Slum Areas See a 17-Year Shift in Mumbai's Urban Fabric

A recent study highlights a gradual reduction in slum-covered land in Mumbai’s peninsular region, dropping by 8.6% over 17 years. From 47.7 sq km in 2005, the slum area declined to 43.6 sq km in 2022, revealing a dynamic transformation in one of India’s most densely populated cities.

Key Insights at a Glance:

• Total Land Area in Mumbai: 600 sq km
• Slum Land Reduction (2005-2022): From 47.7 sq km to 43.6 sq km (-8.6%)
• Mainland Slum Growth: Increased by nearly 35%, from 12 sq km to 16.1 sq km
• Density Shifts: Low-density slums doubled between 2005 and 2010; high-density areas increased post-2010
• Reduction Near Infrastructure: Slum areas within 100 meters of waterbodies dropped by 7%, and those near railway lines decreased by 11.5%

Dynamic Expansion and Contraction of Slum Regions

The study reveals a nuanced picture where slums across the Mumbai metropolitan region experienced both growth and shrinkage. While certain settlements shrank by a combined 10.2 sq km, others expanded by 6.1 sq km, suggesting that redevelopment projects and densification efforts have played a critical role in reshaping these areas.

The Influence of Redevelopment and Infrastructure Projects

Redevelopment projects and infrastructure expansion, including highways and railway networks, have impacted the city’s slum areas. As infrastructure projects progressed, slum clusters near water bodies and railways witnessed a decline, with some areas vanishing entirely due to clearance initiatives by city authorities.

The Growth of Mainland Slums

Contrary to the reduction seen in peninsular Mumbai, mainland regions such as Navi Mumbai, Mumbra, and Bhiwandi saw significant slum expansion, increasing by nearly 35% over the same period. This trend indicates a shift in informal settlement growth towards the outskirts of the metropolitan area, possibly due to urban sprawl and increasing employment hubs outside the city’s core.

Changing Density: Vertical Expansion of Slums

Density within slum areas has also transformed, with high-density areas (less than 10 meters between structures) becoming more common after 2010. In contrast, lower-density slums initially expanded but later stabilized. This vertical expansion supports observations that slums have grown more in height than width, reflecting a shift towards denser urban landscapes.

Slums as Integral to Urban Dynamics

The study challenges the notion of slums as uncontrolled growth zones, instead presenting them as active components of the city’s evolving landscape. Slums continue to undergo cycles of deconstruction and reconstruction, adapting to the pressures of urban development and infrastructure changes.

Methodology and Limitations of the Study

Researchers utilized high-resolution satellite imagery and data analysis to capture changes in slum land use. While comprehensive, the study acknowledges limitations, noting that some slum classifications may overlap with fishing villages. Ground-level studies would further clarify these findings and provide insight into local changes within informal settlements.

Broader Context: A Global Perspective on Informal Settlements

Part of a larger global project, this study aligns Mumbai’s urban dynamics with those of other cities such as Nairobi and Sao Paulo, helping urban planners map out infrastructure needs. As major Indian cities reach capacity, understanding slum dynamics aids in planning for sustainable urban growth and resource allocation.