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04/19/23
Lesson learnt from the Slum up-gradation under JnNURM Scheme
Empirical evidences in Surat city of Western India
Arjun Patel,
Centre for Social Studies, Surat, Gujarat, India.
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Abstract
• Based on few case studies ,the SMC documents and relevant secondary study materials on Slums of Surat city, the present paper tries to evaluate the Slum re-development program in Surat and tries raise some of the issues for discussion.
• Surat, a historical city in Western India, emerging as one of the fastest growing cities of Asia, particularly in the wake of new economic reforms in post 1990s has experiences many urbanization and environmental problems.
• Surat city is selected as a `model city' under a climate adaptation strategy and under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) Program.
• Project proposal sanctioned under the JnNURM title includes Slum up-grading or making the slum as pucca residential unit.
• The study observed the kind of displacement and resettlement process are going on and how it has resulted in marginalization of the urban poor.
• The Slum dwellers felt that the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has `cheated’ them by pushing them out at the distance places in the name of development or under the excuse of reviving the city heritage.
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I
Introduction
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Structure of the Paper • I Introduction• II Industrialization, Population Growth and
Housing question in Surat city• III CDP, Slum up-gradation Program under
JnNURM• IV Characteristics of Slums and Slums dwellers• V Demolition, Protests, violation of Human
Rights• VI Marginalization of Slum dwellers• VII Concluding Remarks• VIII Issues for Discussion
• I Introduction• II Industrialization, Population Growth and
Housing question in Surat city• III CDP, Slum up-gradation Program under
JnNURM• IV Characteristics of Slums and Slums dwellers• V Demolition, Protests, violation of Human
Rights• VI Marginalization of Slum dwellers• VII Concluding Remarks• VIII Issues for Discussion
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Rationale of the Study• More than ten million of urban poor have been reshuffled under the
slum up-gradation project in India just by adopting guide line based on State Regulations (SRs), which has no legal binding to the authority and were evolved just for facilitating the administrative procedure, .
• Due to the policy laps, as described in the text lot many risks the poor people living in the Slums have faced.
• In absence of this the affected population came on road often to solve this problem but it has not yield fruitful result.
• Social Scientists have yet to engage with this problem which has larger ramification on the life of millions of the urban poor.
• In this context, the author has carried out the pilot study to understand the nature of Slum redevelopment program in Surat, Gujarat, India, where Slum re-development program has been going on war footing.
• More than ten million of urban poor have been reshuffled under the slum up-gradation project in India just by adopting guide line based on State Regulations (SRs), which has no legal binding to the authority and were evolved just for facilitating the administrative procedure, .
• Due to the policy laps, as described in the text lot many risks the poor people living in the Slums have faced.
• In absence of this the affected population came on road often to solve this problem but it has not yield fruitful result.
• Social Scientists have yet to engage with this problem which has larger ramification on the life of millions of the urban poor.
• In this context, the author has carried out the pilot study to understand the nature of Slum redevelopment program in Surat, Gujarat, India, where Slum re-development program has been going on war footing. 5
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Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study were to
• To explore the kind of Slum evacuation and resettlement process that has been going in Surat;
• To identify the livelihood problems encountered by the affected people during the process;
• To analyze the factors responsible for weakening the ideas of the program;
• To raise some issues for discussions based on the study.
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Methodology of the study
• Based on broad talking points the Case studies and FGD were attempted to look in the context some of the guiding principles enunciated in the policy statement, such as :
• -adopting a humane approach towards urban poor,
• - incorporating social justice and gender equity,
• -ensure community participation and • -creating enabling conditions for the poor.
• Based on broad talking points the Case studies and FGD were attempted to look in the context some of the guiding principles enunciated in the policy statement, such as :
• -adopting a humane approach towards urban poor,
• - incorporating social justice and gender equity,
• -ensure community participation and • -creating enabling conditions for the poor.
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Instruments of data collection
The study used both primary and secondary sources of data collection.
• In all, total 21 Case studies of the Slum dwellers were held.
• Through the help of talking points, 10 FGD were conducted wherein, total 100 people took part.
• Interviewed few SMC officials.
• Two types of talking points were prepared; related to Slum locality- (old as well as relocation site) and related to the respondents.
• Along with the socio-economic background of the respondents they were asked opinion about the JnNURM scheme, their experiences of displacement and resettlement.
• The secondary information were collected though the used the records/ documents of the SMC, Newspaper clippings,Petition filed in the Court., the memorandums / applications submitted by the Slum dwellers.
The study used both primary and secondary sources of data collection.
• In all, total 21 Case studies of the Slum dwellers were held.
• Through the help of talking points, 10 FGD were conducted wherein, total 100 people took part.
