Navigating Urbanization: Unravelling Challenges and Issues in

Surat's Growth Trajectory

Mr. Sabavath Tarun, Urban Planning Scholar, DoCE, SVNIT, Surat, p23up002@ced.svnit.ac.in
Ar. Pearl D. Desai, Urban Planning Scholar, DoCE, SVNIT, Surat, p22up003@ced.svnit.ac.in
Professor (Dr.) Krupesh A. Chauhan, Urban Planning Section, DoCE, SVNIT, Surat, kac@ced.svnit.ac.in

Abstract:
The urbanization trend in India has accelerated significantly since independence, driven by the
development of the private sector and the adoption of a mixed economy model. According to Indian census
data, the urban population grew from 28.6% in 2001 to 30% in 2011, with projections indicating a further
increase to 32% as per the United Nations State of World Population report. The rapid urbanization is
primarily attributed to factors such as industrialization, social dynamics, the allure of employment
opportunities, and the availability of quality educational institutions and infrastructure. However, the mass
migration from rural to urban areas has presented numerous challenges and issues for urban planners to
address. These challenges include urban sprawl, overcrowding, the proliferation of slums and squatter
settlements, and a decline in the standard of living quality. This paper examines the multifaceted impacts
of urbanization in Surat city and seeks to analyses the underlying issues and challenges in order to inform
effective urban planning strategies by taking the Surat city of Gujarat state as Case Study.

Keywords: urbanization, mass-rapid urbanization, Industrialization, Infrastructures, Economy, Urban

Sprawl.

INTRODUCTION
The earliest cities in Mesopotamia, such as Uruk and Ur, emerged around 4500 BCE and 3800 BCE
respectively, near the Euphrates River. Eridu, founded in 5400 BCE, was considered the first city by the
Sumerians. The myth of Inanna and the God of Wisdom symbolizes a shift from a rural to an urban lifestyle.
Urbanization attracted people to cities despite theories of forced relocation by rulers. By 2600 BCE, Ur had
a population of 65,000 and was walled. However, urban expansion and overuse of land led to decline,
exacerbated by shifts in the Euphrates River. Ur, Eridu, and Uruk were eventually abandoned, with factors
including warfare and agricultural overuse contributing to their decline. Surat, situated in the western region
of India within the state of Gujarat, stands out as a dynamic urban center experiencing rapid growth
primarily attributed to significant immigration from various parts of Gujarat and other states across India.
Renowned for its cleanliness and often referred to by monikers such as "The Silk City," "The Diamond
City," and "The Green City," Surat boasts a vibrant present alongside a diverse historical heritage. It holds
the distinction of being the location where the British first made landfall in India, with subsequent
establishment of business centers by the Dutch and Portuguese, the remnants of which are still evident in
present-day Surat. Historically, Surat served as a prominent port city, attracting ships from over 84
countries, a legacy that persists today as individuals from across the nation converge for business
opportunities and employment prospects. Notably, Surat maintains an exceptionally low unemployment
rate, attributed to the rapid development of various industries within and surrounding the city, facilitating
ease of job acquisition for its residents. (Introduction : Surat Municipal Corporation, n.d.)The city of Surat
boasts a rich history dating back to 300 BC, with its origins traced to the ancient Hindu settlement of
Suryapur around 1500 – 1520 A.D., which was later inhabited by the Brigus or King from Sauvira along
the banks of the river Tapi. By 1759, British rule replaced Mughal control, enduring until the early 20th
century. Positioned along the River Tapi with a 6 km coastal stretch along the Arabian Sea, Surat emerged
as a pivotal trade hub, flourishing through maritime trade during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. It served
as a vital trade conduit connecting India with numerous countries, experiencing prosperity until the
ascendancy of the Bombay port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Surat also thrived as a center for
shipbuilding, with the Tapi coast from Athwalines to Dumas dedicated to shipbuilders, predominantly
Rassis. However, the emergence of the Bombay port dealt a significant blow to Surat, leading to a decline
in its shipbuilding industry. In the post-independence era, Surat witnessed substantial growth in industrial
activities, particularly textiles, alongside trade. The amalgamation of these activities, coupled with
residential expansions, has contributed to the notable expansion of the city's boundaries.

