Question

Why is urban sprawl considered to be a problem of urbanisation?

Answer 1

Urban sprawl is considered a serious problem of urbanisation because it leads to several negative consequences for both the environment and society. As cities expand outward in an unplanned and scattered manner, the following issues arise:

1. Loss of Agricultural and Forest Land: Urban sprawl results in the encroachment of farmland, forests, and natural habitats, reducing green cover and affecting biodiversity.
2. Increased Traffic and Pollution: With longer travel distances between homes and workplaces, there is more dependence on private vehicles, leading to traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise.
3. Higher Infrastructure Costs: Scattered development makes it more expensive to provide basic services like roads, water supply, sewage systems, electricity, and waste management, putting pressure on municipal resources.
4. Poor Access to Services: Residents in sprawling areas often lack easy access to schools, hospitals, markets, and public transport, which reduces their quality of life.
5. Social Disintegration: Spread-out settlements can lead to weak community bonding and inequality in development, especially in fringe areas.