Question

Pastor Singh is not complaining, though. Things are greatly improved from when he first immigrated to Dharavi - the most crowded part of one the world's most crowded cities. "The roads were muddy," he says from his second-floor office, above the popping sizzle of a man welding, sans protective gear, downstairs. "Now they put down bricks." Singh ministers to a small congregation that meets above the church-sponsored kindergarten where his wife has taught for 17 years. Though relatives have begged him to come home to Tamil Nadu, 700 miles east, he has no plans to leave.

Answer 1

Rapid urbanization in India has resulted in crowded cities like Mumbai facing issues like overcrowding, traffic congestion, and socioeconomic disparities. The migration from rural to urban areas contributes to the growth of slums and an expanding middle class that influences economic development. Sustainable planning is needed to maintain balance amidst expected population growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Urbanization in India has led to various social and economic changes, with cities experiencing immense growth both in population and infrastructure. The dynamic nature of Indian cities like Mumbai has led to challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate public services, and intense traffic congestion. As cities modernize, they attempt to balance global trends with local traditions, such as accommodating sacred cows amidst bustling urban traffic.

A critical factor in this urban expansion is the rural-to-urban migration, driven by the search for better opportunities and employment. This has resulted in the growth of slums, which exemplify absolute poverty, and a socioeconomic disparity where a small elite contrast sharply with the massive population living in poverty. Simultaneously, a growing middle class has contributed to the economy, notably in the information technology sector, altering societal structures and aspirations towards a modern lifestyle.

The population in India is expected to rise exponentially, potentially overtaking China, creating stresses on resources and amplifying issues like air pollution and traffic, further exacerbating urban challenges. Effective urban planning and sustainable growth strategies are needed to manage these conditions and improve the quality of life for all residents.