Urban Development and the Role of Infrastructure in the state of Uttarakhand: An Overview

Urbanization refers to the mass movement of populations from rural to urban settings and the consequent physical changes to urban settings. In 2019, the United Nations estimated that more than half the world's population now lives in urban areas and by 2041; this figure will increase to 6 billion people. Over 34% of India's current population lives in urban areas (UN World Urbanisation Prospects Report 2018). It has expanded rapidly as an increasing number of people migrate to towns and cities in search of economic opportunity. Rapid urbanization has necessitated the ULB’s (urban local bodies) to develop both physical and social infrastructure in the urban areas not only to provide a better living environment for the citizens but also to make the urban centres the focal point of growth and economic development and attract investment opportunity. The present study covering the current status of urbanisation and infrastructure in the state of Uttarakhand.