Question

Explain four impacts of urbanization on the environment.

Explain three negative impacts of urbanisation on the eco-system.

Answer 1

Urbanisation is a process of migration of people from rural areas to urban areas. Degradation of ecosystem due to urbanisation has occurred in a number of ways.

1. Change in land use: There has been change n the land use pattern to meet the basic needs of the migrated population. Urban areas have encroached upon the nearby agricultural land, forests and grassland to provide accommodation for the migrating people. This has displaced lakhs of people from their homes and jobs and also caused the loss of biodiversity forever.
2. Depletion of water resources: With rapidly increasing urban human population, and limited resources, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the water requirements through the municipal water supply system. Due to extensive construction, the local ground water recharging has declined and the cities have to draw water from outside.
3. Development of slums: Urbanisation (or migration) has also led to slum development. This affects human health, besides causing ecosystem degradation.