History of Urbanization:

The history of urbanization in India spans millennia, characterized by the evolution of cities & urban
settlements that have played significant roles in shaping the country's socio-economic and cultural
landscape. In ancient Mesopotamia, including Ur, the central temple served as the focal point for religious,
commercial, and social activities. Festivals were major social gatherings used to distribute surplus food and
supplies to the population, managed by temple priests who also ruled the city from around 3400 BCE.
Initially, farmers supplied the temple with excess produce, aiding in long-distance trade with cities like
Tikrit and Eridu. However, urbanization led to increased demand for resources, depleting natural reserves
and eventually causing the city's abandonment. This lesson influenced later urban centers, notably in Egypt,
where careful land management aimed to avoid the pitfalls of urbanization seen in Mesopotamia.

A broad overview of the history of urbanization in India:(Venkatesham, 2015)

➢ Ancient Urban Centers: India has a rich legacy of ancient urban centers dating back to the Indus
Valley Civilization (around 3300–1300 BCE), where cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
flourished. These cities were meticulously planned with advanced infrastructure, including well-
organized streets, drainage systems, and public baths.
➢ Early Urbanization: Following the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, urbanization continued
in various regions of ancient India. Cities such as Varanasi, Patna, and Ujjain emerged as important
 centers of trade, culture, and governance during the Vedic period and later under the Maurya and
Gupta empires.
➢ Medieval Urbanization: The medieval period saw the rise of several prominent urban centers under
various dynasties such as the Cholas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Delhi Sultanate. Cities like Delhi,
Agra, Vijayanagara, and Hampi flourished as political capitals, trade hubs, and centers of art and
architecture.
➢ Mughal Era: The Mughal Empire (1526–1857) witnessed the development of grand cities like Agra,
Fatehpur Sikri, and Shahjahanabad (present-day Old Delhi), known for their magnificent
architecture, urban planning, and flourishing markets.
➢ Colonial Influence: The arrival of European powers, particularly the British East India Company in
the 17th century, led to significant transformations in India's urban landscape. British colonial
policies focused on establishing administrative centers, expanding trade networks, and modernizing
infrastructure, leading to the development of cities like Calcutta, Bombay (now Mumbai), and
Madras (now Chennai) as major colonial urban centers.
➢ Post-Independence Urbanization: India's independence in 1947 marked a new phase of
urbanization driven by rapid industrialization, urban migration, and demographic shifts. The country
adopted socialist policies, leading to the growth of public sector industries and planned urban
development initiatives like the construction of new capital cities (e.g., Chandigarh) and industrial
townships (e.g., Jamshedpur).
➢ Contemporary Urbanization: Since the 1990s, economic liberalization and globalization have
fuelled urbanization in India at an unprecedented rate. Major metropolitan cities like Delhi,
Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad have witnessed exponential growth in population,
infrastructure development, and urban sprawl. The emergence of new urban centers, expansion of
satellite towns, and the rise of special economic zones (SEZs) have further contributed to India's
urban transformation.
Issues and Challenges of Urbanization in India
Urbanization in India presents a myriad of issues and challenges that stem from rapid population
growth, rural-to-urban migration, and inadequate urban planning. One significant challenge is the
strain on infrastructure and basic services, including water, sanitation, and transportation, leading
to overcrowding and environmental degradation. Slum proliferation is another pressing issue,
exacerbating poverty and social inequality while posing health risks. Moreover, urbanization often
fails to generate sufficient employment opportunities, resulting in informal and precarious labour
conditions for many migrants. Additionally, the uneven distribution of resources and development
between urban and rural areas exacerbates disparities, hindering sustainable and inclusive urban
growth. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires comprehensive urban planning,
investment in infrastructure, social welfare programs, and effective governance to ensure equitable
 and sustainable urban development in India. The urbanization is an unplanned event which happens
for lack of amenities, less availability of resources and low literacy rate. This migration happens not
only in rural areas in some case the urban people also migrate to another urban area as their need
so, urbanization is happening within urban to urban & rural to urban.(Urbanization in India:
Challenges and Current Issues, 2018)

