Urban Slums

Published on 23 Feb 2025

A slum, as defined by the Indian Census 2011, is a residential area characterized by substandard living conditions. These conditions typically include overcrowding, dilapidated housing, poor sanitation, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of basic amenities.

There are regional differences in the names by which slums are known in India. In Delhi, slums are commonly called ‘Jhuggi-Jhompdi’, whereas in Mumbai they are called Jhopadapatti or Chawls’. Other known names are- ‘Ahatas’ in Kanpur, ‘Bustees’ in Kolkata, ‘Cheris’ in Chennai and ‘Keirs’ in Bangalore.

Factors responsible for Growth of Urban slums

• Rapid Urbanization: The migration of people from rural areas to cities in search of better job opportunities and living conditions leads to rapid urbanization.

• Example:17.4% of urban Indian households lived in a slum in 2011, data released by the registrar general and census commissioner. 

• Lack of Affordable Housing & Poverty:  The deficit of affordable housing in urban areas leaves low-income groups with no choice but to reside in slums.

• Weak Urban Planning: Weak governance and corruption can lead to inadequate implementation of housing policies and urban development plans, contributing to the growth of slums. 

• Migration: Internal migration due to factors like natural disasters or conflicts leads to the formation of slums. often resulting in slum living due to the lack of alternatives. 

• Example: States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which have high rates of out-migration, often see their residents ending up in slums of metropolitan cities.

• Socio-Political Factors: Discrimination and social inequalities based on caste, religion, or ethnicity can marginalize certain groups, limiting their access to adequate housing and forcing them into slums.

• Example: According to 2011 census-Around 40% of slum population of Punjab is SC, Tamil Nadu has 32%, Chandigarh has 30% and Haryana has 30% SC slum population.

• Economic Disparities: The widening gap between the rich and the poor in urban areas results in a lack of affordable options for the lower-income groups, pushing them towards slum areas

• Lack of Legal Recognition: The lack of legal recognition of slum dwellers' rights often leads to a neglect of these areas in urban planning and development.

Issues faced by Urban slum dwellers

• Basic Amenities and Infrastructure

• Lack of access to clean water: This leads to waterborne diseases and poor hygiene.

• Inadequate sanitation: Open defecation and poor sewage systems contribute to the spread of diseases.

• Insufficient housing: Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and structurally unsound buildings are common.

• Limited electricity supply: Irregular or no electricity hampers daily life and livelihood activities.

• Health and Sanitation

• High prevalence of diseases: Slum dwellers are disproportionately affected by diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and diarrhoea.

• Malnutrition: Poor dietary intake due to poverty and limited food access is a major concern.

• Maternal and child health issues: Lack of prenatal care and access to healthcare facilities results in higher infant and maternal mortality rates.

• Education and Employment

• Limited educational opportunities: Children from slums often have limited access to quality education, affecting their future prospects.

• Lack of job opportunities: Slum dwellers often face unemployment or underemployment, leading to low incomes and poverty.

• Child labour: Economic pressures can force children into labour, depriving them of education and childhood.

• Social and Economic Marginalization

• Insecurity of tenure: Slum dwellers often face the threat of eviction, leading to instability and stress.

• Discrimination and stigma: They are often stigmatized and discriminated against, limiting their access to services and opportunities.

• Environmental Challenges

• Pollution: Air, water, and noise pollution are common in slum areas, affecting the health and well-being of residents.

• Climate vulnerability: Slum dwellers are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as floods and heatwaves.

Government initiatives to address the Urban slum issue

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-U): This flagship scheme aims to provide affordable housing to all eligible urban households by 2022. The In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) component specifically focuses on rehabilitating slum dwellers in their existing locations 

• Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP): This program merged the National Slum Development Programme (NSDP) to provide adequate shelter and infrastructure to slum dwellers.

• Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor (ISHUP): This scheme offers interest subsidies to economically weaker sections (EWS) and lower-income groups (LIG) to facilitate home ownership.

• Slum Redevelopment Authorities (SRAs): Many states have established SRAs to oversee slum redevelopment projects and coordinate with various stakeholders.

• Joint Venture Partnerships: Public-private partnerships have been encouraged to expedite slum redevelopment and improve the quality of housing.

• Slum-Free Cities: Several cities have set ambitious targets to become slum-free, focusing on in-situ redevelopment and provision of basic amenities.

• Community Participation: Efforts to involve slum dwellers in the planning and implementation of redevelopment projects have been emphasized to ensure their ownership and sustainability.

Tags:
Geography

Keywords:
Urban Slums Factors responsible for Growth of Urban slums Issues faced by Urban slum dwellers Government initiatives to address the Urban slum issue

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1