SLUMS IN DELHI

New Delhi is all about the glitz and the glamour─ what with the fast-emerging metro networks, malls, multiplexes, restaurants and brands however the underbelly shows the other side too where a large number of people live in inhuman conditions and are seen fighting for survival. We discuss such habitats in and around Delhi.

Madanpur Khadar-

Located about a kilometre away from the Sarita Vihar Metro Station, Madanpur Khadar is a resettlement colony on the outskirts of Delhi. It was selected by the govt as the site to relocate large groups of slum-dwellers from different parts of the city back then in the year 2000. The majority of residents found here are rag-pickers. On entering this area, the scenery you will come across, is dominated by mud and brick houses, narrow streets, trash/second-hand material selling markets and a sewer line running through the slum. While the slum-dwellers here suffer from the lack of safe drinking water and sanitation problems, care has been taken in some departments, as many NGOs for Women Welfare or HIV affected have opened in the area.

Sangam Vihar-

Sangam Vihar is a slum colony and is known to be one of the biggest ones in India. It has no water supply in many of its areas and the people here struggle day & night for the basic amenities of life.

Paharganj Slums-

Paharganj Street, located in the vicinity of the New Delhi Railway Station, other than being a backpacker’s zone houses a large slum community. It is one of the more developed slums of Delhi due to revenue flowing in from cheap guesthouses for train passengers deboarding at the Paharganj side of the New Delhi Railway Station. Most of the dwellers here do menial jobs or are pickpockets. It is largely an Old Delhi-style settlement, with narrow streets and 2-3 floor buildings and shops. On entering, you will see the lanes are mostly untidy and extremely crowded and buzzing with activity with streets surrounded by small brick houses on both sides. Women can be seeing washing dishes and clothes, sewing garments or simply chit-chatting away to glory.

Kathputli Colony-

It is one of the most remarkable slums located near Shadipur Depot, Patel Nagar which is in the process of being relocated. The dwellers here are magicians, puppeteers, acrobats, dancers and other artists who have been living in this area for hundreds of years. This slum area is all about narrow mud roads, colourful houses and streets overflowing with performers. The Indian Government deemed the community's greatest puppeteers and magicians around the world any time they need to showcase the cultural excellence of India.

Kusumpur Pahari-

The largest slum in New Delhi and housing around more than 10,000 slums, Kusumpur Pahari is home mostly to poor migrants from UP, Bihar, Orissa and Assam etc. Located in Vasant Vihar, one of the most posh areas in Delhi, this slum gives a tough contrast to the area’s posh bungalows. The majority of this slum has servants, drivers, gardeners, sweepers who work for the wealthy people living in Vasant Vihar.