7-March -2025-Special-Article

SLUM REHABILITATION IN MAHARASHTRA

Slum rehabilitation is a critical aspect of urban development, ensuring better living conditions for millions residing in informal settlements. In Maharashtra, the government has been actively working to address slum redevelopment challenges, especially after the Supreme Court directed the Bombay High Court to review the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, 1971.

This initiative aims to remove legal and systemic obstacles hindering slum redevelopment, thereby protecting slum dwellers’ right to shelter and livelihood under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment) Act, 1971

Key Provisions:

• Enables the state government to declare certain regions as “slum areas” for focused improvement or redevelopment.
• Allows land acquisition by the government if necessary.
• Establishes the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to facilitate redevelopment through private developers.

Maharashtra Slum Rehabilitation Scheme, 1995:

• Encourages private developers to undertake redevelopment in collaboration with slum dwellers.
• Provides slum residents with free housing units in exchange for development rights.
• Grants incentives like higher Floor Space Index (FSI) and additional construction rights to developers for financial viability.

About Slums

As per the United Nations, slums are densely populated urban areas with poor housing, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure tenure.

Slums emerge due to unplanned urbanization, leading to overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions.

Slum Population in India:

• According to the 2011 Census, 17.4% of India’s urban population lives in slums.

Reasons for Slum Growth

• Rapid Population Growth: Increasing urban migration leads to excessive demand for land and housing.
• Poverty and Unemployment: Economic disparities push marginalized groups into informal settlements.
• Climate-induced Displacement: Environmental issues such as floods and droughts drive rural populations into urban slums.
• Regional Economic Imbalances: Unequal development forces migration from underdeveloped states like Bihar and Odisha to industrial hubs like Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• Weak Urban Governance: Lack of effective policies and planning leads to uncontrolled slum expansion.

Problems Arising from Slum Development Neglect

• False Promises of Urban Opportunity: Migrants often find themselves in worse conditions than in rural areas.
• Health Hazards: Poor sanitation leads to diseases like cholera and typhoid.
• Social Exploitation: Women and children in slums are vulnerable to trafficking and forced labor.
• Crime and Neglect: Slum areas often experience high crime rates due to lack of proper law enforcement and educational facilities.

Challenges in Slum Rehabilitation

• Legal and Land Issues: Complex land acquisition and clearance processes delay projects.
• Financial Constraints: Limited funds and private sector hesitation due to low-profit margins.
• Social Resistance: Fear of losing social and cultural bonds creates reluctance among slum dwellers.
• Environmental Concerns: Poor waste management and lack of green spaces make redevelopment difficult.
• Governance Failures: Slow implementation and lack of transparency, as seen in Mumbai’s Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) model.

Way Forward

Holistic Slum Rehabilitation:

• Investing in slum resilience can yield four times the social and economic benefits.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation programs could create an economic impact of USD 1.3 trillion in India.

Legal Framework Strengthening:

• Simplifying land acquisition laws, similar to Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) land pooling policies, can ease redevelopment.

Innovative Financial Models:

• Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), as seen in Mumbai’s SRA model, to attract investment while maintaining social impact.

Community Participation:

• Involving residents in decision-making, as practiced in UN-Habitat’s Participatory Slum Upgrading Program, fosters trust and acceptance.

Sustainable Development Practices:

• Incorporating eco-friendly construction techniques and green spaces, like in Delhi’s Kathputli Colony project, can improve living conditions.

Transparent Governance:

• Strengthening accountability through models like Ahmedabad’s Slum Networking Project (SNP) enhances efficiency and public trust.

Conclusion

Slum rehabilitation requires a multi-faceted approach that combines legal reforms, financial incentives, community engagement, and sustainable urban planning. Maharashtra’s efforts, guided by judicial interventions and innovative policies, can serve as a model for other states tackling slum redevelopment challenges. By ensuring transparency, social inclusion, and sustainable development, India can work towards providing dignified living conditions for all urban residents.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the significance of the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, 1971, in addressing urban housing challenges. What are the key obstacles in slum redevelopment, and how can they be overcome? (150 WORDS)