RURAL URBAN

URBAN

Fig.1. Rural to Urban and Urban to Urban Migration

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the study:

▪ To understand the challenges and issues stemming from urbanization in Surat, delving into factors
such as rapid population growth, infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, and socio-
economic disparities.
▪ To identify and understand the complexities in the Surat City.

METHODOLOGY
The primary data were collected by conducting perception study of Surat city. The secondary data were
collected from different sources, such as, SMC (Surat Municipal Corporation), magazines, articles,
websites and physical study of Surat city.

STUDY AREA
Surat is a city located on the western part of India in the state of Gujarat. It is one of the most dynamic cities
of India with one of the fastest growth rates due to immigration from various part of Gujarat and other states
of India.
Surat is one of the cleanest city of India and is also known by several other names like “THE SILK CITY”,
“THE DIAMOND CITY”, “THE GREEN CITY”, etc. It has the most vibrant present and an equally varied
heritage of the past. It is the city where the British first land in India. The Dutch and the Portuguese also
established their business centers in Surat, the remnants of which are still preserved in the modern-day
Surat. In past this was a glorious port with ships of more than 84 countries anchored in its harbour at any
time.
Still today, Surat continues the same tradition as people from all around the country flock in for business
and jobs. Surat has practically zero percent unemployment rate and jobs are easier to get here due to very
fast development of various industries in and around Surat City.

Fig.2. Location of Surat city

The city is located on the Delhi - Mumbai industrial corridor and thus a number of cotton textile,
automobile, hand loom, diamond processing and other industries are located in the city. Some of the major
industries located in Surat are Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) India, Reliance Petrochemicals,
Shell, L&T. The city is facing a number of problems due to rapid urbanization like intense rainfall, urban
flooding, heat waves, sea-level rise etc. (Bhat et al. 2013). River Tapi flows through the northern part of the
city which joins Arabian Sea in west of the city.(Shahfahad et al., 2021) The Surat city is experienced
adverse increase in population after independence, in 1961 the population of Surat was 2,88,026 with the
area of 8.18 sqr.km, in the year of 1971 the population and area of the city is suddenly grown up due to
trading and industrialization i.e., 4,71,656 population with 33.8 sqr.km. after this change a drastic change
in population and area is takes place, as per SMC (Surat Municipal Corporation) present population of Surat
city is 60,81,322 with 7,657 sqr.km of area, the population density of Surat Municipal Corporation is 13,680
persons per sqr.km. and for Surat city is 794 persons per sqr.km. In the year 1970, Rander and Adajan these
two areas were included in Surat Municipal Corporation(SMC) so, the total population of the city became
4,71,656 and the boundary expanded with a total area of 33.8 sqr.km. as same in 1975, Tunki, Siganpor,
Dabholi, Ved, Katargam, Fulpada and Kapadra are included and the total population is 7,76,583 with the
total area of 55.56 sqr.km.(Shahfahad et al., 2021)
 Table.1. Population and area extention of Surat urbanization

Area
Year Areas added Population
extent(sqr.km)
1961 Borough Municipality 8.18 2,88,026
Bhatar, Majura, Bamroli, Piplod, Pandesara,
1986 111.6 14,98,817
Udhna
Rundh, Magdalla, Vesu, Bharthana, Vesu, Vadod,
2006 Dindoli, Magob, Simada, Sarthana, 326.515 28,76,374
Motavarachha
2011 326.515 44,66,826
Magob, Simada, Sarthana, Motavarachha, Otran,
2020 Variyav, pal, Palanpor, Gaviyar, Vanta, Dumas, 462.149 46,45,384
Sultanabad, Bhimpor, Abhava, Khajod, Sarsana

