How urban planning is improving the quality of life for the urban poor in Dharavi, Mumbai Quality of life is the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group. As part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), which started in 2002, 100,000 people living in slums along roads and railway tracks were resettled in multi-storey apartment blocks.
Housing Provision •Free apartments of 225 square foot each were given to all those who resettled. •With running water and toilets, the new apartments are a huge improvement on makeshift slum housing. The risk of water contamination and disease is reduced, improving people’s quality of life. •Those who resettled gained legal ownership of their new homes once they had lived there for 10 years. This has given them a greater sense of security, improving their wellbeing. Before relocation, 95% did not own their own home.
Access to education •9,500 resettled children have benefitted from 39 new schools and education centres. •Access to education will give them a greater range of skills and improve their employability.
Access to jobs •A women’s group called SANKALP was formed in the resettlement areas, which helped over 1000 women to earn a living by supplying office stationery, selling vegetables, providing catering and housekeeping services. Women’s employability and earnings have improved, leading to a better standard of living and a better quality of life.
Safety and Security •Women’s community police groups have played a key role in rebuilding a sense of community and in resolving conflicts and differences in the resettlement buildings. •A lower risk of violence and crime and a stronger feeling of physical safety will help to improve people’s quality of life.
Access to Healthcare •New health centres were provided in some of the resettlement areas. •Access to healthcare is important for quality of life as it improves people’s health and wellbeing by preventing and treating injuries and disease. This allows people to lead healthy and productive lives.
Downsides Although the project has improved many people’s quality of life, it has not been wholly successful: •Transport costs are higher as many of those relocated now have to commute to find work each day. •Maintenance costs on apartments are payable. Some residents find these difficult to pay. •There was an initial delay in providing enough schools and health centres.