Slums & Deprivation in Urban Areas | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Growth of Slums

Dharavi slum in Mumbai is the largest in Asia

Addressing the Growth of Slums in Urban Areas

• Living Conditions in Slums: Slums typically consist of poorly constructed houses made from materials like bricks, mud, tin sheets, bamboo, and tarpaulin. The living space is often limited to 10 square meters, which is primarily used for storing household items. Activities such as cooking, bathing, and sleeping generally occur in the open. Slum dwellers typically share common water taps and public conveniences, and their communities often lack proper drainage and sewerage systems. This leads to the frequent occurrence of waterborne diseases like cholera, gastroenteritis, and jaundice.
• Slum Demographics: The majority of slum dwellers are rural migrants who live near their workplaces due to the high cost of transportation. Generally, workers from the same community or those with the same origin and workplace choose to live together. Slum dwellers also include self-employed individuals, petty traders, household servants, vendors, and hawkers.
• Challenges in Resettlement: Efforts by various governments to resettle slum dwellers have not been successful, primarily because resettlement colonies are often located on the outskirts of cities, far from workplaces. Additionally, the closed, multi-storeyed environment of these colonies is not conducive to the lifestyle that slum dwellers are accustomed to. Removing slums has never been a practical solution, as one slum's removal usually results in the emergence of another. Furthermore, attempts to remove slums often lead to social tension.
• Government Policy: Given these challenges, the government's focus has shifted towards improving the living conditions within slums. This includes providing access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Slums & Deprivation in Urban Areas

What are the main factors contributing to the growth of slums in urban areas?

The growth of slums is predominantly attributed to rural-urban migration, where people move to metropolitan cities in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. The lack of affordable housing and the high cost of transportation force these migrants to live in slums near their workplaces. Additionally, slums often form around industrial zones, railway lines, ports, markets, and river banks due to the availability of employment opportunities.

Why have government efforts to resettle slum dwellers not been successful?

Resettlement efforts have been unsuccessful for several reasons. First, resettlement colonies are often located on the outskirts of cities, far from workplaces, making it difficult for slum dwellers to commute. Second, the closed, multi-storeyed environment of these colonies is not conducive to the lifestyle that slum dwellers are accustomed to. Lastly, removing slums does not solve the problem, as the removal of one slum usually results in the emergence of another, and often leads to social tension.

What are some potential solutions to address the growth of slums and improve living conditions for slum dwellers?

Addressing the growth of slums requires a multi-faceted approach, including:

• Improving living conditions within slums by providing access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services.
• Developing affordable housing options closer to employment opportunities, allowing residents to live near their workplaces without resorting to slums.
• Creating opportunities for slum dwellers to improve their socio-economic status through education, vocational training, and access to credit, allowing them to break the cycle of poverty and move out of slums.