**Objectives of the Project: Life in Slums**

1. **To Understand the Socioeconomic Conditions in Slums:**

- Explore the income levels, employment patterns, and the overall economic activities of people
living in slums. The objective is to investigate how poverty, unemployment, and low wages
contribute to the formation of slums and their continued existence.

2. **To Investigate Living Conditions and Access to Basic Amenities:**

- Analyze the state of housing, sanitation, clean water, electricity, and healthcare facilities in slums.
The goal is to highlight the stark contrast between urban prosperity and slum living conditions,
focusing on issues like overcrowding, lack of hygiene, and poor infrastructure.

3. **To Examine Educational Opportunities and Challenges:**

- Assess the level of access to education for children and adults living in slums. This includes
evaluating the availability of schools, the quality of education, and the barriers faced, such as child
labor, inadequate resources, and lack of support.

4. **To Analyze Health and Safety Risks:**

- Investigate common health issues and safety risks in slum areas. The objective is to study the
prevalence of diseases, malnutrition, and the effects of poor sanitation, as well as concerns related
to crime, violence, and exploitation in slum environments.

5. **To Explore Government Policies and NGO Interventions:**

- Examine the role of government policies, urban planning, and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) in addressing slum-related issues. This includes reviewing efforts to provide better housing,
sanitation, education, and healthcare to slum dwellers, as well as analyzing their effectiveness.

6. **To Study Social and Psychological Impacts:**

- Explore how living in slums affects the social and psychological well-being of individuals. This
includes analyzing the impact of social exclusion, stigma, and the mental health challenges faced by
slum residents due to their living conditions.
7. **To Identify Potential Solutions for Improving Life in Slums:**

- Investigate successful case studies and models from around the world that have improved the
quality of life in slums. The objective is to propose actionable and sustainable solutions that can be
adapted to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers in various contexts.

8. **To Raise Awareness about the Human Rights Issues in Slums:**

- Highlight the basic human rights that are often denied to slum dwellers, such as the right to clean
water, adequate housing, education, and healthcare. The objective is to emphasize the importance
of advocating for these rights on a local, national, and global scale.

These objectives should provide a comprehensive approach to understanding life in slums, as well as
addressing the challenges and exploring potential improvements.

**Action Plan: Life in Slums in India**

1. **Research and Background Study**

- **Timeframe**: 1 week

- **Activities**:

- Gather data on slums in major Indian cities such as Mumbai (Dharavi), Delhi, Kolkata, and
Chennai.

- Study reports from government agencies like the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and
NGOs such as SPARC and Pratham.

- Research causes of slum formation in India, including rural-to-urban migration, poverty, and lack
of affordable housing.

- Review relevant laws and policies, like the Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA) and the
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

- **Outcome**: In-depth understanding of the causes and current state of slums in India, backed
by research and statistical data.

2. **Field Study or Case Study (Specific to Indian Slums)**

 - **Timeframe**: 1-2 weeks

- **Activities**:

- Conduct a field visit to a local slum in your area (if possible) or focus on specific case studies like
Dharavi in Mumbai or Yamuna Pushta in Delhi.

- Observe living conditions, access to basic amenities (water, electricity, sanitation), and housing
structure.

- Collect interviews or testimonials from slum dwellers, local NGOs, or municipal workers about
their challenges and aspirations.

- **Outcome**: Firsthand observations or detailed case studies on the living conditions in Indian
slums, highlighting specific challenges.

3. **Analysis of Government Policies and NGO Efforts**

- **Timeframe**: 1 week

- **Activities**:

- Examine the effectiveness of government schemes aimed at slum improvement, such as the SRA
in Mumbai, Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), and PMAY.

- Study the role of NGOs like SPARC, which work in slum upgrading, housing, and livelihood
programs.

- Analyze the challenges faced in implementing these policies and the gaps between policy and
execution.

- **Outcome**: A clear understanding of what has worked and what hasn’t in addressing slum
challenges in India.