Fig.7. Surat expansion in 1950 to 1975 Fig.8. Surat expansion in 1975 to 1990 Fig.9. Surat expansion in 1990 to 2006

In the year 2006 and 2011, Amaroli, Chhapara Bhata, Godadara, Parvat, Bamroli, Puna, Un, Kosad, and
Rundh, Magdalla, Vesu, Bharthana, Vadod, Dindo1i, Magob, Simada, Sarthana, Motavarachha, Otran,
Variyav, pal, Palanpor, Gaviyar, Vanta, Dumas, Sultanabad, Bhimpor, Abhava, Khajod, Sarsana, Bhimrad,
Sonari, Jiyav, Gabheni, Budiya were included in Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) now the total
population and area of Surat are 44,66,826 and 326.515 sqr.km. respectively. As per SMC the population
and area of the Surat is 46,45,384 and 462.149 sqr.km. in 2020 respectively.(Details Of City Limit Extension
& Population : Surat Municipal Corporation, n.d.)

The city has enormous employment and business opportunities due to its economic and commercial
importance that attract the population from all parts of India. The diamond cutting is the main economic
activity of the city while various automobiles and other industries also offers job opportunities which have
resulted in rapid population growth. The average population growth rate of Surat city is 65.65%, among
this population growth due to birth means crude birth rate is 14.67% and the population growth due to
migration is 50.98%.(Introduction : Surat Municipal Corporation, n.d.)
 Fig.3. Surat Built up in 1991 Fig.4. Surat Built up in 2001

Fig.5. Surat Built up in 2011 Fig.6. Surat Built up in 2019

Due to the industrialization and urbanization for various purposes, this expansion of Surat boundaries has
taken place. As the population is going increased as shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 the built up is expanding
due to urbanization and natural births of native residents according to that, the boundary of the Surat is also
expanded and included all the nearby growths formed a municipal commission.

Rapid urbanization indeed brings about significant changes in the geographical and topographical features
of land, often leading to the conversion of agricultural land into built-up areas and contributing to
deforestation. Surat, like many other rapidly growing cities, has likely experienced these transformations.
The expansion of urban areas typically requires land for infrastructure development, housing, commercial
spaces, and other amenities to accommodate the increasing population. This often leads to the conversion
of agricultural land, which not only reduces the available land for food production but also disrupts
ecosystems and natural habitats. (Introduction : Surat Municipal Corporation, n.d.)
Deforestation may occur in several ways within and around urban areas. Urban expansion often involves
clearing forests and green spaces to make way for construction projects. Additionally, the demand for wood
products, land clearing for agricultural expansion, and urbanization-related activities like road construction
can contribute to deforestation in and around cities.
The consequences of these changes can be significant, including loss of biodiversity, changes in local
climate patterns, increased risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides, and impacts on the availability
of natural resources. Therefore, it's crucial for urban planning and development strategies to consider
sustainable land use practices, conservation efforts, and measures to mitigate the environmental impacts of
urbanization.
The rate of urbanization in a Surat city is influenced by various factors, including both push and pull factors
that drive migration and population growth. Here are some push-pull factors contributing to the
urbanization of Surat: • Lack of Amenities
• Lack of Job opportunities
• Unhappy Life
Push Factors • Improper Accessibility or
Transportation
• Natural Disasters
• Conflicts, political instability
Rural area • Shortage of food

and
• Access to Amenities Pull Factors
Urban area • Better Job opportunities
• Happy/Entertainment
• Proper Accessibility or
Transportation
• Economic opportunities

