Slums Growth and Challenges of Low-Income Habitat in India and Pakistan

The world’s biggest concern is the burden of an ever-increasing population. With around 7.5 billion people presently on the face of the earth, the habitable land on the globe is already overpopulated and densely populated in terms of increasing persons per square kilometer. This burden on the population, among many other things, is greatly disturbing the people’s right to live respectfully and in decent habitats. Among the basic social needs, i.e., food, clothing, and shelter, having shelter is one of the three most basic requirements of people. The basic social needs, food, clothing, and shelter, are a primary responsibility of the state, though they may not be sufficient for economically weaker segments of the society, yet nature is providing food and clothing to a great extent. But there are issues in housing, and providing shelters to the people, more so for low-income segments and the population at the bottom of the pyramid. The availability of houses is not in the hands of nature; it is the role and responsibility of the people, the society, and the state. At the rate at which the world population is growing, the supply and availability of housing are not keeping pace. The increase in housing need and the multiplication of the problems relating to housing are basically for two main reasons.

The rapid growth of the population is one of the primary factors contributing to the expansion of slums. As the global population continues to increase, urban areas are becoming more densely populated. This rapid urbanization, driven by both natural population growth and migration from rural to urban areas, has led to the formation and expansion of slums. For example, in the past 15 years, India’s urban population density has increased by 45%, and it is further estimated that 40% of the population will live in urban areas by 2026. This surge in urban population density has created a significant demand for land, which is often not met by formal housing markets. As a result, the urban poor are forced to live in increasingly dense communities, leading to the creation of slums.

Poor urban governance is another significant factor contributing to the growth of slums. The use of rigid, often outdated urban planning regulations, which are typically bypassed by slum dwellers to meet their housing needs, is a major issue. Additionally, the failure of governments to incorporate slum dwellers as part of the overall planning process exacerbates the problem. This is often due to the inability of many governments to keep pace with urbanization because of ill-designed policies, lack of resources, and corruption. For instance, city authorities faced with rapid urban development often lack the capacity to cope with the diverse demands for infrastructural provision to meet economic and social needs. This lack of strategic planning and intervention makes it difficult to manage rapid urbanization effectively and link economic development trajectories to housing needs.

The unavailability of affordable housing is a critical factor in the growth of slums. Rising material costs and labor shortages make it difficult for developers to deliver affordable housing to the market. The gap between the growing demand for affordable urban housing and the insufficient supply has encouraged the formation of slums. Whenever the demand surplus is not met by formal sectors, this gap is typically filled by informal dwellings such as slums. For example, in many developing countries, the urban poor lack access to formal financial resources to help them purchase new homes or maintain a new life in a new housing unit. This limited access to financial resources forces them to live in marginal locations such as dumping grounds.

Rural to urban migration is one of the primary drivers of slums growth in many cities. Urban centers, which are not equipped to support additional populations, fail to cope with the high influx of people, ultimately causing several problems such as housing shortages, unemployment, and the development of slums. For instance, in India, rural to urban migration has significantly contributed to the growth of slums in cities. The urban poor, seeking better employment and educational opportunities, migrate to cities only to find that the formal housing market cannot accommodate them, leading to the expansion of informal settlements.

The growth of slums has significant social and economic implications. Slums are characterized by poor-quality housing, a lack of adequate living space and public services, and accommodating large numbers of informal residents with generally insecure tenure. These conditions lead to a range of problems, including poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water, and inadequate healthcare facilities. The residents of slums often face precarious living conditions, which can trap them in a cycle of poverty. For example, in Kibera, Kenya, census data suggest that living conditions have either deteriorated or at best stagnated over the 1999–2009 period, despite overall economic growth.

Health and sanitation challenges are prevalent in slums due to the lack of basic infrastructure. Poor sanitation in sewage and waste disposal, improper land development, and deterioration of the natural landscape contribute to the poor living conditions in slums. These conditions can lead to the spread of diseases and health problems among the residents. For instance, the lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities can result in waterborne diseases, further exacerbating the health problems in these communities.

Addressing the growth of slums poses significant policy and governance challenges. Standard policy approaches have often failed to mitigate the expansion of slums in the developing world. This failure can be attributed to multiple market and policy failures, acute governance and coordination problems that hinder investment, and unsanitary living conditions affecting the dwellers’ human capital. For example, in many countries, slum areas have been growing for decades, and millions of households find themselves trapped in slums for generations. This suggests that today’s slums pose a problem of a different nature, requiring comprehensive and sustainable solutions to improve living conditions and provide better opportunities for the residents.

The growth of slums is a complex issue with significant social, economic, and health implications. It is driven by factors such as rapid population growth, poor urban governance, unavailability of affordable housing, and rural to urban migration. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes better urban planning, improved access to affordable housing, and enhanced governance and coordination. By understanding the underlying causes and challenges associated with slums growth, policymakers can develop more effective strategies to improve living conditions and provide better opportunities for the urban poor.