SLUM DWELLERS
In 1985, the government tried to rectify the problem by passing the Slum Upgradation Project. It offered secure long-term legal plot tenure to slum households on the basis that they would invest in their housing. By giving people an interest in their housing and by guaranteeing home ownership, they hoped to oblitterate slums. Unfortunately the program targeted only 10-12% of the slum population, those who were capable of upgrading their homes. It disregarded those who did not have homes at all.
Despite all the attempts to remedy the slum problem of Mumbai, slums are still growing. The slum growth rate is actually greater than the general urban growth rate. In fact, the city is gaining the name "Slumbay."
In 2001 Census the slum population constitutes four percent of the total population of the country. Total Slum Population returned as per provisional results of Census of India 2001 was 40,605,418, comprising of 22.76% of the total urban population of the cities/towns reporting slums. This means that almost quarter of Indian cities live in slums. And sadly 5,531,062 (5 million) of this population are young children (0-6 age group).
The numbers for the richest state in India, Maharashtra are even worse. Almost 32% of the state’s population live in slums. And 5 million (5,823,510 to be precise) are in the financial capital of India, Mumbai. About 49% of Mumbai’s population live in slums
And these figures are ever growing. And hopes for a concrete shelter for these slum-dwellers, depends on the Government.
One of the problems associated with urban growth is the increase in the proportions of slums especially in metros, as people migrate from rural poorer sections in search of work. Subsequently, living in these congested and degraded spaces within cities. The rights of slum-dwellers to shelter, basic amenities have been marginally addressed till date.
2001 Census the slum population constitutes four percent of the total population of the country. Total Slum Population returned as per provisional results of Census of India 2001 was 40,605,418, comprising of 22.76% of the total urban population of the cities/towns reporting slums. This means that almost quarter of Indian cities live in slums. And sadly 5,531,062 (5 million) of this population are young children (0-6 age group).
The numbers for the richest state in India, Maharashtra are even worse. Almost 32% of the state’s population live in slums. And 5 million (5,823,510 to be precise) are in the financial capital of India, Mumbai. About 49% of Mumbai’s population live in slums
And these figures are ever growing. And hopes for a concrete shelter for these slum-dwellers, depends on the Government.
One of the problems associated with urban growth is the increase in the proportions of slums especially in metros, as people migrate from rural poorer sections in search of work. Subsequently, living in these congested and degraded spaces within cities. The rights of slum-dwellers to shelter, basic amenities have been marginally addressed till date.
The numbers for the richest state in India, Maharashtra are even worse. Almost 32% of the state’s population live in slums. And 5 million (5,823,510 to be precise) are in the financial capital of India, Mumbai. About 49% of Mumbai’s population live in slums
And these figures are ever growing. And hopes for a concrete shelter for these slum-dwellers, depends on the Government.
One of the problems associated with urban growth is the increase in the proportions of slums especially in metros, as people migrate from rural poorer sections in search of work. Subsequently, living in these congested and degraded spaces within cities. The rights of slum-dwellers to shelter, basic amenities have been marginally addressed till date.
Slums Today
Today slum dwellers make up 60% of Mumbai's population, that is approximately 7 million people. The eventually spread into the areas neighboring Byculla, such as: Mahim Creek, Parel, Dadar and Matunga and whereever else they can find space, even in roads. The conditions in the slums are terrible. Slum inhabitants constantly have to deal with issues such as, constant migration, lack of water, no sewage or solid waste facilities, lack of public transit, pollution and housing shortages. Infant mortality is as high as it is in rural India where there are no amenities. General Hospitals in the Greater Mumbai region are overcrowded and underresourced. In fact, most people rely on private doctors, many of which do not have any qualifications or official training. The World Bank has funded development of 176 Primary Care Dispensaries, but they are finding that those efforts are underused and the water supplies to the area are problematic. It seems that the water supply is always to much or too little, for when monsoon season hits some slums are submerged knee deep in water.In 1985, the government tried to rectify the problem by passing the Slum Upgradation Project. It offered secure long-term legal plot tenure to slum households on the basis that they would invest in their housing. By giving people an interest in their housing and by guaranteeing home ownership, they hoped to oblitterate slums. Unfortunately the program targeted only 10-12% of the slum population, those who were capable of upgrading their homes. It disregarded those who did not have homes at all.
Despite all the attempts to remedy the slum problem of Mumbai, slums are still growing. The slum growth rate is actually greater than the general urban growth rate. In fact, the city is gaining the name "Slumbay."
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