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

Understanding Slums: Definition, Growth, and Types

Definition of Slums

• Slums are areas where buildings are considered unsafe for people to live in due to factors like:
• Dilapidation: Buildings are in a state of disrepair.
• Overcrowding: Too many people living in a small space.
• Poor Design: Buildings are poorly designed.
• Narrow Streets: Streets are too narrow for safe passage.
• Lack of Ventilation: Insufficient airflow in buildings.
• Lack of Light: Inadequate natural light in living spaces.
• Poor Sanitary Facilities: Insufficient sanitation facilities.

Magnitude of the Slum Population

• There has been no comprehensive scientific survey to assess the slum population across India. However, some city-specific surveys have been conducted.
• The percentage of slum population in major Indian cities is as follows:
• Bombay: 34.30%
• Calcutta: 32.90%
• Madras: 32.10%
• Delhi: 31.40%
• On average, cities with a population of over 10 lakh have 29.10% of their population living in slums.
• Slums often lack basic services, with deficiencies in water supply and sanitation being particularly severe.
• Empirical evidence suggests that higher urbanization intensity correlates with a higher percentage of slum population.
• Slums are also associated with issues like juvenile delinquency and the prevalence of various crimes and vices.

Genesis and Growth of Slums

• Slums typically arise from economic activities in cities that attract poor individuals, often from nearby rural areas. These migrants usually lack resources and contribute to the establishment of slums and squatters settlements.
• A significant portion of the urban poor provides essential services to the city, including vending, plumbing, waste disposal, domestic services, and transport services.
• Legal and regulatory measures are often ineffective in preventing the growth of slums due to the economic reality of bargaining for the cheapest labor, goods, and services.
• The urban poor frequently occupy open lands that are strategically located to maximize their income with minimal living costs.
• Housing schemes for economically weaker sections may be priced beyond the affordability of slum dwellers, pushing them out of the housing market.

Types of Slums

• Original Slum: This type of slum has always been made up of unsuitable buildings. These areas are often found around old factories or mining sites that have been abandoned or are in the process of being redeveloped. Examples include the Mexican Slum and slums in Kolkata.
• Transitional Zone Slum: This type of slum emerges when middle and upper-class families move out of an area, leading to its deterioration. It can also occur due to the establishment of new industries or congestion in previously desirable living areas. These slums are typically found in the transitional zones of developing cities.
• Blighted Core Slum: The most undesirable type of slum, this occurs when the area surrounding a central business district deteriorates. Physical and social decline happens rapidly here, leading to the rise of flophouses, temporary accommodations for the homeless, and other undesirable establishments. The population in these slums often includes chronic alcoholics, beggars, homeless individuals, and habitual criminals.

Possible Solutions and Steps Taken for Slum Improvement

Shift in Approach: From Slum Clearance to Environmental Improvement

• The focus has shifted from clearing slums to Environmental Improvement of Urban Slums (EIUS). This approach emphasizes providing basic services such as water supply,community toilets,drainage,paved pathways, and street lights.
• Soft loans for slum upgradation and environmental improvement schemes are offered by HUDCO(Housing and Urban Development Corporation).

Government Initiatives

• Since 1989, the Government of India has implemented the shelter upgradation scheme under the Nehru Rozgar Yojana.
• When preparing a master or structure plan for a city, it is crucial to allocate adequate land for the habitats and workplaces of the urban poor and low-income population, who make up a significant majority in Indian cities.

Land Provision and Banking

• Instead of evicting slum dwellers, they should be provided with adequate,affordable land either at the same location or at a different site.
• This land banking system promotes long-term sustainability.
• The allocated land should be connected, preferably by cycle tracks, to industrial and organized economic activity centers within the city. This reduces transportation costs, saves time, and alleviates stress on the city’s transportation system.

Land Rights and Social Facilities

• Allotted lands should grant individual household rights without the right to sell, preventing transfer and re-squatting.
• These habitats should include adequate provisions for social facilities such as education and healthcare to ensure a wholesome life.

HUDCO Recommendations

• HUDCO(Housing and Urban Development Corporation) has suggested that all housing agencies allocate 5% to 15% of the housing development area for the shelterless service population.
• This has led to the creation of a land bank of 341 hectares in various states.

State Government Initiatives

• HUDCO has urged state governments to reserve land for the shelterless category, similar to the actions taken by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Legislative Measures

• The Slum Area (Improvement and Clearance) Act aims to clear slums and rehabilitate the displaced population.
• Programs like the Valmiki Ambedkar Aawas Yojana (VAMBAY) provide housing for lower-caste slum dwellers.
• The Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM), with an investment of over 520 billion, includes a component for the urban poor called Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP).

Conclusion

• The issue of slums is prevalent in rapidly growing cities of developing countries. The main concern is not that slums are sources of crime and disease, but rather that residents lack a good quality of life.
• A multi-faceted approach supported by dedicated administration is essential to address these challenges effectively.