UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Rapid and unplanned urbanisation in developing countries often results in overcrowding, slum formation and stressed infrastructure. Basic services such as water supply, sanitation, transport and waste management become inadequate. Environmental problems like air pollution, water contamination and solid waste accumulation intensify. Hence, the most appropriate description is that it creates serious pressures which must be addressed through planned urban development, as stated in option D.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because quality of life usually improves only when urban growth is planned and serviced. In many developing cities, rapid unplanned urbanisation actually worsens living conditions for large segments of the population, so it cannot be said that it always leads to higher quality of life.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since concentrating people without adequate planning tends to magnify, not eliminate, environmental problems. Urban areas generate large amounts of waste and pollution, and insufficient management further intensifies these issues.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because, although rural out-migration can create challenges, urbanisation is often associated with economic growth and structural transformation. The problem is not urbanisation itself but its unplanned and unmanaged nature.

Option D:
Option D is correct as it summarises the typical consequences of rapid, unplanned urbanisation: housing shortages, infrastructure stress and environmental degradation. It also highlights the need for planned interventions, which is a key point in people–environment discussions.