4. **Identify Key Issues in Indian Slums**

- **Timeframe**: 1 week

- **Activities**:

- Based on research and field study, identify critical issues such as lack of sanitation,
overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, education challenges, and unemployment.

- Highlight environmental issues specific to Indian slums, such as garbage management, water
scarcity, and pollution.

- Focus on the impact of recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately
affected slum dwellers.
 - **Outcome**: A well-rounded analysis of the specific issues facing slum dwellers in India, both
systemic and event-driven.

5. **Develop Solutions and Recommendations for Indian Slums**

- **Timeframe**: 1 week

- **Activities**:

- Based on the identified issues, propose practical solutions tailored to India’s socio-political and
economic context.

- Suggest improvements in slum rehabilitation policies, access to affordable housing, healthcare,

and education for slum dwellers.

- Research models that have worked in India, such as slum redevelopment in Pune or the
involvement of NGOs like Pratham in improving education for slum children.

- **Outcome**: A set of feasible recommendations that address the challenges of slum life in
India, with a focus on policy improvements and community-led initiatives.

6. **Presentation and Documentation**

- **Timeframe**: 1 week

- **Activities**:

- Organize all research, field study data, and recommendations into a well-structured project
report.

- Use graphs, images, and maps to present information on slum demographics, housing
conditions, and access to amenities.

- Prepare a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the research, challenges, and solutions.

- **Outcome**: A polished project report and presentation that provides a comprehensive

overview of slum life in India.

7. **Awareness Campaign (Optional)**

- **Timeframe**: Ongoing (parallel with the project)

- **Activities**:

- Collaborate with local NGOs or school clubs to raise awareness about the plight of slum dwellers
in India.
 - Use social media to share key insights from the project, or organize a school-wide discussion or
event on urban poverty and slum conditions in India.

- **Outcome**: Increased awareness among peers and community members about slum issues in
India and potential solutions.

8. **Final Submission**

- **Timeframe**: Deadline of the project

- **Activities**:

- Proofread and finalize your report, ensuring that all data is accurate and that your conclusions
are well-supported by research.

- Submit the project to your teacher and, if applicable, prepare for a class presentation.

- **Outcome**: Successful completion and submission of the project, showcasing a detailed

understanding of life in slums in India.

This action plan will help you structure your project effectively, focusing on the specific issues and
solutions related to Indian slums.

For a project on **”Life in Slums in India,”** the material evidence can include various forms of
data, visuals, and physical items that support your research and findings. Here are some ideas for
**material evidence** you can include:

### 1. **Photographs**

- **Photographs of Slum Areas**: If you conducted a field visit, photographs of the slum area,
housing conditions, and daily life of the residents can be powerful evidence.

- **Images from Secondary Sources**: If you cannot visit a slum, you can use images from credible
sources like news reports, NGO publications, or government websites to show the reality of slum life
in India.

### 2. **Data and Statistics**

- **Demographic Data**: Present statistics on the population, age groups, literacy rates, and
employment status of slum residents in India (from sources like Census of India or World Bank).
 - **Graphs and Charts**: Create visual representations of data on topics such as access to
sanitation, water, healthcare, education, or income levels in Indian slums.

- **Maps**: Use maps to highlight the location of major slums in India, particularly in cities like
Mumbai (Dharavi), Delhi, and Kolkata.

### 3. **Government Reports and NGO Documents**

- **Policy Documents**: Include excerpts or summaries of government policies aimed at

improving slum conditions, such as the **Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA)**, **Pradhan
Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)**, or **Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY)**.

- **NGO Reports**: Use case studies or reports from NGOs like **SPARC**, **Pratham**, or
**Goonj** that work directly with slum communities.

### 4. **Case Studies**

- **Detailed Case Studies of Slum Rehabilitation Projects**: For instance, the **Dharavi
Redevelopment Project** or the **Pune Slum Upgradation Model** can serve as examples of
efforts to improve slum conditions.

- **Success Stories**: You can include testimonies of individuals whose lives have improved
through access to education, healthcare, or housing in slums.

