Hyderabad: The growing trend of urbanisation in Telangana, as highlighted by the recent Telangana Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey presented in the assembly, reflects a significant shift in population dynamics. The survey reveals that there are 66 lakh households in rural areas compared to 45 lakh households in urban areas, showing a relatively small gap of 20 lakh.
This change is indicative of the increasing migration from rural to urban spaces, with experts stressing the urgent need for substantial infrastructure development in both urban and rural areas to meet the aspirations of the younger population and ensure sustainable growth. The survey covered a total of 1.12 crore households.
“Many people are leaving rural areas due to various challenges, pushing them towards cities. Urban growth in Telangana is primarily concentrated around cities like Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Warangal,” explained Professor B Sri Nagesh, director of the Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies at Osmania University.
He said the younger generation is increasingly less inclined to pursue farming and more drawn to urban opportunities. Cities offer them exciting prospects, education, and career opportunities that are often absent in rural settings, he observed.
Professor Nagesh also pointed out that estimates predict by 2050, nearly 44% of the population could live in urban areas, and this shift may occur even sooner in Telangana, where the current urbanisation rate is 38%—well above the national average of 31%.
Despite the undeniable rise in urban populations, experts are urging the state to adopt a more comprehensive approach to ensure rural areas keep pace with growth. They advocate for models like the Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA), first proposed by former president APJ Abdul Kalam. Several attempts have been made in the past to enhance rural living conditions, but experts emphasise the need for more targeted initiatives.
Krishna Reddy Chittedi, associate professor at the School of Economics in University of Hyderabad, underscored the need for balanced development, noting that urbanisation, while inevitable, must come with a focus on improving infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.
He pointed out that while Telangana is a leading producer of paddy, the younger generation still tends to migrate to urban areas for better amenities and job prospects.
The state’s future will depend on its ability to invest in infrastructure that fosters growth across both urban and rural landscapes, ensuring that opportunities are not just concentrated in cities but accessible to all residents, experts said.
This change is indicative of the increasing migration from rural to urban spaces, with experts stressing the urgent need for substantial infrastructure development in both urban and rural areas to meet the aspirations of the younger population and ensure sustainable growth. The survey covered a total of 1.12 crore households.
“Many people are leaving rural areas due to various challenges, pushing them towards cities. Urban growth in Telangana is primarily concentrated around cities like Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Warangal,” explained Professor B Sri Nagesh, director of the Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies at Osmania University.
He said the younger generation is increasingly less inclined to pursue farming and more drawn to urban opportunities. Cities offer them exciting prospects, education, and career opportunities that are often absent in rural settings, he observed.
Professor Nagesh also pointed out that estimates predict by 2050, nearly 44% of the population could live in urban areas, and this shift may occur even sooner in Telangana, where the current urbanisation rate is 38%—well above the national average of 31%.
Despite the undeniable rise in urban populations, experts are urging the state to adopt a more comprehensive approach to ensure rural areas keep pace with growth. They advocate for models like the Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA), first proposed by former president APJ Abdul Kalam. Several attempts have been made in the past to enhance rural living conditions, but experts emphasise the need for more targeted initiatives.
Krishna Reddy Chittedi, associate professor at the School of Economics in University of Hyderabad, underscored the need for balanced development, noting that urbanisation, while inevitable, must come with a focus on improving infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.
He pointed out that while Telangana is a leading producer of paddy, the younger generation still tends to migrate to urban areas for better amenities and job prospects.
The state’s future will depend on its ability to invest in infrastructure that fosters growth across both urban and rural landscapes, ensuring that opportunities are not just concentrated in cities but accessible to all residents, experts said.
