Capturing urban dynamism in the 2027 Census, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The 2027 Census will be the world’s largest administrative exercise, utilizing mobile apps, geo-tagging, and real-time digital monitoring for improved accuracy.
• Census 2027 proposes to retain the 2011 Census definition of an urban area for comparison, using population size, density, and economic parameters.
• The UN Statistical Commission introduced the ‘Degree of Urbanisation’ method for clearer delineation of urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.
• Delhi is projected to be among the world’s five largest agglomerations; the Census should recognize such agglomerations by their true extent, including contiguous cities.

Detailed Insights:

• India's conservative definition of 'urban' doesn't capture peri-urban areas, leading to underreporting of urbanization; the World Bank estimated that in 2010, 55.3% of India's population lived in areas with urban-like features, while the 2011 Census recorded only 31%.
• Adopting a spatial approach through an open-access geo-statistical portal can dynamically reveal the spatial extent of agglomerations and highlight peri-urban growth, with due regard for data anonymity and security.
• Municipal bodies could update information in real-time based on agreed protocols, fostering competition among urban local bodies to improve access to basic services.
• Using static spatial grids (e.g., 1x1 km) as an additional overlay, amenable to administrative boundaries, can mitigate issues arising from dynamic modifications to ward and municipal boundaries.
• Blended indicator-based themes can spotlight underserved areas and mask sensitive information, while blended data overlayed with climate hazard data provides insights on vulnerable areas needing climate-proof investments.
• A geo-statistical approach can be integrated with government platforms like Gati Shakti or Digital Postal Index Number, aligning with the 2022 National Geospatial Policy.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Census: A periodic count of a country's population, collecting demographic, social, and economic data.
• Urban Agglomeration: A continuous urban spread constituting a town and its adjoining urban outgrowths, or two or more physically contiguous towns together.
• Peri-urban Areas: The transition zone between urban and rural areas, characterized by a mix of urban and rural land uses.