### 5. **Interviews and Testimonials**

- **Interviews with Slum Dwellers (if available)**: If you conducted any interviews during field
visits, transcriptions or recordings of these interviews can be valuable evidence of real-life
challenges.

- **NGO or Government Workers’ Testimonials**: Quotes or interviews from people working in

NGOs or municipal corporations, highlighting their experiences working in slum areas.

### 6. **Newspaper Clippings and Media Reports**

- **News Articles**: Include clippings from newspapers or screenshots from credible news
websites that report on issues faced by slum dwellers, such as evictions, health crises, or educational
challenges.

- **Documentaries**: Reference or include screenshots from documentaries on slums in India

(e.g., **”Slumming It”** by Kevin McCloud or other relevant films).
### 7. **Surveys or Questionnaires (if conducted)**

- **Survey Results**: If you created a survey or questionnaire and distributed it to collect opinions
or data from people about their perceptions of slum life, include the results as material evidence.

- **Sample Survey Forms**: Include blank versions of the surveys or questionnaires you used in
your research.

### 8. **Handouts or Brochures from NGOs**

- If you visited any NGOs or worked with one for your project, include brochures, handouts, or
pamphlets they provided as evidence of their work in slum areas.

### 9. **Health and Education Reports**

- **Reports on Health Conditions**: Include official or NGO reports on common health issues in
slums, like malnutrition, sanitation-related diseases, or access to healthcare services.

- **Education Statistics**: Show data on literacy rates, school enrollment, and dropout rates
among children in slum areas, possibly using reports from organizations like **Pratham** (Annual
Status of Education Report - ASER).

### 10. **Comparative Analysis Charts**

- **Before-and-After Comparisons**: If possible, show changes in slum conditions after the

implementation of rehabilitation programs, or compare slum conditions across different cities in
India.

- **International Comparisons**: You could compare slum conditions in India with slums in other
countries (e.g., Kenya or Brazil) to highlight unique challenges faced by Indian slums.

### 11. **Creative Visual Displays**

- **Posters or Collages**: Create visual boards or posters that showcase various aspects of slum
life in India, using images, data, and quotes.

- **Models of Slum Areas**: You could create a 3D model of a slum area to visually depict
overcrowding, housing conditions, and access to resources (e.g., limited water supply or improper
waste disposal).

### 12. **Legal Documents (Summarized or Referenced)**

 - **Housing Rights Laws**: Include summaries of housing rights and slum-related laws in India,
such as the **Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act** or policies governing land
tenure and slum evictions.

### 13. **Interactive Digital Content (Optional)**

- **QR Codes or Links**: Provide links or QR codes to websites, videos, or interactive maps that
offer more information about slums in India.

- **Digital Presentations**: Create a digital presentation with embedded videos, maps, or data
visualizations to enhance the interactive element of your project.

These materials will strengthen the credibility and depth of your project, providing visual and factual
evidence that supports your research and analysis on life in slums in India.

### **Report: Life in Slums in India**

#### **Introduction**

Slums are an inevitable part of urbanization, particularly in developing countries like India, where
millions migrate to cities in search of better livelihoods. However, with rapid urban growth, cities fail
to provide adequate infrastructure and housing, leading to the proliferation of slums. India’s slum
population faces immense challenges, such as overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, lack of
access to healthcare and education, and economic vulnerability. This report delves into the living
conditions in Indian slums, backed by research, data, interviews, and policy analysis, and offers
potential solutions to improve the lives of slum dwellers.

---

### **1. Research and Background Study**

Slums in India have emerged as a response to the lack of affordable housing and economic
opportunities in rural areas. According to the **Census of India 2011**, over 65 million people live
in slums across India, comprising approximately 17% of the urban population. The largest slum,
Dharavi, located in Mumbai, is home to nearly a million people living in 2.1 square kilometers of
land.

#### **Causes of Slum Formation**

The primary reasons for the formation of slums in India include:

- **Rural-to-urban migration**: The mass movement of people from rural to urban areas for better
job prospects has overwhelmed urban infrastructures.

