Question.
Describe the problems of slums in India.
(NCERT class 12 geography, India People and Economy, Chapter-12: Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems)
Answer.
A slum or "Jhuggi-Jhopri" is a type of urban settlement full of non-standard and shanty houses. Slums are inhabited by people who are forced to migrate from rural to urban centers in search of livelihood but cannot afford proper housing due to high rents. Slum dwellers form the backbone of the labor force of urban settlements.
Dharavi slum of Mumbai is largest in the Asia.
Following are the problems of slums in India:
The problems of slums can be seen by dividing them into two types -
- Environmental problems
- Socio-economic problems
Environmental problems of slums:
The slum area is usually found in that area of the city that is either environmentally unfavorable for the settlers or has illegal land. Due to these reasons, slum dwellers suffer a lot from natural or man-made hazards like floods, earthquakes, or fires.
Socio-Economic Problems of Slums:
Since slum houses are made of huts and houses do not have ventilation and have poor house structures which cause many health problems.
Poor sanitation conditions, open defecation, erratic drainage system, and congested narrow lanes are the main problems of the slums.
Slums lack basic facilities like drinking water, electricity, and toilets.
The slum population works on low wages; Due to low wages, they are prone to undernourished diseases and ailments. They are not able to provide proper education and health facilities to their children.
Due to poverty, they are prone to indulge in drug abuse, crime, apathy, and social exclusion.
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