Why Kerala, Though Developed, Lacks Massive Urban Centers Similar to Mumbai or Bangalore
Many people ponder the discrepancy between Kerala's sophisticated development and the absence of cities comparable to Mumbai and Bangalore. Mumbai and Bangalore, while part of India's urban conglomerate, have grown significantly over the years, attributed largely to historical, economic, and policy-driven factors. In contrast, Kerala has pursued a decentralized development model, leading to smaller, well-distributed urban centers. This article delves into the unique features and reasons behind this difference.
Historical Development
Mumbai, India's largest city, began to gain prominence during the British colonial era, which it continues to dominate due to its strategic harbor and subsequent development into an economic and cultural hub. The city's natural harbor enhanced its role in trade, making it a vital gateway to India. Subsequently, Mumbai became a hub for industrial and entertainment sectors, attracting numerous investments and leading to significant urban sprawl.
In contrast, Bangalore, another major city, was historically a center for education and research. After the 1990s liberalization, Bangalore experienced a surge in the IT sector due to deliberate government investment in technology parks. This strategic development made Bangalore the IT capital of India, further accelerating its growth and importance.
Kerala, despite its development, has followed a decentralized path. Cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have historically been smaller trading hubs with a focus on spices and marine trade. Lack of extensive industrialization and urban migration means that Kerala hasn't experienced the same pattern of urbanization.
Economic Activities
Major cities like Mumbai and Bangalore host a wide range of industries such as finance, IT, real estate, and manufacturing. These industries attract massive investments and a significant migrant population, contributing to rapid urban sprawl. On the other hand, Kerala has traditionally relied on agriculture, fishing, and remittances from expatriates in the Gulf countries. While Kerala has experienced economic growth, this growth has been more dispersed rather than concentrated in a few cities.
Geographical Factors
The geographical landscape of Mumbai and Bangalore facilitates large-scale urban development. These cities are situated on flat terrain, which makes it easier to build and expand urban areas. In comparison, Kerala is characterized by lush greenery, backwaters, and hilly terrain, which limits large-scale urban expansion. This geographical diversity encourages a more distributed development model in Kerala.
Planning and Policies
The development of Mumbai and Bangalore has been supported by industrial and IT policies that have attracted businesses and global corporations. This has led to rapid industrialization and significant urban growth. Conversely, Kerala has prioritized human development indicators such as education, health, and quality of life over rapid industrialization. This approach has resulted in high literacy rates and better social development but has not fueled the same scale of urban growth.
The unique urban-rural continuum in Kerala ensures that development is spread across smaller towns and villages. Unlike Mumbai and Bangalore, there is no concentration of populations in just one or two major cities. This decentralized model has its own benefits, including reduced urban sprawl and more balanced economic growth.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In summary, the development models of Mumbai and Bangalore are significantly influenced by historical, economic, and policy-driven factors, which have contributed to their growth as major cities. Kerala's decentralized development model, which prioritizes sustainable and well-distributed urbanization, has led to smaller, well-developed cities with adequate resources spread across the state. While Mumbai and Bangalore may be megacities, Kerala offers a unique model of development that focuses on balanced urban and rural growth.
References
1. Maharashtra Population Projection
2. How many people live in Bangalore?
3. Kerala Government Planning for Development
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