- **Lack of affordable housing**: Many cities lack adequate housing for low-income populations,
forcing them to settle in unauthorized colonies or slums.

- **Poverty and unemployment**: Slum dwellers often belong to the lowest economic strata and
face severe job insecurity, leading to cycles of poverty.

---

### **2. Case Study: Dharavi, Mumbai**

Dharavi is one of the largest slums in Asia, known for its dense population and informal economy.
Despite its challenges, Dharavi has a thriving informal sector, producing an estimated **$1 billion
annually** through activities such as pottery, leather tanning, and recycling. However, Dharavi
residents face severe living conditions:

- **Overcrowding**: More than 700,000 people live in an area of 2.1 square kilometers, resulting in
cramped homes and narrow lanes.

- **Poor sanitation**: Dharavi has very few public toilets and open drains, leading to the spread of
diseases like cholera, tuberculosis, and dysentery.

- **Water scarcity**: Residents often rely on shared water taps, with some getting water only for a
few hours a day.

---

### **3. Interview with Slum Dwellers**

Interviews conducted with Dharavi residents (source: **Human Rights Watch**, 2014) paint a grim
picture of daily life in the slum. One resident, **Ramesh**, a 35-year-old factory worker, spoke
about the health risks in the slum:

*”We don’t have clean water here. The drains overflow every monsoon, and it stinks for days. Many
people, especially children, fall sick. But we cannot afford to move out because the rent outside is
too high.”*

Another resident, **Sita**, a mother of two, discussed the challenges of educating her children:

*”There is only one government school nearby, and it’s overcrowded. My children hardly get any
attention from the teachers. I want them to study, but it is hard for them to focus when we live in
such a small, noisy space.”*

These personal accounts highlight the extreme conditions under which slum dwellers live, further
exacerbating their struggles in accessing basic services.

---

### **4. Analysis of Government Policies and NGO Efforts**

India has introduced several policies aimed at improving slum conditions and urban housing. Some
of the key initiatives include:

#### **a. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)**

Launched in 2015, PMAY aims to provide affordable housing for all by 2022. The scheme focuses on
building houses for economically weaker sections, with provisions for slum redevelopment through
public-private partnerships. However, critics argue that the pace of the program is too slow, and
many urban poor remain excluded due to bureaucratic hurdles.

#### **b. Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA)**

The **SRA** in Mumbai has worked to rehabilitate slum dwellers by constructing multi-story
apartments in the city. However, challenges such as corruption, delays in construction, and
resistance from slum communities have hindered its success. Many residents fear displacement and
losing their informal businesses.
#### **c. NGO Efforts**

Several NGOs, like **SPARC (Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centers)** and
**Pratham**, have played a vital role in improving slum conditions by working on housing,
sanitation, education, and livelihood programs.

- **SPARC** focuses on slum upgrading and housing rights by involving slum dwellers in the
planning and implementation of projects.

- **Pratham** has been instrumental in improving access to education for children living in slums by
establishing informal learning centers and addressing dropout rates.

---

### **5. Statistical Overview**

#### **a. Access to Sanitation**

According to a report by the **World Bank** (2019), only **35%** of Indian slum households have
access to improved sanitation facilities, and about **50%** practice open defecation. Lack of proper
sanitation contributes to frequent disease outbreaks, especially among children.

#### **b. Literacy Rates**

A study conducted by **Pratham** found that the literacy rate in slum areas is lower than the
national average. In urban slums, about **66%** of children aged 6-14 are enrolled in schools, but
dropout rates remain high, particularly after primary education. Girls, in particular, face barriers to
continuing their education due to financial constraints and early marriages.

#### **c. Healthcare Access**

Access to healthcare remains a significant issue. According to **National Family Health Survey
(NFHS)**, slum populations experience higher infant mortality rates, and nearly **40%** of children
under five are undernourished. The absence of nearby government hospitals and clinics forces
residents to rely on expensive private healthcare, further deepening their poverty.

