Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define urban floods and mention the growing frequency of such floods globally and in India. Briefly introduce the factors contributing to urban floods, both natural and human-made. 2. Body A. Natural Causes of Urban Floods: Acknowledge the role of natural ...
Model Answer Introduction Slums are overcrowded urban areas marked by substandard housing, inadequate infrastructure, and poverty. The rapid growth of slums in developing cities is a significant issue, driven by a combination of geographical, economic, and social factors. Key Factors Driving Slum GrRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Slums are overcrowded urban areas marked by substandard housing, inadequate infrastructure, and poverty. The rapid growth of slums in developing cities is a significant issue, driven by a combination of geographical, economic, and social factors.
Key Factors Driving Slum Growth
- Rapid Population Growth: High population growth, particularly due to rural-to-urban migration, leads to overcrowding in cities, forcing the urban poor to settle in slums. For instance, cities like Mumbai (India) and Nairobi (Kenya) have experienced substantial rural-to-urban migration, contributing to the expansion of slums.
- Poor Urban Governance: Rigid, outdated urban planning and the failure of governments to integrate slum dwellers into the planning process contribute significantly to slum proliferation. This results in unregulated development and the growth of informal settlements.
- Lack of Adequate Housing: The shortage of affordable housing for the urban poor is a major driver. Many low-income people cannot afford formal housing, leading them to occupy marginal lands. Orangi Town in Karachi, Pakistan, is a notable example of this challenge.
- Limited Financial Resources: Slum dwellers often lack access to formal financial systems, making it difficult for them to purchase or build better housing. They settle in marginal locations like dumping grounds or flood-prone areas due to their low purchasing power.
- Social Factors: Discrimination, such as caste-based exclusion, forces marginalized communities to live in poor conditions in slums. For example, a significant proportion of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India live in slums.
- Informal Economy and Unemployment: The urban poor often rely on the informal economy, where they are employed in low-wage, insecure jobs. This, in turn, encourages people to live in proximity to informal economic hubs like the Dharavi slum in Mumbai.
Impact of Slums
- Geographical: Slums often occupy hazardous locations prone to natural disasters, like floodplains or unstable slopes, which increases vulnerability. The favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are an example of this risk.
- Economic: Slums are often centers of informal economies, where residents work in street vending or small-scale businesses. While this provides some income, it lacks job security and formal protections, reinforcing poverty. The Bhalswa Slum in Delhi reflects this trend.
- Social: Slums are marked by overcrowding, poor living conditions, and a lack of privacy, leading to health risks and social exclusion. Dharavi, Mumbai, is notorious for its overcrowded conditions, contributing to sanitation and health challenges.
Conclusion
The rapid growth of slums is a complex issue requiring integrated solutions. Governments should focus on inclusive urban planning, provide affordable housing, and improve access to essential services while addressing the socio-economic inequalities that drive slum formation.
See less
Model Answer Introduction Frequent urban floods are increasingly being recognized as a result of human activities, although natural factors like heavy rainfall also play a role. The combination of urbanization, poor water management, climate change, and lack of preparedness has made urban areas partRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Frequent urban floods are increasingly being recognized as a result of human activities, although natural factors like heavy rainfall also play a role. The combination of urbanization, poor water management, climate change, and lack of preparedness has made urban areas particularly vulnerable to flooding.
Human Activities Contributing to Urban Floods
Rapid urban growth and inadequate planning have significantly contributed to frequent flooding.
Inefficient water management practices, including inadequate stormwater drainage systems and waste disposal, further exacerbate flooding.
While climate change is a natural phenomenon, human activities, such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, have intensified its impact, leading to extreme weather conditions.
Inadequate response mechanisms and poor disaster preparedness contribute to the damage caused by floods.
Conclusion
While natural events like heavy rainfall contribute to urban flooding, human actions such as urbanization, poor water management, and climate change have amplified the problem. Implementing green infrastructure, better water management practices, and sustainable urban planning can mitigate these man-made floods in cities.
See less