Varied faces of Mumbai slum

While the city takes prides in the mega infrastructures in and around the city; the grim living conditions in which more than half of the city's population resides is often sidelined. From the slum settlements along the coastline to the ones settled along the hillock belt between Ghatkoper-Powai, to the resettled colonies near the dumping ground in Deonar; majority of the population lives with crumbling infrastructure. Infrastructure development with regards to drainage and water supply, access ways- pedestrian and vehicular, private and public toilets, waste management are severely crunched. 

In spite of these odds the well-known "Mumbai spirit "often shines through some of these settlements. Tight knit neighborhoods  feel safe and secure as one walks through the inner passages of some communities. Houses are incrementally built as one invests in building a home over a period of 10-15 years. Well-shaded passages are used as open-space with extended plinths (Katta) for resting. These are mediums for everyday conversations between neighbors and passer-by. Passageways are also used for daily chores like washing clothes and utensils making up for the small 150-300 Sq.Ft of livable space per family. Such shared spaces are thoroughly maintained by house owners who share  sense of belonging and take pride in the community. Youth Groups (Mandals) are formed among the community who take initiatives for the public good organizing cultural events during festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Ambedkar Jayanti, Republic Day etc.  Such sense of collective only comes from a deep understanding of each others struggles and continuous  efforts for peaceful community living.

Amidst this niceness is the appalling reality that each slum house owner struggles with. Basic community hygiene, individual hygiene and ablution need, waste disposal and cleanliness, access and safety are everyday struggles of a common man . The drainage overflowing from each house finds its way to the nearest sewage possible where it remains unchecked. The waste from each household  is disposed off to the nearest unclaimed open space or drain available resulting in regular blockages of the drain.The monsoon dents this infrastructure further. Public toilets built by the government operate with negligible maintenance and fails to serve any need. Street lights remain unlit becoming a safety concern for women and children in the night. 

This is the image one sees from the outside while the story of a community striving to achieve basic rights is hidden behind the messiness.Such faces exists and these need to be observed and read before intervening. A comprehensive mapping process thus helps in identifying these faces and then cater solutions to tackle the development crisis.