Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Context: Introduce the issue of air pollution in India, highlighting the significance of Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata as mega cities. Thesis Statement: Mention that Delhi faces a more severe air pollution problem than the other two cities. Body 1. Geographical ...
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- Poor Urban Governance: Rigid, outdated urban planning and the failure of governments to integrate slum dwellers into the planning process contribute significantly to slum proliferation.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.
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Model Answer Introduction Delhi has been consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2022, it was listed as the 4th most polluted city globally, according to IQ Air’s World Air Quality Report. Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the environment by any chemicaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Delhi has been consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2022, it was listed as the 4th most polluted city globally, according to IQ Air’s World Air Quality Report. Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent, and it poses severe health risks.
Reasons for Severe Pollution in Delhi
Geographical Location
Delhi’s geographical positioning plays a crucial role in its air quality issues. Unlike Mumbai and Kolkata, which are coastal cities with natural water bodies that help disperse air pollutants, Delhi is landlocked. This absence of natural outlets exacerbates the accumulation of pollutants, making it more susceptible to high pollution levels. According to a study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), this geographic isolation leads to a stagnation of air masses, trapping pollutants over the city (CPCB, 2020).
Vehicular Traffic
Delhi faces severe traffic congestion, primarily due to a much higher number of private vehicles compared to Mumbai and Kolkata. As reported by the Delhi Transport Department, the city has approximately 10 million registered vehicles, leading to increased emissions from transportation sources. The outdated public transportation infrastructure further complicates this issue, promoting reliance on personal vehicles (Delhi Transport Department, 2021).
Industrialization
The industrial landscape in Delhi is characterized by a significant number of small-scale industries that rely on fossil fuels, contributing heavily to air pollution. In contrast, industries in Mumbai and Kolkata are often located outside urban areas, reducing their direct impact on air quality (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2022).
Agricultural Residue Burning
Another critical factor is the practice of agricultural residue burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. Stubble burning significantly contributes to Delhi’s pollution levels, especially during the winter months, when weather conditions trap smoke and particulate matter (Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 2021).
Conclusion
While Mumbai and Kolkata also grapple with air pollution, Delhi’s challenges are intensified by its geography, traffic congestion, industrial activity, and agricultural practices. Addressing these multifaceted issues will require comprehensive strategies that integrate both immediate and long-term solutions to improve air quality and safeguard public health.
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