Impact of Rapid Urbanization on Urban Ecosystems and Biodiversity: The Indian Context

Rapid urbanization in India presents a dual challenge: while offering avenues for socio economic development and improved living standards, it is concurrently placing enormous pressure on urban ecosystems and biodiversity. As cities expand, natural habitats — forests, wetlands, grasslands, water bodies — are increasingly replaced by built up infrastructure, leading to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation. These changes are disrupting ecological connectivity, reducing species richness, and undermining the ecosystem services that sustain urban and peri urban environments. In addition, pollution (air, water, noise), urban heat island effects, invasive species, and loss of native flora and fauna exacerbate ecological imbalance. This chapter explores how urban growth in India affects biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, examines empirical evidence from Indian cities, and argues for integrated urban planning, conservation oriented green infrastructure, and policy interventions to safeguard biodiversity even amidst urban expansion.