Visakhapatnam: The urban population of the state has seen a significant rise, reaching 37% of the total population in 2024, up from 29% in the 2011 census, according to projections by ‘SBI Research‘. This increase mirrors the rapid urbanisation occurring across India.
The SBI Research’s study, titled “Precursor to Census 2024,” indicates that Guntur, which had a population of about 743,000 in the 2011 census, is set to become the state’s next million-plus city.Currently, Visakhapatnam (Vizag) and Vijayawada are the million-plus cities in Andhra Pradesh, while Hyderabad is featured from Telangana.
The number of million-plus cities in India has grown substantially over the last three decades. From just 18 cities in the 1991 census, the count rose to 52 by the 2011 census, including three cities from the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. The 2024 census may have around 75-80 cities with a million-plus population.
Experts suggest that the presence of small towns every 20 to 30 kilometres could further accelerate urbanisation in Andhra Pradesh over the coming decades. The coastal AP districts are dotted with several semi-urban areas. However, this rapid urbanisation may bring challenges such as transportation, drinking water, air quality, housing, and pollution.
The SBI study also notes a shift in population growth dynamics. The contribution of the southern region to incremental population growth is expected to decline in the 2024 census compared to 2011, primarily due to lower growth rates in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In contrast, northern states are anticipated to be the major drivers of population growth, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar together potentially contributing nearly 33% of the total incremental population in the 2024 census.
Dr V Sreemannarayana Murthy, head of the sociology department at Andhra University, said that there has been a fragmentation of landholdings in Andhra Pradesh.
“Agriculture and agricultural land are no longer viewed as a viable income source by middle and lower-income groups. In this process, many are drawn to the opportunities available in urban areas. The expansion of real estate has reduced the extent of fertile land. Vast stretches of land, even in rural areas, are now in the hands of real estate developers. These factors contribute to the increasing influx of urbanisation. The booming private sector in the urban areas has created opportunities for both the well-educated and those engaged in the gig economy. However, the quality of urban life could deteriorate if urbanisation is not well-planned and lacks sufficient infrastructure and basic amenities to support the growing population,” added Dr Murthy.
Pragada Vasu, Secretary of the AUTD, an association working for homeless people, explained the pressing challenges brought about by increasing urbanisation. “The rapid growth of cities like Visakhapatnam has led to a significant shortage of affordable and liveable housing and inadequate infrastructure. Every day, we encounter numerous individuals facing homelessness. Many people migrate to cities in search of job opportunities, better livelihood options, and medical treatment, only to find themselves without a place to stay,” said Vasu.
The SBI Research’s study, titled “Precursor to Census 2024,” indicates that Guntur, which had a population of about 743,000 in the 2011 census, is set to become the state’s next million-plus city.Currently, Visakhapatnam (Vizag) and Vijayawada are the million-plus cities in Andhra Pradesh, while Hyderabad is featured from Telangana.
The number of million-plus cities in India has grown substantially over the last three decades. From just 18 cities in the 1991 census, the count rose to 52 by the 2011 census, including three cities from the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. The 2024 census may have around 75-80 cities with a million-plus population.
Experts suggest that the presence of small towns every 20 to 30 kilometres could further accelerate urbanisation in Andhra Pradesh over the coming decades. The coastal AP districts are dotted with several semi-urban areas. However, this rapid urbanisation may bring challenges such as transportation, drinking water, air quality, housing, and pollution.
The SBI study also notes a shift in population growth dynamics. The contribution of the southern region to incremental population growth is expected to decline in the 2024 census compared to 2011, primarily due to lower growth rates in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In contrast, northern states are anticipated to be the major drivers of population growth, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar together potentially contributing nearly 33% of the total incremental population in the 2024 census.
Dr V Sreemannarayana Murthy, head of the sociology department at Andhra University, said that there has been a fragmentation of landholdings in Andhra Pradesh.
“Agriculture and agricultural land are no longer viewed as a viable income source by middle and lower-income groups. In this process, many are drawn to the opportunities available in urban areas. The expansion of real estate has reduced the extent of fertile land. Vast stretches of land, even in rural areas, are now in the hands of real estate developers. These factors contribute to the increasing influx of urbanisation. The booming private sector in the urban areas has created opportunities for both the well-educated and those engaged in the gig economy. However, the quality of urban life could deteriorate if urbanisation is not well-planned and lacks sufficient infrastructure and basic amenities to support the growing population,” added Dr Murthy.
Pragada Vasu, Secretary of the AUTD, an association working for homeless people, explained the pressing challenges brought about by increasing urbanisation. “The rapid growth of cities like Visakhapatnam has led to a significant shortage of affordable and liveable housing and inadequate infrastructure. Every day, we encounter numerous individuals facing homelessness. Many people migrate to cities in search of job opportunities, better livelihood options, and medical treatment, only to find themselves without a place to stay,” said Vasu.
