Challenges in slum up-gradation: need innovative approaches

Abstract

The growth of slums inhabitants in recent past has contributed Indian economy and development adversely. Slum up gradation is a severe cause of concern for the governments. Upgrading the slums is not merely shifting the slum dwellers into multi-strayed houses; it needs much more concerted efforts to be worked upon both with body and the soul. Therefore, it is high time to think out of the box and need to introduce multi-dimensional, multi-focused and holistic approach. We have to work not only with the physical aspects i.e. houses, roads, clinics, schools, etc. of the slums but also address the functional aspects i.e. psychological, social, economical, domestic and community etc. Innovative approach i.e. inviting private players, addressing both, physical and functional aspects carefully and efficiently, need to be introduced. This approach will have three main players - Municipality, Private Players, and NGOs and will have three major components - (i) NGO intervention for addressing functional aspects; (ii) low cost houses for slum dwellers and (iii) modern high rise residential and commercial apartments for higher classes on sale. To reduce the risks, we need to take the slum dwellers on board, while honest efforts are required from the bureaucracy and political leaders.