QUES . What are the drivers of urban sprawl around the major cities of the country? How have new investments in transport projects supported sprawl development?
HINTS:
Urban sprawl is defined as the spreading of urban developments (such as houses, dense multi family apartments, offices buildings and shopping centers) on undeveloped land near a more or less densely populated city. Urban sprawl has been described as the unrestricted growth in many urban areas of housing, commercial development, and roads over large expanses of land, with little concern for very dense urban planning.
Urban sprawl has been correlated with increased energy use, pollution, and traffic congestion and a decline in community distinctiveness and cohesiveness. In addition, by increasing the physical and environmental “footprints” of metropolitan areas, the phenomenon leads to the destruction of wildlife habitat and to the fragmentation of remaining natural areas.
Drivers of urban sprawl around major cities of the country
Population Growth: The population of major cities continues to grow, which increases the demand for housing and other infrastructure.
Affordable Housing: People are often drawn to suburban areas because the cost of living is lower, and they can find more affordable housing options.
Transportation: People are often willing to live further from urban centers if transportation infrastructure, such as highways and public transit, makes it easier to commute to work and access amenities.
Land Use Policies: Some land use policies, such as zoning laws that require larger lot sizes or restrict the development of high-density housing, can contribute to urban sprawl by pushing development further away from city centers.
How have new investments in transport projects supported sprawl development?
Investments in transportation projects can both support and exacerbate urban sprawl. Improved transportation infrastructure can make it easier for people to live further from urban centers and still access jobs, services, and amenities. For example, building highways or adding more lanes to existing ones can make it easier for people to commute to work from further away. Additionally, public transit projects, such as new subway lines or bus routes, can also increase accessibility to suburban areas.
However, transportation investments can also contribute to urban sprawl by increasing the availability of land for development further from city centers. For example, building a new highway or expanding an existing one can open up previously inaccessible areas for development, leading to suburban sprawl. Therefore, it’s important for transportation investments to be accompanied by land-use policies that encourage compact development and discourage sprawl.
