Plight of Residents of Ultra Slums

Source-This post on Plight of Residents of Ultra Slum has been created based on the article “Residents of ultra-slums should have access to welfare provisions” published in “LiveMint” on 4 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-1– Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Context-The phenomenon of extreme poverty, once confined to large cities, has now spread to many small and mid-sized urban areas. These areas are not just slums but could be considered as ultra-slums, where living conditions are extremely difficult.

The article underscores major societal problems including poverty, inadequate infrastructure and services for marginalized communities. It also highlights the stark contrast between areas with modern highways and urban facilities and those suffering from severe poverty and neglect in urban slums and ultra-slums.

Why do poor people live in these slums?

1) They are not driven away by police, land sharks, or even well-meaning individuals concerned with city cleanliness.

2) The open sewer area serves as their sanctuary, unlike other places in the city where they face eviction.

3) In other parts of the city such as under flyovers, on footpaths, or beside railway lines, they are chased away due to the high value of land.

4) They choose to live there because back in their villages, they struggle to find enough food to prevent starvation.

Read More- Slum Redevelopment in India

What challenges do these people face?

1) Sewer System and Living Conditions -During monsoon rains, the sewer system experiences overflow, impacting the living conditions of residents in the area.

2) Lack of Access to Basic Amenities-They lack proper housing and amenities like sanitation, drinking water, education, and healthcare. For ex- Children often cannot attend school due to the dangers of crossing the railway line or highway.

3) Lack of Access to Ration Cards -They have no ration cards for accessing subsidized food grains, and most do not have documents for accessing public health schemes.

What should be the way forward?

1) Job Opportunities-There is a need to create more decent job opportunities distributed evenly across India

2) Provision of Basic Services-Access to basic services (food, water, health, education) for ultra-slum residents should be enhanced.

3) Recognizing Complexity and Committing Resources -It is important to recognize the complexity of the issue and commit resources to research and policy formulation.

4) Ensuring Welfare Alongside Infrastructure Development -As high-speed highways are built, ensuring basic welfare for all citizens, including those in ultra-slums, is important. Improving these areas is essential to prevent people from seeking shelter in places like sewers.

Question for practice

Why do poor people choose to live in these slums? What difficulties do they encounter?