Exploring Urbanisation and Population Dynamics in Prayagraj District (UP), India:Spatial and Temporal Patterns

Urbanisation results from increasing interdependence between urban and rural economies, rapid population expansion, and ongoing infrastructural and technological advancements. It is a significant problem for developing nations, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity. Uttar Pradesh is comparatively less urbanised than India overall, with an urban population of 21.78% compared to the national average of 31.16%. This research analyses the population distribution of urban centres at the regional level in Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh, both temporally and spatially. The research seeks to examine the differences in urbanisation across various sub-districts and units to uncover trends in urban growth. The absolute growth is linked to the growth rates of towns, showing a positive correlation in most cases. The Census of India is one of the primary secondary data sources used in this study. The demographic aspects of the region's urbanisation are the main focus of its results. Politically and administratively focused urban cities predominate in the area. The Prayagraj district is a crucial geographical and cultural area within the state, exhibiting notable disparities in urbanisation across its different regions. Situated at the confluence point of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, the district is segmented into distinct areas by these rivers. The Doab region, located between the two rivers, has witnessed a remarkable urban population growth of 87.1%. In contrast, the trans-Yamuna and trans-Ganga regions have seen limited urban population growth, particularly the trans-Yamuna area, which had an urbanisation rate of 5.79% according to the 2011 census.