Class 12 Geography Chapter 2: Human Settlements Notes
Chapter 2 of Class 12 Geography, Human Settlements, explores the patterns, types, and functions of human settlements across the world. It examines the differences between rural and urban settlements, factors influencing their development, and emerging trends in settlement planning. This chapter also highlights the challenges faced by modern settlements, such as overcrowding, infrastructure development, and environmental concerns.
Introduction to Human Settlements
What Are Human Settlements?
- A human settlement is a place where people live and engage in economic, social, and cultural activities.
- It includes houses, transport networks, workplaces, markets, schools, and hospitals.
- Settlements can be rural (villages) or urban (towns and cities), depending on population size, economic activities, and infrastructure.
Importance of Human Settlements
- Provide shelter and security.
- Support agriculture, industries, and trade.
- Encourage cultural and social development.
- Facilitate transportation, communication, and governance.
Types of Settlements
Human settlements are classified into two major types:
A. Rural Settlements
- These are villages or small settlements where people engage in agriculture, fishing, forestry, or animal husbandry.
- They have low population density and limited infrastructure.
B. Urban Settlements
- These are towns and cities with a high population density.
- People work in industries, trade, services, and administration.
- Urban areas have better infrastructure (roads, electricity, healthcare, and education).
Rural Settlements in India
What Are Rural Settlements?
- Rural settlements are small, closely-knit communities where people mainly depend on agriculture and allied activities.
- Around 65% of India’s population lives in rural areas.
Types of Rural Settlements
Rural settlements can be classified based on shape and layout:
| Type | Characteristics | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Compact/Nucleated Settlements | Houses are built close together, often near water sources. | Indo-Gangetic Plains (U.P., Bihar, Punjab) |
| Dispersed Settlements | Houses are scattered, usually found in forests, hills, or deserts. | Himalayas, Rajasthan (Thar Desert) |
| Linear Settlements | Houses are built along roads, rivers, or railways. | Coastal regions, riverbanks |
| Circular Settlements | Built around lakes, ponds, or temples. | Some tribal villages in Madhya Pradesh |
Problems of Rural Settlements
- Lack of basic amenities (electricity, clean drinking water, healthcare).
- Poor transportation and communication facilities.
- Low employment opportunities, leading to migration.
- Natural disasters (floods, droughts, landslides) affect rural areas badly.
Urban Settlements in India
What Are Urban Settlements?
- Urban settlements are places where people work in industries, trade, services, and administration.
- In India, 35% of the population lives in urban areas, and the number is increasing rapidly.
Classification of Towns and Cities
India’s urban centers are classified based on population size:
| Category | Population | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Towns | 5,000 – 20,000 | Small market towns |
| Cities | 1 lakh – 10 lakh | Lucknow, Jaipur |
| Metropolitan Cities | 10 lakh – 50 lakh | Bangalore, Hyderabad |
| Mega Cities | Above 50 lakh | Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai |
Problems of Urban Settlements
- Overcrowding: Too many people in limited space.
- Traffic congestion: Increased vehicles cause pollution and accidents.
- Housing shortages: Leads to slums and poor living conditions.
- Water and sanitation issues: Water scarcity and waste disposal problems.
- Unemployment and crime: Job shortages create economic inequality.
Trends of Urbanization in India
What is Urbanization?
- Urbanization is the increase in the number and size of cities due to population migration from rural to urban areas.
- It is driven by industrialization, job opportunities, and improved living standards.
Phases of Urbanization in India
- Before 1951: Slow growth, only a few large cities.
- 1951-1981: Rapid growth due to industrialization.
- 1981-Present: Fast urbanization due to the rise of the IT sector, better transport, and globalization.
Major Causes of Urbanization in India
- Industrialization: Growth of industries in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru.
- Employment Opportunities: Better jobs in factories, IT, banking, and services.
- Improved Infrastructure: Better roads, healthcare, and education attract people.
- Migration from Villages: Rural poverty and unemployment push people to cities.
Consequences of Urbanization
- Economic Growth: More businesses, trade, and industrial activities.
- Better Living Standards: Access to healthcare, education, and technology.
- Slum Formation: Overcrowding leads to the rise of slums (e.g., Dharavi in Mumbai).
- Environmental Pollution: More vehicles and industries cause air and water pollution.
- Urban-Rural Divide: Rural areas are left behind in development.
Government Initiatives for Urban Development
- Smart Cities Mission (2015): Developing 100 smart cities with modern infrastructure.
- AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation): Improving basic services in cities.
- Rural-Urban Integration: Developing small towns and rural infrastructure to reduce migration pressure on cities.
Conclusion
- Human settlements are classified as rural (villages) and urban (towns and cities).
- Rural settlements rely on agriculture, while urban settlements focus on industries and services.
- Rural areas face problems like lack of infrastructure, poverty, and migration.
- Urban areas struggle with overcrowding, pollution, and housing shortages.
- Urbanization is increasing in India, driven by industrialization, migration, and job opportunities.
- Government initiatives like Smart Cities and AMRUT aim to improve urban living conditions.