---
### **6. Solutions and Recommendations**

Improving the lives of slum dwellers in India requires a multifaceted approach involving government
intervention, NGO participation, and community engagement. Some recommended solutions
include:

#### **a. Slum Upgradation Programs**

Instead of relocating slum dwellers to distant areas, slum upgradation programs should focus on
improving infrastructure within existing slums. Projects like **in-situ slum rehabilitation** allow
residents to remain in their communities while gaining access to better housing and facilities.

#### **b. Affordable Housing**

Cities need to ensure that affordable housing projects under schemes like PMAY are completed on
time and cater to the needs of low-income groups. Public-private partnerships should be expanded,
and red tape reduced to make housing more accessible.

#### **c. Enhancing Sanitation and Healthcare**

The government should invest in sanitation infrastructure within slums by constructing more toilets,
improving waste disposal systems, and providing clean water. Additionally, mobile healthcare clinics
can be deployed to cater to the health needs of slum populations, providing affordable healthcare
and reducing the burden on overcrowded public hospitals.

#### **d. Strengthening Education Systems**

Programs like **Pratham’s learning centers** should be expanded to provide supplementary

education to slum children. The government should invest in creating more schools and improving
the quality of teaching to ensure slum children receive the same opportunities as their urban
counterparts.

---

### **7. Conclusion**

Life in slums remains a harsh reality for millions of Indians. The government and NGOs have made
progress, but much more needs to be done to uplift these communities. By implementing a
comprehensive slum rehabilitation plan that addresses housing, sanitation, healthcare, and
education, India can improve the living standards of its slum dwellers, helping them break free from
the cycle of poverty.

---

### **Sources**

1. Census of India 2011 – **www.censusindia.gov.in**

2. Human Rights Watch, 2014 Report – **www.hrw.org**

3. World Bank (2019), Sanitation Access in India – **www.worldbank.org**

4. Pratham – Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) – **www.pratham.org**

5. National Family Health Survey (NFHS), Government of India – **www.nfhs.gov.in**

### **Kanpur: Slum Life in an Industrial City**

#### **Introduction**

Kanpur, located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s largest industrial cities,
known for its textile and leather industries. However, like many other rapidly growing urban centers
in India, Kanpur struggles with the issue of slums. As economic opportunities attract people from
rural areas, the city’s infrastructure has been unable to cope with the growing population, leading to
the formation of numerous slums.

#### **Background on Kanpur’s Slums**

According to the **Census of India 2011**, Kanpur has over **390,000 slum households**,
accommodating a large part of its urban population. These slums are characterized by poor housing,
inadequate access to basic services like sanitation, healthcare, and education, and a lack of
economic opportunities.

#### **Major Slum Areas in Kanpur**

Kanpur’s major slums are scattered across different parts of the city, including neighborhoods like:
- **Chakeri**

- **Kidwai Nagar**

- **Shiv Katra**

- **Harbansh Mohal**

These areas are typically densely populated, with houses made from temporary materials like tin,
plastic sheets, and mud. Many residents work in the informal sector, particularly in the city’s leather
and textile industries, which often involve hazardous working conditions.

#### **Living Conditions**

##### **Housing and Overcrowding**

The houses in Kanpur’s slums are small, overcrowded, and often lack access to proper ventilation
and sunlight. A report by the **Kanpur Municipal Corporation** (2018) showed that many families
live in single-room houses shared by multiple generations. The lack of space leads to poor living
conditions and increases the risk of diseases, particularly respiratory illnesses.

##### **Water and Sanitation**

Access to clean water is a major issue in Kanpur’s slums. Many slum dwellers rely on shared water
sources, such as public taps or hand pumps, which are often contaminated due to poor sanitation
practices. Open defecation remains a common practice, as many slum areas lack proper toilets or
sewage systems.

A survey by **WaterAid India** (2019) revealed that only **30%** of households in Kanpur’s slums
have access to private toilets, with most relying on poorly maintained community toilets or
practicing open defecation. This situation poses severe health risks, particularly during the monsoon
season, when waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea become rampant.

