SLUMS IN INDIA
Slum dwellers in India face severe challenges due to overcrowded living conditions, lack of basic infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and education. According to 2024 Census data, over 65 million people, or around 17% of India’s urban population, live in slums—an increase of more than 50% since 2000. Major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and New Delhi have seen significant slum growth, with Mumbai alone housing about 9 million slum dwellers, Chennai around 1.6 million, Kolkata over 3 million, and New Delhi about 2 million. Slum communities often live in makeshift homes made from plastic, metal, and wood,…