Urbanization in India: Revisiting the energy aspect and policy issues

Given the indisputable fact that urbanization has long become the cornerstone of industrialization and development efforts in India, this paper specifically takes up the issues of urbanization as related to energy usage and sustainability issues. We find that urbanization has followed a model that is neither energy-efficient, nor, for the very same reasons, sustainable on a long-term planning horizon. The empirical relationship between urbanization and energy use is examined, with strong evidence of urbanization having led the continual increase in energy use per capita in India. The pattern of urbanization and some of its other salient characteristics are also examined and their energy and environment-related consequences discussed. Some important data and empirical evidence are highlighted and policy inferences drawn. Finally, some tentative policy suggestions have been offered as to the course along which future urbanization efforts should be directed.