Cities in Asia are growing upwards more than outwards

Topic: GS1 –  Society – Urbanization, their problems and their remedies

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

A study in Nature Cities reveals that cities, especially in Asia, are growing vertically faster than horizontally to accommodate increased populations. The research highlights the need for updated urban planning to address infrastructure, climate, and sustainability challenges. Vertical growth poses both opportunities and challenges for future urban development.

 Vertical vs. Horizontal Growth:

• A recent study published in Nature Cities highlights that cities, particularly in Asia, are expanding upwards faster than outwards.
• This shift is driven by the need to accommodate a global urban population increase of about two billion people from 1990 to 2020.

Study Methodology:

• The research analysed over 1,500 cities worldwide using remote-sensing satellite data to measure both vertical (building volume) and horizontal (ground area covered) growth.
• Data from scatterometers, which measure the volume of buildings, indicated that while horizontal expansion has slowed, vertical growth has accelerated.

Findings:

• The study shows a global trend of increased vertical growth in urban areas, with notable examples in East Asian cities, particularly China.
• Cities with populations exceeding 10 million have shown more prominent vertical expansion, especially in the 2010s.

International Context:

• The study is recognized for its extensive analysis of long-term upward growth across a broad sample of cities.
• Urban growth patterns differ globally, with some countries experiencing more vertical development due to fewer regulations.
• For example, Indian cities face more stringent height regulations compared to East Asian cities.

Regulations and Variations in India:

• In India, the growth pattern varies, with large cities showing significant vertical expansion, while others exhibit more horizontal growth.
• For instance, Delhi has primarily seen outward expansion, with some vertical growth in recent years.
• Urban growth is influenced by a combination of policies, regulations, historical patterns, and geographical factors.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Vertical growth can increase population density but also poses challenges related to infrastructure, climate resilience, and sustainability.
• It requires improved public transport, job opportunities, and essential infrastructure like sewage and water systems.
• Tall buildings contribute to the urban heat island effect, affecting local climate conditions such as wind speeds and rainfall.

Policy Implications:

• The study underscores the need for updated master planning in cities to address contemporary challenges.
• Existing planning laws are often outdated and do not adequately address modern issues like transportation and climate change.
• There is a call for locally tailored planning decisions and updated regulations to ensure sustainable and livable urban environments.

Conclusion:

• While vertical growth offers solutions for accommodating larger populations, it also requires a balanced approach considering sustainability, infrastructure needs, and climate impacts.
• Revising planning strategies and policies is essential for effective future urbanisation management.

PYQ: With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’ (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2016)

Practice Question:  Analyse the implications of increasing vertical urban growth on infrastructure, climate, and sustainability in rapidly urbanising cities. How should urban planning adapt to these changes? (250 Words /15 marks)