Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s urban landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, characterized by escalating land prices, a surge in vertical construction, and a parallel growth of slums. This complex interplay is a direct consequence of economic liberalization, population migration, and inadequate urban planning. The increasing demand for land in urban centers, coupled with limited supply, drives up prices, making housing unaffordable for a significant portion of the population. This forces marginalized communities to seek shelter in informal settlements, leading to the expansion of slums. Understanding the correlation between these three factors is crucial for formulating effective urban development policies.
Correlation between Price of Land and Vertical Growth
The price of land in Indian cities is primarily determined by market forces of demand and supply, influenced by factors like location, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. As land prices escalate, horizontal expansion becomes economically unviable for both developers and individuals. This incentivizes vertical growth – the construction of taller buildings to maximize land utilization. This is particularly evident in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore where land is scarce and expensive.
- Floor Space Index (FSI): Regulations like FSI, which dictate the permissible built-up area on a given plot, directly influence vertical growth. Higher FSI allows for more construction on the same land area, increasing profitability for developers.
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): The introduction of REITs in 2014 has further fueled investment in real estate, driving up land prices and promoting vertical construction.
Correlation between Vertical Growth and Growth of Slums
While vertical growth signifies economic development, it often exacerbates social inequalities. The construction of high-rise buildings caters primarily to the affluent, displacing low-income communities and increasing housing costs. This displacement, coupled with limited affordable housing options, forces a large segment of the population to reside in slums.
- Displacement & Gentrification: Vertical growth often leads to gentrification, where lower-income residents are displaced by wealthier ones, contributing to slum proliferation on the city’s periphery.
- Lack of Affordable Housing: The focus on high-end real estate development neglects the need for affordable housing, leaving a significant housing deficit for the economically weaker sections.
Correlation between Price of Land and Growth of Slums
The direct correlation between land prices and slum growth is perhaps the most significant. As land prices soar, the cost of formal housing becomes prohibitive for a large section of the urban population. This compels them to occupy public lands, railway tracks, or other marginal spaces, leading to the formation and expansion of slums. The inability to afford land in the formal market drives people towards informal settlements.
Example: Dharavi in Mumbai, one of Asia’s largest slums, exists precisely because of the exorbitant land prices in the city. Residents, largely migrants from rural areas, cannot afford formal housing and have established a self-sufficient economy within the slum.
| Factor | Impact on Land Price | Impact on Vertical Growth | Impact on Slum Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic Liberalization | Increased demand, higher prices | Incentivized due to profitability | Increased displacement, affordability issues |
| Population Migration | Increased demand, higher prices | Needed to accommodate growing population | Increased pressure on existing infrastructure & housing |
| Inadequate Urban Planning | Uncontrolled development, speculation | Lack of regulation, haphazard growth | Unplanned settlements, lack of basic amenities |
Conclusion
The interplay between land prices, vertical growth, and slum proliferation in Indian cities is a complex socio-economic issue. While vertical growth is a natural response to land scarcity and economic pressures, it must be accompanied by proactive urban planning, affordable housing policies, and slum rehabilitation programs. Addressing this challenge requires a holistic approach that balances economic development with social equity, ensuring that the benefits of urbanization are shared by all segments of society. Ignoring this correlation will only exacerbate existing inequalities and lead to unsustainable urban development.
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.