South Asia
Readings: Chapter ?
[ ] Why is Asian relationship to environment different from African?
The Asian climate is very different. The African climate is arid and consists mainly of a steppes and some tropical rainforests. Water scarcity is a major problem. Rivers in Africa are not navigable to the coast. Africa cannot support economic systems that require long-term, substantial use of land without major investments in soil nutrients on a sustained basis. African cities are poorly sited because of colonial influence which limits their ability to expand. In Asia, climates, soils and landforms interact to support sustained, dense human settlement for thousands of years. Asia has a bountiful water supply and arable land. Where are major concentrations of high population density in Asia? In India –
The populations are coastal and along fertile river valleys (Indus and Ganges valleys) and China?
Mainly on the east coast and along the major rivers (Yellow, Xi and Yangtze).
[ ] Evolution of States of South Asia
Before colonialism, much of South Asia dominated by Mughal empire. Under Britain, the wealthiest parts were ruled directly. States started gaining independence around 1947
[ ] South Asian urban issues Low rates of urban development
Only one third live in urban settings but this rapidly changing Rapid rates of urbanization
Rural to urban migration, people looking for a better life Infrastructure problems
Slums account for a quarter of all urban housing
Lack of or no access to basic services: water and sewer
[ ] Patterns of primacy in South Asia (two largest countries with no primate city)
India? Notes state that India is the only country without a primate city
[ ] Major centers of urbanization in South Asia: Two river basins; Ganges and Indus Coastal India
[ ] Hyper urban growth in India Why?
Rural to urban migration, people looking for a better life
, Where?
People are moving to Mumbai and to the huge conurbation stretching from Delhi to Kolkata. Also, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Madras are experiencing high growth rates because of new highway system
, When?
By 2030, the number of people living in cities will triple to over one billion
[ ] Rural to urban migration and impact on urban infrastructure
Why is it happening?
Migrants are searching for better opportunities in larger cities as they from an agricultural society Where is it happening Migrants coming from?
Migrants are mainly coming from North and East Migrants going to?
People are moving to Mumbai and to the huge conurbation stretching from Delhi to Kolkata. Also, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Madras are experiencing high growth rates because of new highway system Consequences?
Quarter of urban housing in the cities is slums with no basic services. In Mumbai alone, 54% live in slums
[ ] South Asian ties to global economy World cities?
A Mumbai
A-New Delhi
B+Bangalore
B Karachi
B-Kolkata
Global connections and use of Internet
Relatively self contained, especially in finance. Very little foreign aid
Internet use is very high in India and Pakistan Focus on IT: Bangalore (Bengaluru) to Hyderabad
Bangalore is home to many well-recognized colleges and research institutions in India. Numerous public sector heavy industries, software companies, aerospace, telecommunications, and defence organisations are located in the city. Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India because of its position as the nation's leading IT exporter.[9][10][11] A demographically diverse city, Bangalore is a major economic and cultural hub and the second fastest growing major metropolis in India. The growth of IT has presented the city with unique challenges. Ideological clashes sometimes occur between the city's IT moguls, who demand an improvement in the city's infrastructure, and the state government, whose electoral base is primarily the people in rural Karnataka.[63] The encouragement of high-tech industry in Bangalore, for example, has not favoured local
