URBANISATION, ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION & QUALITY OF LIFE

Urbanisation is a worldwide phenomenon but its impact on environment is more apparent in developing countries like India. While having a positive impact on income levels, employment, production and market economics, urbanisation has also brought with it many problems, including degradation of environment, which, over the years is continuously deteriorating in cities and towns across India. The present book not only unfolds the process of urbanisation and degradation of environment but also deals with the resultant impact on the quality of life (QOL). Investigating the dynamic relationship between urbanisation, environmental degradation and quality of life in select cities of Rajasthan with population of one lakh and above, a detailed analysis has been done to discuss: (i) trends of urbanisation, (ii) degradation of environment, (iii) spatial pattern of pollution in urban areas, (iv) spatial pattern of QOL, (v) levels of quality of life, and finally (vi) problems and planning. The book will be useful for urban planners, geographers, sociologists and policy makers. In tune with India’s development agenda, the book will also be helpful in preparation of plans for ‘smart cities’.