Urbanisation & Informal Settlements

• “Rapid Growth of Urban Areas and the Increase of Informal Settlements

Across the Globe across the globe is a major concern today”
 Introduction
What is Urbanisation ??
Urbanisation is the process of population shift
from rural to urban areas.
It encompasses the growth of urban areas,
including cities and towns, and the accompanying
increase in the urban population.

How Urbanisation Leads to Informal Settlement

• Informal settlements, also known as slums or
shantytowns, are residential areas where housing is
constructed without legal land ownership or proper
infrastructure.

• They often lack basic services such as water,

sanitation, and electricity.

•
 A Glimpse Of the History
Birth of Informal Settlements

1.Economic Shift Post-World War II:

• After World War II, nations shifted their
economies from wartime to civilian production.
• Focus on industrialisation and urban
development increased.
• Rapid urbanisation occurred, leading to
unplanned growth of cities.
• The rise of informal settlements followed, as
people migrated to cities for work and better
living conditions.

2. E ects of Globalisation:
• Globalisation boosted trade and investment
across borders.
• Urban areas became hubs for economic
activities.
• This attracted people from rural areas and
other countries.
• Income inequality increased, with the poorest
often excluded from economic bene ts.
• This led to the formation of informal
settlements on the outskirts of urban areas.
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 Factors Driving Urbanisation

Economic Factors
• Employment Opportunities: Urban areas often offer more
job opportunities, particularly in manufacturing, services,
and the informal sector.
• Higher Wages: Wages in urban areas are often higher than
in rural areas, attracting rural migrants in search of better
economic prospects.
• Access to Markets: Urban areas provide access to larger
consumer markets, which can facilitate trade and
entrepreneurship.

Environmental Factors:
• Natural Disasters: People living in rural areas prone to natural
disasters such as floods, droughts, or earthquakes may migrate to
urban areas for safety and security.
• Climate Change: The impact of climate change, such as rising sea
levels or extreme weather events, can force people to relocate to
urban areas.
• Environmental Degradation: Degradation of natural resources in
rural areas, such as deforestation or soil erosion, can make rural
livelihoods unsustainable, driving migration to urban areas.
 Political Factors
• Conflict and Instability: Political conflict or instability in
rural areas can force people to flee to urban areas for safety.
• Government Policies: Government policies can influence
migration patterns by promoting urban development or
providing incentives for rural-urban migration.
• Land Ownership: In some cases, land ownership issues or
land redistribution policies can lead to the formation of
informal settlements in urban areas.

Social Factors:
• Access to Education: Urban areas often have better
educational facilities, including schools and universities,
attracting people seeking education and training opportunities.
• Access to Healthcare: Healthcare facilities are usually more
advanced in urban areas, providing better access to medical
care and services.
• Social Services: Urban areas offer a wider range of social
services, such as childcare, elderly care, and social welfare
programs.
 Why This is a Major Concern ??

1.Housing Crisis:
The rapid growth of urban areas has led to a
housing crisis in many cities, with a shortage of
affordable housing options. This has forced many
people to live in informal settlements,
exacerbating the challenges faced by these
communities.

2. Environmental Impact:
Rapid urbanisation can lead to environmental
degradation, including deforestation, air and water
pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The
unsustainable consumption of natural resources in
urban areas contributes to climate change,
exacerbating its effects on vulnerable populations.
 3. Economic Strain:
The strain on public services and infrastructure in
urban areas can have negative economic
consequences. Informal settlements often lack
access to basic services such as water, electricity,
and transportation, which can hinder economic
development and productivity.

4. Health Risks
Inadequate housing, sanitation, and healthcare in
informal settlements pose significant health risks to
residents. These settlements are often overcrowded
and lack proper sanitation facilities, which can lead
to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea,
and respiratory infections.
Strategies for Sustainable and Equitable Urban Development

• 1. Access to Basic Services and Social Services:

• Ensure everyone has access to essential
services.
• Invest in social programs that support
vulnerable populations.

• 2. Economic Development and Livelihood

Opportunities:
• Create job opportunities and support
income-generating activities.
• Provide training and support for skill
development.
• 3. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development:
• Develop and implement sustainable urban development
plans.
• Invest in infrastructure for basic services like clean
water and electricity.