• Interviewed few SMC officials.
• Two types of talking points were prepared; related to Slum locality- (old as well as relocation site) and related to the respondents.
• Along with the socio-economic background of the respondents they were asked opinion about the JnNURM scheme, their experiences of displacement and resettlement.
• The secondary information were collected though the used the records/ documents of the SMC, Newspaper clippings,Petition filed in the Court., the memorandums / applications submitted by the Slum dwellers.
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II
• Industrialization, Population Growth and Housing question in Surat city
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2.1. Industrialization and Urbanization in Surat
• In the wake of new economic reforms third world countries have adopted industrial path of development and gave impetus to the process of industrialization for which it has liberalized their developmental policies for attracting the national and international capital.
• As per the Industrial Entrepreneur Memoranda (IEMs) filed, the total investments during 1981-1988 and between 1988-97 were INR 33,251 Crores (USD 7.92 billion) and INR 35,975 Crores (USD 8.57 billion) in Surat and its adjoin areas.
• In the wake of new economic reforms third world countries have adopted industrial path of development and gave impetus to the process of industrialization for which it has liberalized their developmental policies for attracting the national and international capital.
• As per the Industrial Entrepreneur Memoranda (IEMs) filed, the total investments during 1981-1988 and between 1988-97 were INR 33,251 Crores (USD 7.92 billion) and INR 35,975 Crores (USD 8.57 billion) in Surat and its adjoin areas.
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Large /Medium Scale Industrialization took place in and around Surat in the wake of post liberalization era
The SEZs (9)• Industrial Estates SURSEZ Valod
Surat,• Apparel SEZ Khatodara, • Gems & Jewelry SEZ Bardoli, • Essar Hazira SEZ ,• Gaviyar-Magdalla Essar Power SEZ, • Olpad Hazira(GSPCL) • Katargam Surat ,• Ichhapor Bhatpor (IOC) • Apparel park and Hazira Doshwada
have came up.
Industrial parks (7)• Pandesara Industrial Parks / • Developers Hazira (Reliance)• M/s Gujarat Eco Textile Park Ltd.
Surat. • SachinM/S Fairdeal Textile Park Ltd,
Surat • Ichhapor BhatporM/s Shri
Laxminarayan Industrial Cooperative • Sachin (DGDCL)Service Ltd, Surat • M/S Surat Super Yarn Park Ltd. Surat.
The SEZs (9)• Industrial Estates SURSEZ Valod
Surat,• Apparel SEZ Khatodara, • Gems & Jewelry SEZ Bardoli, • Essar Hazira SEZ ,• Gaviyar-Magdalla Essar Power SEZ, • Olpad Hazira(GSPCL) • Katargam Surat ,• Ichhapor Bhatpor (IOC) • Apparel park and Hazira Doshwada
have came up.
Industrial parks (7)• Pandesara Industrial Parks / • Developers Hazira (Reliance)• M/s Gujarat Eco Textile Park Ltd.
Surat. • SachinM/S Fairdeal Textile Park Ltd,
Surat • Ichhapor BhatporM/s Shri
Laxminarayan Industrial Cooperative • Sachin (DGDCL)Service Ltd, Surat • M/S Surat Super Yarn Park Ltd. Surat.
• There are over 41,300 small scale industries (SSI) functioning in Surat district.
• Most of the small scale industries are located at talukas such as Choryasi (Western Surat), Mangrol (Northern Surat), Olpad (Northern Surat), Mandvi (Central Surat) and Palsana (Southern Surat). Source: Surat District Profile 2006-07.
• More than 20 large and medium sized industries are located in Hazira village, including Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Cairn Energy, Essar Power, Hindustan Petroleum and Larsen & Toubro, Reliance, NTPC among others.
• In 2004, Shell established an LNG Terminal at Hazira.
• In a recent development, Hazira Port Pvt. Ltd and PSA Ltd, Singapore has signed a Heads of Agreement for development of a Container Terminal at Surat City Hazira Port.
• A steel plant established by Essar Steel Ltd. in Hazira port is the Hazira largest steel manufacturing facility on the western coast of India. ( Source: The Ports of Gujarat, Gujarat Maritime Board ,2005-06 33 ).
• There are over 41,300 small scale industries (SSI) functioning in Surat district.
• Most of the small scale industries are located at talukas such as Choryasi (Western Surat), Mangrol (Northern Surat), Olpad (Northern Surat), Mandvi (Central Surat) and Palsana (Southern Surat). Source: Surat District Profile 2006-07.
• More than 20 large and medium sized industries are located in Hazira village, including Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Cairn Energy, Essar Power, Hindustan Petroleum and Larsen & Toubro, Reliance, NTPC among others.
