Sky booming urban slums in metro cities of India

Introduction

Urban slums in India’s metro cities have become a defining feature of the country’s rapid urbanization. As millions migrate from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities, the infrastructure and housing systems in these urban centers have struggled to keep pace. This has led to the proliferation of slums, which are now an inescapable reality in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. These urban slums, often characterized by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to basic services, are a stark reminder of the challenges posed by India’s uneven development.

Phenomena of Sky-booming slums

The growth of urban slums is closely tied to the economic disparities and the lack of affordable housing in urban areas. Metro cities, being hubs of commerce, industry, and employment, attract a large number of migrants. However, the high cost of living and the scarcity of low-income housing force many to settle in informal settlements. These slums often emerge on the fringes of cities, along railway tracks, riverbanks, or other vacant lands. Over time, they grow vertically as families expand, leading to the phenomenon of “sky-booming” slums—multi-storied structures built haphazardly with limited resources.

Mumbai, home to Dharavi—one of Asia’s largest slums—epitomizes this issue. The city’s slums are a paradoxical blend of resilience and deprivation. On one hand, they are vibrant economic ecosystems where small-scale industries thrive, providing livelihoods to thousands. Dharavi, for instance, is a hub for recycling, leather production, and pottery, contributing significantly to the city’s informal economy. On the other hand, these urban slums are plagued by inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, and constant health hazards. The lack of proper waste management systems exacerbates the problem, with garbage and sewage often flowing through narrow lanes. During the monsoon season, flooding becomes a recurring nightmare, displacing families and destroying homes.

Delhi, the national capital, faces a similar situation. Slums in areas like Yamuna Pushta and Okhla are densely populated, with families living in cramped spaces. The Yamuna floodplain, for instance, is dotted with makeshift homes that are vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon season. Despite government efforts to relocate urban slums dwellers to more permanent housing, many return to the city due to the lack of livelihood opportunities in resettlement areas. The relocation sites, often located on the outskirts of the city, are poorly connected to employment hubs, forcing people to commute long distances or abandon their jobs altogether. This highlights the need for a more integrated approach to urban slums rehabilitation, one that considers not just housing but also access to livelihoods and essential services.

Kolkata’s slums, particularly in areas like Howrah and Rajarhat, reflect the city’s historical and economic challenges. Many slum dwellers are employed in informal sectors such as rickshaw pulling, street vending, or domestic work. The absence of social security and the precarious nature of these jobs make it difficult for them to escape the cycle of poverty. Additionally, the city’s aging infrastructure struggles to accommodate the growing population, further straining resources. The lack of adequate healthcare facilities in slums means that preventable diseases often go untreated, leading to higher mortality rates. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, with limited access to maternal healthcare and education.

Chennai and Bangalore, though relatively newer to the urbanization wave, are not immune to the slum crisis. In Chennai, slums along the Cooum River face frequent eviction threats due to urban development projects. The city’s efforts to beautify its waterways often come at the cost of displacing thousands of slum dwellers, who are left with nowhere to go. In Bangalore, the IT boom has led to skyrocketing real estate prices, pushing low-income workers to the peripheries where slums have mushroomed. These areas often lack basic amenities like electricity, water, and healthcare, creating a stark contrast to the glitzy tech parks that define the city’s global image. The rapid pace of urbanization in these cities has outpaced the government’s ability to provide adequate infrastructure, leaving slum dwellers to fend for themselves.

The rise of urban slums is not just a housing issue but a multifaceted problem with social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Slum dwellers, often marginalized and excluded from formal systems, face numerous challenges. Children growing up in slums have limited access to quality education, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Schools in slum areas are often overcrowded and under-resourced, with high dropout rates. Girls, in particular, face additional barriers, as safety concerns and cultural norms often prevent them from attending school. Women, in general, bear the brunt of inadequate sanitation facilities, which compromises their safety and dignity. The lack of private toilets forces many to wait until nightfall to relieve themselves, increasing their vulnerability to harassment and assault.

Health issues are rampant in slums, with diseases like tuberculosis, dengue, and cholera spreading easily in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of slum dwellers, as social distancing and hygiene measures were nearly impossible to implement in such densely populated areas. The lack of access to healthcare facilities meant that many slum residents were unable to receive timely medical attention, leading to higher mortality rates. The pandemic also highlighted the economic fragility of slum dwellers, many of whom lost their livelihoods during lockdowns and struggled to put food on the table.

Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Smart Cities Mission aim to address the slum problem by providing affordable housing and improving urban infrastructure. However, the implementation of these schemes has been uneven, with many slum dwellers still awaiting the promised benefits. Corruption, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of political will have hindered progress. Moreover, the focus on slum clearance and relocation often overlooks the social and economic networks that sustain these communities. For instance, displacing slum dwellers to the outskirts of cities disrupts their livelihoods, as they lose access to their workplaces and support systems. This has led to resistance from slum communities, who fear that relocation will only worsen their living conditions.

Role of Private Sector and Non-governmental Organizations in Urban Slums Crisis

The private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also stepped in to address the slum crisis. NGOs like SPARC and Slum Dwellers International work closely with communities to improve living conditions and advocate for their rights. These organizations often act as intermediaries between slum dwellers and the government, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard. Meanwhile, some private companies have initiated corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects focused on urban slums development. For example, initiatives to provide clean drinking water, build community toilets, and offer vocational training have had a positive impact in some areas. However, these efforts, while commendable, are often limited in scale and scope, and cannot replace the need for systemic change.

The environmental impact of urban slums cannot be ignored either. Slums are often located in ecologically sensitive areas, such as riverbanks and wetlands, leading to environmental degradation. The lack of proper waste disposal systems results in pollution, affecting both the slum dwellers and the broader urban population. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, with slums being particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns pose a significant threat to urban slums communities, who lack the resources to adapt to these changes.

Despite the grim realities, slums are also spaces of resilience and innovation. The informal economies that thrive in these areas contribute significantly to the city’s overall economy. Slum dwellers often display remarkable ingenuity in making the most of limited resources. Community-led initiatives, such as self-help groups and cooperative societies, play a crucial role in improving living conditions and fostering a sense of solidarity. For instance, women’s self-help groups in urban slums have been instrumental in providing microloans and promoting entrepreneurship. These grassroots efforts demonstrate the potential for bottom-up solutions to complement top-down policies.

Addressing the issue of urban slums requires a holistic approach that goes beyond mere housing solutions. Policymakers need to focus on inclusive urban planning that integrates slum dwellers into the formal cityscape. This includes providing affordable housing, improving access to basic services, and creating livelihood opportunities. Equally important is the need to involve urban slums communities in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. Participatory approaches, such as community mapping and participatory budgeting, can empower slum dwellers and foster a sense of ownership over development projects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sky-booming urban slums in India’s metro cities are a complex and multifaceted issue that reflects the broader challenges of urbanization and inequality. While they are a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of their inhabitants, they also highlight the urgent need for sustainable and inclusive urban development. Tackling the urban slum problem requires concerted efforts from the government, private sector, civil society, and the slum communities themselves. Only by addressing the root causes of urban slums formation and empowering slum dwellers can India hope to build cities that are truly equitable and livable for all.

Also read: Life or Death of Urban Slums – Different Urban Managing Policies