India contributes 17% to the world slum population, even Asia’s number 1 slum in in India – Mumbai (Dharavi).
India which is considered as the developing country stands on number one in the slum population of World.
India holds 2.4%of total land of the world. The total of 5.4 % population of resides in slum. India contributes 17% to the world slum population, even Asia’s no.1 slum in in India – Mumbai (Dharavi). The only city in India is Chandigarh with Zero Slum area. There are various causes of high slum population. India is facing major slum crisis.
Causes of High Slum Population in India
Unemployment: The main cause of rapid growth of slums is unemployment, the Indian employment percentage is half the population, poor infrastructure and unaffordable housing leads to growth of slums.
Rural to Urban Migration: Many people migrate from rural to urban area in search of employment and better lifestyle. Once person migrates, on seeking no employment inadequate sources lead to increase in number of slum areas.
Governmental Factors: Sometimes, government offers some promises like no eviction for votes. This eventually is not letting the slums to be vanished.
Challenges faced by the Slum Residents
Lack of Basic Amenities: These areas are poor, underdeveloped and out of basic needs. There are no basic amenities like clear water, hygienic surrounding and healthcare facilities.
Under Nourishment: No good food or lack of hygiene has led to malnutrition. Poverty, famine and the diet that lacks nutrition is the main reason that causes health hazards. The figures concludes that 12% of India’s population is undernourished. The newborns and Infants suffer stunting and underweight issues. The Women of age 15 to 49 are malnourished and Anemic and has very low and poor infrastructure for menstruating women which causes major downfall in the health of women living in slums.
Cure of High Slum Population
On very high scale, the solution which is best considered is to eliminate people that lives in those areas. But, the most effective way is to provide the basic facilities like clear water, adequate housing, providing jobs.
For this purpose both government and private sectors have to come together to eliminate the slum areas positively and effectively.
