In a recent survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), it was found that three cities from Kerala, India are among the top ten fastest-growing urban areas globally. Malappuram exhibited a significant growth rate of 44.1% from 2015 to 2020, Kozhikode with 34.5%, and Kollam with 31.1%. Additionally, Thrissur in Kerala demonstrated a 30.2% growth rate, ranking 13th on the list. This article aims to dissect these findings and analyze the reasons behind this urbanization.
Key Findings and Data Sources
The rankings were sourced from data made available by the United Nations Population Division, predicting population increases from 2015 to 2020. These statistics provide valuable insights into the urbanization progression worldwide. Unique to these findings is the high ranks of Kerala’s cities, given the state’s low total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.8 (as per NITI Aayog data from 2016). The replacement rate for any population is 2.1, meaning Kerala’s TFR is below replacement levels.
Urban Growth in Kerala: An In-depth Analysis
Kerala’s low fertility rate suggests the population growth in cities like Malappuram isn’t due to a higher birth rate but rather due to an increasing number of villages being transformed into towns and city borders expanding. When a village is reclassified as a census town, its population is counted as part of the district’s urban population. This change results in rapid urbanization, particularly when new areas are incorporated within the Urban Agglomeration’s limit.
Another contributing factor to urbanization in Kerala is migration. Kerala experiences both emigration, with inhabitants leaving for other states, and immigration, attracting workers from different regions. Remittances sent home by emigrants allow rural inhabitants to transition away from agriculture, leading to a change in the rural area’s census classification.
| Underlying Factors for Population Growth |
|---|
| Birth rate exceeding death rate (natural growth) |
| Worker migration to cities for employment opportunities |
| Inclusion of more areas within city boundaries |
| Redefinition of rural areas as urban |
Understanding Urban Area Classification
The Census defines an urban area as either a Statutory Town or a Census Town. A Statutory Town includes any place with a municipal corporation, municipal council, or cantonment board. A Census Town, on the other hand, refers to a location showing “urban characteristics,” such as a population exceeding 5,000, population density over 400 people per sq km, and where more than 75% of its population are not agriculturally occupied.
The Role of the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
The EIU is a research and analysis division of The Economist Group and a global leader in business intelligence. Founded in 1946, the EIU conducts various studies and surveys, providing valuable insights into global economic trends and urbanization patterns.
Urbanization: Prospects and Challenges
Urbanization brings with it the expansion of cities and infrastructure, creating new opportunities for younger generations. It often allows individuals to break free from village life’s caste and class divisions and advance socially. However, unplanned urbanization can present challenges for migrants, particularly due to high living costs, unregulated housing, insufficient public transportation, and lengthy commutes, adding pressure on migrants’ limited resources.