Rapid urbanisation has created serious challenges for Indian cities. D — UPSC Mains Answer Writing

15 marks 250 words Discuss

Rapid urbanisation has created serious challenges for Indian cities. Discuss the problems and suggest measures to make cities more liveable.

Decoding the directive: “Discuss”

A problem–solution “Discuss” — devote roughly half to well-classified problems and half to workable, named measures.

What UPSC is really asking

This society/geography question wants a structured account of urban problems (housing, slums, transport, water, pollution, governance) followed by concrete, scheme-anchored solutions. Balance is key — do not write only problems.

Dimensions the examiner expects

Cover these dimensions

Housing & slums — affordability, informal settlements
Infrastructure — transport congestion, water and sanitation
Environment — air pollution, urban heat, solid waste
Governance — weak urban local bodies, unplanned growth
Measures — planning, ULB empowerment, named missions

Concepts & keywords to name

Use the right vocabulary

74th Constitutional Amendment — urban local governance
Smart Cities Mission / AMRUT — infrastructure programmes
Transit-oriented development — planning around mass transit
Census 2011 — ~31% urban, rising share

Common mistakes to avoid

Don’t do this

Listing problems with no solutions (or vice-versa)
No data or named schemes — GS answers need anchors
Treating all cities as identical instead of noting metro vs. small-town differences

Quick hints before you write

Structuring tips

Classify problems into 3–4 buckets rather than a long undifferentiated list.
Tie each solution to a named mission or the 74th Amendment.

Revise the underlying concepts first — this question maps directly to a Dharoha notes topic.

Read the notes →

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