Problems and development of slums: A study of Delhi and Mumbai

Abstract

Slums in cities are a face of injustice and a symbol of systemic dysfunction resulting into urban divide. There is near absence of even basic amenities in the slums. In India, due to government policies, cities have emerged as islands of development, whereas economy in villages and even in small and medium towns are stagnating. People in these backward areas find their survival difficult and therefore, they migrate to cities in large number in the hope of a better future. However, although city needs the cheap labour of these migrants, it is unable to provide basic necessities as well as good jobs. This results into creation of slums. It is widely recognized that slums must not exist, and slum dwellers be provided with dignified living for sustainable development. The present study is an attempt to understand the problems, needs and aspirations of people living in slums in India. The study also evaluates the impact of government programmes on the development of slums. One slum each in the two megacities—Mumbai and Delhi were selected to understand the quality of life and measures required for the development of slums leading to inclusive growth and sustainable development.