Rapid urbanization as a source of social and ecological decay: A case of Multan city, Pakistan

Type Journal Article - Asian Social Science
Title Rapid urbanization as a source of social and ecological decay: A case of Multan city, Pakistan
Author(s)
Volume 8
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
Page numbers 180-189
URL http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/viewFile/15976/10748
Abstract
This paper concentrates on the relationship between rapid urbanization and socio-ecological problems. The
major objective of this study is to analyze the unplanned and haphazard urbanization that is giving birth to
environmental issues such as; pollution, poor drainage system, poor quality of drinking water and poor hygienic
conditions. This research carried out in Multan city, Pakistan through field survey of 200 respondents using
multistage sampling technique. Self-administrated questionnaire was used as a tool of data collection and the
binary logistic regression was employed for the analysis of the data. The results depict that urbanization is one of
the major causes of converging joint family system to the nuclear family system and its changing function as a
consequence. It is also a source of reduction of greenery and trees in the city. It is causing problem of poor
sanitation system and quality of drinking water. Pollution is another outcome of haphazard and unplanned
urbanization. The researcher also found that due to migration from rural to urban areas, the life in the city
implicates adversely the quality of life. This study provides better insight on the problems of urbanization in
urban areas and will also help policy makers to focus on major areas of improvement such as to check the
migration from rural to urban. To enforce the urban laws to reduce the problems of sanitation, check on transport
system, quality of drinking water, domestic and industrial waste. The researcher suggests the monitoring of the
migration from rural to urban areas through provision of basic facilities in rural areas. On the other hand
awareness campaigns and provision of basic facilities to the rural people (educational facilities, health facilities,
food and empowerment in basic decision making) can reduce this problem.

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