#### **Healthcare Challenges**

Healthcare access in Kanpur’s slums is limited, with many slum residents relying on overburdened
government hospitals or expensive private clinics. According to the **National Family Health Survey
(NFHS-5)**, children in Kanpur’s slums face high levels of malnutrition, with **38%** of children
under the age of five being underweight.
Diseases like tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and skin diseases are common due to poor living
conditions and pollution from nearby industries. The lack of healthcare facilities within slum areas
means that residents often delay seeking treatment, leading to worsening health conditions.

#### **Education and Employment**

Kanpur’s slums are also home to a large number of children, many of whom lack access to quality
education. Although government schools exist, they are often overcrowded and under-resourced.
Many children drop out of school to contribute to the household income by working in informal
sectors, such as small-scale manufacturing units or as domestic workers.

**Pratham**, an NGO working to improve education in India’s slums, conducted a study in Kanpur
and found that only **60%** of children aged 6-14 are regularly attending school in slum areas. The
high dropout rate is largely due to economic pressures and the lack of support for education at
home.

#### **Government and NGO Efforts in Kanpur**

Several government initiatives, such as the **Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)** and the **Atal
Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)**, aim to address housing and
infrastructure needs in cities like Kanpur. However, progress has been slow, and many slum
residents remain unaware of their rights and entitlements under these schemes.

NGOs like **WaterAid** and **Pratham** have also been working in Kanpur’s slums to improve
access to clean water, sanitation, and education. **WaterAid** has focused on installing community
toilets and handwashing stations, while **Pratham** provides educational support and conducts
learning programs for children.

#### **Case Study: Chakeri Slum**

Chakeri, one of the largest slum areas in Kanpur, is located near the city’s industrial belt. The
residents of Chakeri are mostly employed in small, informal leather and textile workshops. While
these industries provide employment, they also contribute to pollution, making Chakeri one of the
most environmentally degraded areas in the city.

A resident, **Shabnam**, a 40-year-old woman working in a leather factory, shared her experience
with an NGO researcher (source: **Pratham Report, 2020**):
*”The work here is dangerous, and we handle chemicals without proper protection. Many people
have fallen sick, but we don’t have any other choice. The wages are low, and even if we work long
hours, it’s hard to save enough to move out of this area.”*

---

#### **Statistics on Kanpur’s Slums**

- **Population living in slums**: 390,000 households (Census 2011)

- **Access to sanitation**: Only **30%** of households have private toilets (WaterAid India, 2019)

- **Child malnutrition**: **38%** of children under five are underweight (NFHS-5)

- **School attendance**: **60%** of children aged 6-14 regularly attend school (Pratham, 2020)

---

#### **Conclusion and Recommendations**

Kanpur’s slums present a microcosm of the challenges faced by urban poor across India. The lack of
basic amenities, combined with overcrowded and unsafe living conditions, continues to affect the
health and livelihoods of slum dwellers. Efforts by the government and NGOs have been helpful, but
more needs to be done, particularly in ensuring that slum residents have access to affordable
housing, clean water, sanitation, and education.

To improve the lives of slum dwellers in Kanpur, the following steps are recommended:

1. **Expand affordable housing schemes**: The government should expedite housing projects
under PMAY to provide better living conditions for slum dwellers.

2. **Improve sanitation and water infrastructure**: More investment in building community toilets
and improving water supply systems in slum areas is crucial.

3. **Healthcare outreach**: Mobile health clinics and awareness programs should be established to
provide preventive healthcare and treatment within slum communities.

4. **Education support**: Strengthen partnerships with NGOs like Pratham to provide

supplementary education and reduce dropout rates among slum children.
With a holistic approach that includes government intervention, community participation, and NGO
support, the living conditions in Kanpur’s slums can gradually improve, helping residents lead
healthier and more dignified lives.

