this pact may not be so smart. Because of India’s high population, even 10 days where the country diverts some of its water to Bangladesh can cause harm to its citizens. If Indian farmers cannot obtain sufficient water for their crops, it could affect India’s exports and therefore global economies, not just the health of Indian citizens. About 60% of India’s land is agricultural, so a big enough water deficiency could hurt its billion-dollar exports of produce, other foodstuffs, and animal hides. The decrease in India’s monsoons also led to India’s current water crisis. This decrease could just be a natural one, but if it continues, it could make the drought even worse. With Indian rivers receding and polluted, they are losing their ability to support life, which could affect the food supply of India, leading to further malnourishment in Indian citizens. If it does not stop, the water deficiency in India could hurt