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@article{190547,
        author = {Dr Ganta Satyanarayana and Ghanta Yaswanth Sai},
        title = {Urbanization as a Driver of Socio-Economic Transformation and Environmental Stress: A Critical Global and Indian Perspective},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {7378-7388},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190547},
        abstract = {Urbanization has emerged as one of the most significant demographic and socio-economic transformations of the modern era. Characterized by the large-scale movement of population from rural to urban areas, urbanization reshapes economic structures, social relations, cultural values, and environmental systems. This article critically examines the historical evolution of urbanization, its principal causes—namely industrialization, commercialization, employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and modernization—and its multifaceted impacts on society. While urbanization has contributed to economic growth, innovation, and improved access to services, it has simultaneously generated serious challenges such as environmental degradation, overcrowding, unemployment, housing shortages, and the proliferation of urban slums. Drawing upon global trends with special reference to India, this study highlights the paradoxical nature of urbanization as both an engine of development and a source of socio-environmental stress. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for balanced, inclusive, and sustainable urban policies to mitigate adverse effects while maximizing the developmental benefits of urban growth.},
        keywords = {Urbanization; Industrialization; Migration; Urban Infrastructure; Slums; Environmental Impact; Employment; Sustainable Development},
        month = {February},
        }