• 4. Affordable Housing:
• Implement policies to provide affordable housing
options.
• Encourage the development of affordable
housing through partnerships.

• 5. Policy and Governance:

• Develop inclusive policies that address the needs
of all residents.
• Promote transparency and accountability in
governance.

• 6. International Cooperation and Support:

• Collaborate with international organizations and
other countries.
• Share successful strategies and learnings from
around the world.
 Case Study 1: Dharavi in Mumbai, INDIA

Introduction
Dharavi, located in Mumbai, India, is one of
the largest informal settlements in the world.
Dharavi is home to an estimated 9,00,000 to
1.2 million people in just over 2.39 square
kilometres, making it one of the most densely
populated areas globally. Its population
density is estimated to be around 2,90,000
people per square kilometre.

Informal Settlement
Dharavi is characterised by the presence of
informal settlements, commonly referred to as
slums. The majority of the population lives in
houses constructed of tin, plastic, and
cardboard. Lacking proper sanitation and
access to clean water, and many residents live
in poverty.
 Challenges Faced:
1. Healthcare: Healthcare facilities and services are
limited, leading to health issues and outbreaks of
diseases.
2. Social Stigma: Residents often face social stigma
and discrimination due to their living conditions.
3. Environmental Degradation: The area faces
environmental challenges, including pollution and
inadequate waste management.
4. Economic Vulnerability: Many residents work in
the informal sector, leading to unstable incomes
and vulnerability to economic shocks.
5. Education: Access to quality education is limited,
with inadequate schools and resources for
children in the area.
 Initiatives and Solutions:
1. Slum Redevelopment Project The Maharashtra
government has initiated the Dharavi
Redevelopment Project, aims to provide residents
with better housing, access to basic services, and
improved infrastructure.
2. Community Participation: Several organisations
and NGOs are working in Dharavi to empower
residents, infrastructure projects, skill development
programs, and healthcare services are making a
positive impact on the lives of residents.
3. Economic Empowerment: Efforts are being made
to promote economic empowerment like Initiatives
such as micro-finance programs, vocational
training, and small business development.
4. Infrastructure Development: The Dharavi
Redevelopment Project includes plans for the
development of infrastructure such as roads, water
supply, sanitation, and healthcare facilities.
 Case Study 2: Favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Introduction
Rio de Janeiro is a large city of 13.5 million people
situated on the southeast coast of Brazil in South
America. It is a major trading port, with important
oil refining and ship-building industries. Rio is
internationally important as a tourist destination.

Informal Settlements (Favelas)

Rio de Janeiro is home to over 1,000 favelas, where
an estimated 1.5 million people live. Favelas are
characterised by their informal housing, lack of
basic services such as water and sanitation, and high
levels of poverty.
 Social and Economic Challenges:
Residents of favelas face numerous challenges,
including inadequate housing, limited access to
basic services, and high levels of crime and
violence. The informal nature of favelas makes
them vulnerable to eviction and displacement.

Sustainable strategies taken by the Brazil

• Invested in public transport with BRT corridors, serving 3.5

million passengers daily across 168km.

• Implemented the Schools of Tomorrow program in 155

schools, enhancing education quality, reducing drop-out rates, and
boosting student performance.

• Established the Young Friends of the Environment (JAMA)

program, training 14-year-olds as environmental monitors to
promote waste management and recycling. Supported by a large-
scale anaerobic digestion facility, processing up to 35 tons of
organic waste daily.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

IN GENERAL
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
https://chat.openai.com/
https://images.google.com/
https://journals.openedition.org/cidades/6633
https://www.zurich.com/en/knowledge/topics/global-risks/the-risks-of-rapid-urbanization-in-developing-countries

FOR CASE STUDY OF DHARAVI IN MUMBAI, INDIA

https://sdinet.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ReDharavi1.pdf
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/ppsijc-musings/dharavi-the-new-hub-of-minting-money-50956/

FOR CASE STUDY OF FAVELAS IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

https://tocaevents.com/the-transformation-of-rios-favelas/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zw6pwxs/revision/5
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/geography/challenges-in-the-human-environment/rio-de-janeiro-case-study/
THANK YOU

Presented By-
VAIBHAV SINGH SACHAN (20222057)
SHIVANSH SINGH (20220049)
SHANIYA MULLA (20222047)