Urban area
Fig.10. Push-Pull factors

OBSERVATIONS

The Surat city is facing many issues and challenges due to its rapid growth in population and urbanization,
because of this many agricultural lands were converted into non-agricultural area for the built-up purpose,
this urbanization increased pressure on land as the Surat city is the settlement along the banks of the river
Tapi its groundwater table is very low i.e., 3.15m below ground level.
The urbanization brings issues and challenges in Surat city, which includes: -
➢ Slum formation, due to the urbanization there are total 773 blocks of slums were formed and the
total population which resides in slum area is 4,81658 and the number of households are 1,29,883. The
peoples who migrated to the Surat in earlier times are encroached the lands of government and settled by
constructing the small kutcha house of 20sqr.mtrs to 25sqr.mtrs in area, these slum dwellers are migrated
for the purpose of financial feasibility and healthcare, these slum dwellers are working in the cloths
making factories, their major source of income is Textile industries.

Fig.11. Mithi Khadi Slum of Surat

➢ Overcrowding, the Surat city is overcrowded with the population density 13,680 persons per square
kilometre, Surat's growth has been driven by pull migration from the growth of the textile and diamond
industries since the 1970s. The city's population has continued to grow, and the number of cars on the
roads has also increased. This has led to traffic congestion, which is a major obstacle to the development
of the city in the long term.

Fig.12. Chota Bazar in Surat

➢ Traffic and Transportation, the increase in population is impacted on traffic congestion and
improper transport, delay in traveling due to traffic outmost all the vehicles are parked along the road
which is cause in traffic and delay in travel time, for the population of 60laks the vehicles are 24laks it
means in Surat people have 2 vehicles per family, due to this there is a huge gap found between parking
demand and supply, so the public is used to park their vehicles on the road i.e. on-street parking. Due to
this on-street parking there is a huge traffic will be created.

Fig.13. Traffic and congestion in central zone of Surat

Traffic congestion is a major problem in many areas of Surat, due to a number of factors, including:

• Increasing Population
• Lack of parking and transportation knowledge
• Road construction and repair
• Accidents
• Overcrowding on-go
• More involvement of pedestrians
➢ Economic Development, the increase in population is may cause to the reduction of job
opportunities and income source, in Surat there are many industries to control the growth points and act
as a growth pole and plays a major role in increase in population. In Surat we have TEXTILES,
DIAMONDS, HEAVY ENGINEERING and my industries, Textiles Surat produces million tonnes of raw
materials and 25 million tonnes of processed textiles per day. Surat is estimated to account for about 10
% of the synthetic Sarees produced in India, with approximately 90 % of these being polyester. There are
0.7 million looms and 150 multi-storied textile markets and trade is routed through 50,000 merchant
manufacturers (traders). Diamond cutting-Surat introduced diamond cutting and polishing industry at the
turn of 20th century. In India, the diamond industry is one of the most labour demanding sectors. In
Gujarat, there are about 6,500 diamond polishing units, which employ about 0.7 million people. Out of
these, 38% of the units and 57% of the workforce are located in Surat. In search of employment
opportunities, the majority of migrants are taken to cities. More than 30% of the migrants are looking for
work. There are a number of activities in the city, both for industry and commerce. The growth of these
activities and the possibility to absorb them into its industrial, allied or services sectors, as well as
employment in informal trade and business activity, including hawking, snatching, cartage etc. have made
it a popular destination for Rural Poor people living in cities. The situation of households in the income
range below 1,000 per month improved slightly, while the new households added after 1995 remained in
the lower income range of Surat CDP 2006.(Surat City Resilience Strategy Surat City Resilience Strategy,
2011)

Fig.14. Diamond Bourse Dream City

➢ Environmental Degradation, as the population increases the activities of polluting is also goes
top, if there is a presence of human then definitely there will be a change in environment because each
activity connected with environment. The formed slums in Surat are not provided with sufficient drainage
system and they have open drainages it tends mosquito breeding and flies which causes to many health
issues. Dumping and throwing the wastes on the road improper or not sufficient water drains and rainwater
harvesting. Differently used spaces for slum households include bathing areas in the dwellings, spaces
outside the dwellings, spaces around public water facilities and spaces such as rivers and canals banks,
wells etc.

