Kohima: As per census 2011, Nagaland has registered a decadal growth rate of 69 per cent, while the average rate at the national level is 21 per cent and with such high rate of urbanization was due to various factors such as natural growth of urban population, rural- to- urban migration and inclusion of new urban areas as statutory towns.
This was stated in the Annual Administrative Report of Urban Development Department of 2013-14 and at this rate, the urban population is poised to overtake the rural population in the near future, the report stated.
This is evident in the fact that the rural area has recorded a negative growth rate during the census 2011.
It is now recognized that urbanization is a positive change because cities and towns are central to the economic growth of any nation.
Under urban sector is positioned to get more focus in the future since urban centers now play a critical role in the structural transformation of the economy and in sustaining high rates of economic growth.
Urban centers are also critical towards achieving inclusive growth because they create benefits beyond their own boundaries, the report stated.
Sustained development and management of major urban areas is therefore crucial for sustainable economic development of the state as a whole. Besides the two largest towns Dimapur and Kohima, the administrative headquarters and small-scale industrial townships are growing fast and inheriting urban characteristics requiring planning intervention. Smaller quasi-urban settlements along the National Highways and State Highways are also experiencing migration from nearly village, the report stated.
Essential urban infrastructure facilities need to be provided to this growing population, as well as an increase in economic activities to cater to them.
Unless properly planned and managed, this growth will result in urban sprawl, mounting stress on infrastructure, creation of slums, deteriorating quality of urban services, and increased environmental pollution, the report added. (UNI)
