Urbanization and Domestic Violence: A Case Study of Bengaluru

Written by Shawana Fiaz

The 21st century is marked by urbanization, with cities growing at rates that were never before seen. India’s urban growth has grown rapidly in the last few decades, due to increased migration from rural to urban areas. However, the increasing urban population has also resulted in several challenges. A key example of urbanization is Bengaluru. It is known as the “Silicon Valley of India.” But now people have started calling it a man-made urban disaster. Urbanization improves quality of life, develops infrastructure, and provides opportunities for economic growth, but it also presents difficulties. The relationship between urbanization and domestic violence is one such difficulty that is getting more attention.

Bengaluru, due to its rare urban growth, has become the third-most unsafe city in India. Over the last few years, the city has turned into a crowded capital from a quiet population center. Social structures are altered as the migration of a large number of people from remote areas to Bengaluru has resulted in a rise in population, leading to conflict as everyone wants to get access to resources. The rapid growth of the city resulted in societal and economic shifts. The shifts include growing migration, shifting gender positions, and changing familial relationships due to fast urbanization. As a result of fragile finances, migrant families find it difficult to settle, resulting in acts of violence. A lot of women want to be independent, but gender norms make men concerned and lead to aggressive behaviors.

Last year floods completely exposed the entire urban planning of Bengaluru. The reason behind floods was not just climate change or poor drainage but also unauthorized construction on the valleys and lake beds of the city. There are four major valleys in Bengaluru, one of which is the Hebbal Valley. Yelahanka Lake is a suburb of Bangalore. On its lower side, Kendriya Vihar is located. People living there were forced to clear the drain water that had entered their house as water floated over the Yelahanka lake during the rains. According to government officials, the estimated number of illegal layouts in Yelahanka is more than 3,200. Also, these plots cannot be demolished as municipal corporations have taken bribes and given permission for illegal construction. The rampant buildings on lake beds have reduced the drainage basin for water, adding to pollution.

One other consequence of poor urban planning is water crises. People did illegal construction but did not do anything for water conservation. That is why today Bengaluru is known as an urban concrete desert. Bengaluru for its water needs depend on its two sources. One is the Kaveri River, and the other is ground water, and both of these sources depends on monsoons. A weak monsoon last year depleted groundwater levels, causing a water shortage for the city’s huge population. On the other hand, excessive rain leads to flooding in the whole city, as there is no way to conserve the water. The sewage systems are not that well made, which is why even a little rain can result in flooding in the entire city. These events led to physical discomfort for the people, affecting their mental and physical health. In situations like this, it is difficult to handle personal needs.

Due to rapid urbanization, Bengaluru also experienced some of the worst traffic in the world. The city’s rapid expansion, coupled with haphazard infrastructure planning, has exacerbated Bengaluru’s traffic issues. Construction projects in various parts of the city have narrowed roads, leading to slower traffic and increased congestion.

The rise of domestic violence and its relation to urbanization is a serious concern for the health of the people of Bengaluru. According to the 2019 survey report of the Bengaluru Medical Services Trust, in the past few years there has been an increase in cases of domestic violence, especially in the urban cities of India. The risk of domestic violence has increased as a huge number of people with financial problems and poor infrastructure with no sufficient transport system for the public have stressed out the people.

There is contradiction in urbanization, as it gives women opportunities but at the same time they have to face violence because of it. Gender norms make women responsible for keeping the family together, taking care of them, and being tolerant and understanding. These norms and responsibilities have burdened them. The policymakers, government officials, and community leaders who are in charge of developing cities like Bengaluru should emphasize how to build buildings and infrastructure and also ways to reduce domestic violence prevalence in the area.

In the end, the economic growth is because of urbanization in Bengaluru which led to modernization. Not only this it has also generated various issues. Even the infrastructure is constrained because of the immediate development of the city. This resulted in inadequate urban planning, and also the illegal construction. Water crises, flooding, and severe traffic jams are also one of the outcomes of this situation making it difficult for the people to live.

There is a need of policymakers, government officials, and community leaders of this area to tackle this issues of urban growth. Moreover, in order to adopt a broad plan of action government should take steps. The plan must provide support through social associations, so that they can take strict action against illegal construction. This will lead to maintenance of environmentally friendly infrastructure. Steps should be taken to control and address domestic violence. Not only this, but different campaigns and workshops on gender equality should also be conducted. To make Bengaluru a safe place for people, an equilibrium is to be established between the environment and development.