Fig.15. Open Drainage and Waste Dump in Surat Slum

Due to the increase in vehicle ownership and vehicle count is cause to air pollution, in Surat public are
habituated to vehicle for any kind of things they used to go in their private vehicles very less amount of
people was using public transport because the increase in trip generation and trip distribution pollution of
air is happening.

Fig.16. Air pollution data of Surat

➢ Housing shortage, the decade wise urbanization of Surat is increasing due to this increase in
population there is no houses to accommodate increasing population

Fig.17. Footpath Dwellers

➢ In order to improve slum areas, the SMC has invested significantly. In order to provide better living
conditions and opportunities for social and economic mobility, the sites and services programmes, the
building programme and the provision of LIG and EWS housing projects are all steps in the right direction.
The problem lies in the rate of the ‘pull factor’ with slums increasing at a rate that is beyond the SMC
capacity. In addition, there are problems in addressing this complex phenomenon of urbanisation due to
lack of information on the availability of services for slum dwellers and limited land available at municipal
level as regards slums relocation.(Surat City Resilience Strategy Surat City Resilience Strategy, 2011)
➢ In Surat city there is also a problem were raised and it is going to be hit the peaks in future that is
Lack of Infrastructural like, water supply, sanitation and drainage, storm water management, solid waste
disposal and management etc. even there is river Tapi as a good source of water.
RECOMMENDATION

To mitigate and overcome the above mentioned and observed problems of Surat city due to urbanization,
here the best solution is to develop the satellite towns of Surat city by adopting the regional planning and
development plans, by means of decentralization. Developing the growth points and providing proper
connectivity to the satellite towns so that the population pressure may transformed evenly.

Fig.18. Region Plan of Surat with satellite towns

In fig.18 created a regional planning by including satellite towns Bardoli, Navsari and Dandi. These areas
are also developed along with Surat so, public may starts settling in those area near growth points.

The other proposals for controlling urbanization issues and challenges without satellite growth are:
• Proper population projection and modelling future demands.
• For water infrastructures providing 100% metering system, using SCADA form water quality
monitoring, Warter importance campaign and searching alternative source of water.
• Increasing sewage treatment capacity, neglecting combined pumping system
• Slum redevelopment, vertical development instead of horizontal development of residential density,
• Providing green belts and open spaces for every neighbourhood level.
• Implementing 3’R and 3’E theory in practice.

REFERENCES

1. Details Of City Limit Extension & Population : Surat Municipal corporation. (n.d.). Retrieved
March 13, 2024, from https://www.suratmunicipal.gov.in/TheCity/City/Stml1
2. Introduction : Surat Municipal Corporation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2024, from
https://www.suratmunicipal.gov.in/TheCity/Introduction
3. Shahfahad, Mourya, M., Kumari, B., Tayyab, M., Paarcha, A., Asif, & Rahman, A. (2021). Indices
based assessment of built-up density and urban expansion of fast growing Surat city using multi-
temporal Landsat data sets. GeoJournal, 86(4), 1607–1623. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-020-
10148-w
4. SrikrishnaG. (2017). Issue 1 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162). In JETIR1701233 Journal of Emerging
Technologies and Innovative Research (Vol. 4). www.jetir.org
5. Surat City Resilience Strategy Surat City Resilience Strategy. (2011).
6. Urbanization in India: challenges and current Issues. (2018). In International Journal of Creative
Research Thoughts (Vol. 6, Issue 2). www.ijcrt.org
7. Venkatesham, V. (2015). The problems and issues in urbanization in India.