Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Slums, characterized by inadequate housing, lack of basic services, and overcrowding, are a stark reality of rapid urbanization, particularly in developing countries like India. According to the 2011 Census, approximately 17.3% of India’s urban population resides in slums. These settlements are not merely a housing problem but reflect deeper socio-economic inequalities and failures in urban planning. Slum development is a complex process driven by a confluence of factors, and addressing it requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes both improvement and prevention.
Development of Slums
Slums develop due to a combination of ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors:
- Push Factors: These originate from rural areas, including landlessness, agricultural distress, natural disasters, social discrimination, and lack of employment opportunities.
- Pull Factors: These attract migrants to urban centers, such as perceived better employment prospects, access to education and healthcare, and a more dynamic lifestyle.
These factors lead to a large influx of people into cities, exceeding the capacity of formal housing markets. Consequently, people are forced to settle on marginal lands, often illegally, leading to the formation of slums.
Suggestions for Slum Improvement
1. In-Situ Upgrading
This involves improving existing slums without displacing residents. Key strategies include:
- Provision of Basic Services: Ensuring access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities (toilets, sewage systems), electricity, and waste management.
- Housing Improvement: Providing financial and technical assistance for upgrading existing houses, using locally available materials and sustainable construction techniques.
- Tenure Security: Granting legal recognition and secure tenure to slum dwellers, reducing their vulnerability and encouraging investment in their homes.
- Community Participation: Involving residents in the planning and implementation of upgrading projects, ensuring their needs and priorities are addressed.
2. Resettlement and Rehabilitation
When in-situ upgrading is not feasible, resettlement is necessary. However, it must be accompanied by comprehensive rehabilitation:
- Adequate Compensation: Providing fair compensation for land and property lost.
- Alternative Housing: Offering suitable alternative housing with basic amenities, located near employment opportunities and social services.
- Livelihood Support: Providing skills training, employment assistance, and access to credit to help resettled families regain their livelihoods.
- Social Integration: Facilitating the integration of resettled communities into the wider urban fabric.
3. Preventive Measures
Preventing the formation of new slums is crucial. This requires:
- Affordable Housing: Increasing the supply of affordable housing options for low-income groups.
- Inclusive Urban Planning: Integrating the needs of the urban poor into urban planning processes.
- Rural Development: Addressing the root causes of rural-urban migration by promoting rural employment and improving living conditions in rural areas.
- Decentralized Governance: Empowering local governments to address urban challenges effectively.
4. Leveraging Technology
Utilizing technology for efficient slum management:
- GIS Mapping: Creating detailed maps of slums to identify vulnerable areas and prioritize interventions.
- Smart Solutions: Implementing smart water management, waste collection, and energy systems.
- Digital Literacy: Providing digital literacy training to slum dwellers to enhance their access to information and opportunities.
Conclusion
Addressing the challenge of slums requires a holistic and integrated approach that combines in-situ upgrading, resettlement with rehabilitation, and preventive measures. Prioritizing secure tenure, community participation, and sustainable development is essential. Furthermore, a strong political will, adequate funding, and effective inter-agency coordination are crucial for successful slum improvement. Investing in slums is not merely a social obligation but also an economic imperative, as it unlocks the potential of a significant segment of the urban population and contributes to inclusive urban growth.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.