Question

What is the name of the highest category of cities with a population of more than 5 million?

• A. Conurbation
• B. Megacity
• C. Metropolitan
• D. Urban Agglomeration

Hint:

Important Urban Population Categories: Class I City $\rightarrow$ Above 1 lakh Metropolitan City $\rightarrow$ Above 1 million Megacity $\rightarrow$ Above 5 million

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Urban settlements are classified on the basis of population size, administrative importance, economic functions, and spatial expansion. As the size and influence of a city increase, it moves into higher categories such as city, metropolitan city, and megacity. These classifications help geographers and planners understand patterns of urbanization and population concentration.

Step 1: Understanding the classification of urban settlements.
In India, urban settlements are broadly divided into different classes according to population:
• Class I City: Population greater than 1 lakh.
• Metropolitan City: Population greater than 1 million (10 lakh).
• Megacity: Population greater than 5 million (50 lakh). Thus, a city having a population above 5 million falls into the category of a Megacity.

Step 2: Understanding the meaning of the other options.
Conurbation: A conurbation refers to a continuous urban region formed when multiple towns and cities grow and merge together physically. It describes the spatial merging of urban areas rather than a population category. Metropolitan City: A metropolitan city generally refers to an urban area with a population exceeding 1 million. Since the question specifically asks for cities having population above 5 million, this option is not the most appropriate. Urban Agglomeration: An urban agglomeration is a continuous urban spread consisting of a town and adjoining urban outgrowths. It is an administrative and geographical term rather than a population category.

Step 3: Identifying the correct option.
Since cities having population more than 5 million are classified as Megacities, option (B) is correct. Examples of megacities in India include:
• Mumbai
• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Bengaluru
• Chennai These cities are characterized by very high population density, extensive infrastructure, industrial concentration, and advanced transportation networks.