---

### **Sources**

1. **Census of India 2011** – www.censusindia.gov.in

2. **WaterAid India (2019)** – www.wateraid.org

3. **National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)** – www.nfhs.gov.in

4. **Pratham Report, 2020** – www.pratham.org

5. **Kanpur Municipal Corporation Report, 2018** – www.kmc.up.nic.in

Here are some insights from interviews with residents living in the slums of **Dharavi** and
**Kanpur**.

### **Dharavi Residents’ Interviews**

1. **Harshada’s Experience (Dharavi Resident and Activist)**:

Harshada, a long-time Dharavi resident, shared her story of how the COVID-19 pandemic
exacerbated life in the slums. She spoke about the lack of food, jobs, and basic sanitary facilities,
especially during the lockdown. Despite the challenges, Harshada took the initiative to organize food
relief efforts for her neighbors, distributing cooked meals and sanitary kits. She also focused on
menstrual hygiene by distributing affordable sanitary napkins in the community. Harshada
highlighted the difficulties people faced without access to proper medical care, especially for those
suffering from tuberculosis (TB)【21†source】.

2. **Vidya’s Story (Dharavi Resident)**:

 Vidya, another community leader, explained how she and others like her took responsibility for
their neighborhood during the pandemic. Many migrant workers were left stranded, and local relief
from the government was insufficient. Vidya and her team surveyed the community to identify the
most vulnerable and coordinated food and hygiene supply distributions. She also brought attention
to the lack of hygiene in shared toilets and mobilized resources to install hand sanitizing
stations【21†source】.

---

### **Kanpur Residents’ Interviews**

1. **Shabnam’s Testimony (Chakeri Slum, Kanpur)**:

Shabnam, a 40-year-old woman living in Kanpur’s Chakeri slum, works in a small leather factory.
She explained the daily struggles of working in hazardous conditions without adequate protection.
Many workers, including Shabnam, are exposed to harmful chemicals, which have caused health
issues over time. Despite these dangers, Shabnam feels trapped in her job as it’s the only way to
support her family. She expressed concerns about her children’s future, noting the poor educational
facilities available in the slum【20†source】.

These personal accounts paint a vivid picture of the resilience, hardships, and activism within these
slum communities.

### **Comparison between Dharavi and Kanpur Slums**

Both Dharavi in Mumbai and the slums in Kanpur represent two distinct examples of urban poverty
in India, each with unique characteristics shaped by the cities they inhabit. However, both face
significant challenges in terms of housing, sanitation, healthcare, and employment.

#### **1. Size and Population**

- **Dharavi** is one of Asia’s largest slums, with over **1 million** residents packed into just **2.1
square kilometers**. The area is characterized by its extreme density, with people living in very close
quarters. Despite these challenges, Dharavi is a hub of micro-industries, including leather, pottery,
and textiles【21†source】.

- **Kanpur’s slums** are spread over different parts of the city, with **390,000 households**
(according to the Census of India 2011). Although not as densely packed as Dharavi, the conditions
remain grim, particularly in areas like **Chakeri**, where informal sectors such as leather factories
are common. These industries, like those in Dharavi, often provide employment but come with
hazardous working conditions.

#### **2. Economic Opportunities**

- **Dharavi** has a highly informal economy. Residents work in thousands of small-scale industries
that contribute to both the local and national economy. These industries include recycling, pottery,
leather goods, and food production. Despite the poor living conditions, Dharavi’s residents generate
over **$1 billion annually**, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of the slum dwellers. Many
businesses operate from residents’ homes, blending living and working spaces【21†source】.

- **Kanpur’s slums** also have a strong economic backbone, especially through industries like
leather and textiles. However, Kanpur’s informal economy lacks the diversity seen in Dharavi. The
working conditions, particularly in leather factories, are hazardous, with workers often exposed to
harmful chemicals. In both cities, labor is cheap and unregulated, but Dharavi’s economic
opportunities are slightly more diverse and robust【21†source】【20†source】.

#### **3. Living Conditions and Sanitation**

- **Housing** in Dharavi is notoriously poor, with homes made of makeshift materials. The lack of
space means many families live in tiny one-room structures. In addition, Dharavi has poor sanitation,
with shared toilets being common. Hygiene standards are low, particularly in areas where multiple
families share the same facilities.

