Urbanisation and environmental stress – UGC NET Question

Statement B is the only wrong statement because the urban heat island effect actually results in higher temperatures in city centres compared to rural surroundings. Statements A, C and D are correct as they reflect well-documented environmental issues and solutions related to urbanisation. Rapid unplanned urbanisation does produce slums and poor sanitation, transport emissions worsen air quality and proper planning can mitigate such impacts. Therefore, the combination that identifies B only as wrong is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it treats statement A as wrong, whereas A accurately describes the consequences of unplanned urban growth such as slums, congestion and poor sanitation. These are widely recognised in urban studies and environmental planning. Since A is a correct statement, calling it wrong makes this option invalid.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it singles out statement B, which misrepresents the urban heat island effect by stating that city centres become cooler than rural areas. In reality, built-up surfaces and reduced vegetation make cities warmer, so B is clearly incorrect. As A, C and D are all correct, identifying only B as wrong satisfies the requirement of the question.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it claims both A and B are wrong. While B is indeed wrong, A is correct since unplanned urbanisation is strongly associated with slums and inadequate infrastructure. By including a correct statement in the set of wrong statements, this option fails the logical condition of the question.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it asserts that both B and C are wrong. C is correct because vehicle and transport-related emissions are major sources of urban air pollution and greenhouse gases. Grouping a correct statement with B in the wrong set makes this combination unacceptable.