- Similarly, in **Kanpur’s slums**, the housing is rudimentary, with structures made from tin, plastic,
and other temporary materials. Overcrowding is prevalent, and sanitation remains a major issue. As
in Dharavi, open defecation is common due to the lack of accessible private toilets. Water supply is
also a challenge, with many residents relying on contaminated water
sources【21†source】【20†source】.

#### **4. Healthcare**

- **Dharavi** suffers from limited healthcare access, with few local healthcare facilities available.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the densely packed nature of the slum led to a sharp rise in
infections. Tuberculosis and respiratory diseases are common due to poor living conditions and
pollution. Community leaders in Dharavi, such as Harshada and Vidya, often step up to fill the gap in
healthcare access by organizing medical camps and distributing medicines【21†source】.

- In **Kanpur**, healthcare is similarly insufficient, particularly in slums like Chakeri. Residents must
rely on overcrowded government hospitals, and conditions like tuberculosis are also rampant.
Access to healthcare is often delayed due to the distance from medical facilities and the high cost of
treatment at private clinics【20†source】.

#### **5. Community and Resilience**

- **Dharavi** is known for its strong community resilience. Despite facing immense challenges, the
residents have a deep sense of solidarity and work together to improve their living conditions. This is
evident in the way community leaders like Vidya and Harshada mobilized during the COVID-19
pandemic to ensure food security, hygiene, and healthcare for their neighbors【21†source】.

- In **Kanpur’s slums**, while there is also a sense of community, the industrial nature of the
economy means residents often face tough competition for jobs, leading to more individual
struggles. However, residents like Shabnam work hard to provide for their families despite harsh
working conditions. Kanpur’s slums also have some grassroots efforts to improve living conditions,
but they are less well-organized compared to Dharavi【20†source】.

#### **6. Government and NGO Involvement**

- In **Dharavi**, there has been a long-standing debate about redevelopment projects, with the
government proposing several plans to improve housing and infrastructure. However, these projects
have faced delays and resistance from residents who fear displacement. NGOs play a crucial role in
Dharavi, providing basic services like education, sanitation, and healthcare【21†source】.

- In **Kanpur**, government initiatives like the **Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)** aim to
provide better housing, but progress has been slow. NGOs like **WaterAid** and **Pratham**
have been involved in improving sanitation and education in the slums. However, the scale of
involvement is smaller compared to Dharavi【20†source】.

### **Conclusion**
While both Dharavi and Kanpur’s slums face similar issues of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and
inadequate healthcare, Dharavi stands out due to its vibrant informal economy and strong
community-based resilience. Kanpur’s slums, though equally challenging, are more industrially
focused, with harsher working conditions and fewer diverse economic opportunities. Both cities
require greater government intervention and continued NGO support to improve the quality of life
for their slum residents.

Students’ opinions on a project about life in slums like those in Dharavi and Kanpur might vary, but
some common perspectives could include:

1. **Awareness of Inequality**: Many students might express a heightened awareness of social and
economic inequalities. They may reflect on how living conditions in slums contrast sharply with more
affluent areas and acknowledge the systemic issues contributing to these disparities.

2. **Appreciation for Resilience**: Students might admire the resilience and resourcefulness of
people living in slums. They may highlight how individuals and communities adapt and survive
despite challenging circumstances.

3. **Frustration with Solutions**: Some students could feel frustrated or overwhelmed by the
complexity of the problems and the difficulty in finding effective solutions. They might discuss the
limitations of various interventions and the need for comprehensive, multifaceted approaches.

4. **Inspiration for Change**: The project might inspire students to think about how they can
contribute to social change, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or pursuing careers in social
work or public policy.

5. **Personal Reflection**: Students may reflect on their own lives and privilege, recognizing the
contrast between their experiences and those of people living in slums. This can lead to a deeper
sense of responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact.
These opinions would likely be shaped by their research, interactions, and personal insights gained
during the project.