• In 2004, Shell established an LNG Terminal at Hazira.
• In a recent development, Hazira Port Pvt. Ltd and PSA Ltd, Singapore has signed a Heads of Agreement for development of a Container Terminal at Surat City Hazira Port.
• A steel plant established by Essar Steel Ltd. in Hazira port is the Hazira largest steel manufacturing facility on the western coast of India. ( Source: The Ports of Gujarat, Gujarat Maritime Board ,2005-06 33 ).
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Large /Medium Scale Industrialization in and around Surat
• Essar Power• Hazira Naphtha • Indian Oil Corp. Limited • Choryasi Motor Spirit,• Naphtha, Diesel Indian Oil Corp. Limited Bhatpor • LPG• Krishak Bharti Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO) • Hazira Ammonia, • NGL • Larsen & Tubro Hazira • LPG Equipment,• Liquid Oxygen • National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Kawas, • Hazira Chlorine, • Naphtha Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Bhatpor• LPG, • Propine, • ARN/NGL,• Ethol Marcaptan• Reliance Industries Limited Bhatpor
• Essar Power• Hazira Naphtha • Indian Oil Corp. Limited • Choryasi Motor Spirit,• Naphtha, Diesel Indian Oil Corp. Limited Bhatpor • LPG• Krishak Bharti Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO) • Hazira Ammonia, • NGL • Larsen & Tubro Hazira • LPG Equipment,• Liquid Oxygen • National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Kawas, • Hazira Chlorine, • Naphtha Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Bhatpor• LPG, • Propine, • ARN/NGL,• Ethol Marcaptan• Reliance Industries Limited Bhatpor
• Benzine, LPG, Naphtha, Chlorine, EDC, EO, Ethylene Hindustan Petrochemical Corporation Limited (HPCL) Choryasi
• MS, HSP, Naphtha, SKO Indo Burma Petroleum Limited Choryasi
• SKO, High Speed Diesel, Motor Spirit • Essar Steel Hazira Liquid Oxygen, Aargon, • Ichhapore Essar Power & Steel Suvali Indian Oil
Corp. Ltd.• KRIBHCO • Larsen & Tubro Bhatpor Magdalla• NTPC • Port Hazira• ONGC Reliance Industries • Choryasi Palsana HPCL Indo Burma Petroleum
Ltd. • Garden Vareli • Gujarat Hira House • Cairn Energy • British Gas • ABG Shipyard• Ambuja Cement • Welspun
(Source: Surat District Profile 2006-07).
• Benzine, LPG, Naphtha, Chlorine, EDC, EO, Ethylene Hindustan Petrochemical Corporation Limited (HPCL) Choryasi
• MS, HSP, Naphtha, SKO Indo Burma Petroleum Limited Choryasi
• SKO, High Speed Diesel, Motor Spirit • Essar Steel Hazira Liquid Oxygen, Aargon, • Ichhapore Essar Power & Steel Suvali Indian Oil
Corp. Ltd.• KRIBHCO • Larsen & Tubro Bhatpor Magdalla• NTPC • Port Hazira• ONGC Reliance Industries • Choryasi Palsana HPCL Indo Burma Petroleum
Ltd. • Garden Vareli • Gujarat Hira House • Cairn Energy • British Gas • ABG Shipyard• Ambuja Cement • Welspun
(Source: Surat District Profile 2006-07).04/19/23 12
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2. Surat city, Population Growth and Housing Question
• During 1991-01, the Surat city experienced an exceptionally high decadal population growth rate of 85.09 percent.
• During 1991-01, the Surat city experienced an exceptionally high decadal population growth rate of 85.09 percent.
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Table 1. Population and Area Growth in Surat City Particulars 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2006 2009
Surat Municipal AreaArea (sq. km) 8.18 33.85 55.56 111.16 112.17 326.51 326.51
Population 288026 471656 776583 14988817 2811464 3440838* 3884599*
Decadal Growth Rate (%)
29.05 63.75 64.65 93 85.09 NA NA
Population Density (in sp. Km.)
35211 13934 13977 13489 21677 11691 13853
Sex Ratio 915 887 857 839 774 NA NA
Surat Urban Agglomeration
Population _ 493001 913806 1518950 2811464 4055288 4776016
Decadal Growth Rate (in %)
- - 85.36 66.22 85.09 NA NA
Source: City Development Plan (Revised), SMC/SUDA, 2008, 2013. p.16.
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Table 2. Decadal Growth Rate of Major cities of Gujarat during 1990-2001
City Population Decadal Growth Rate in percentages
Ahmadabad 4527198 36.44
Surat 2811464 85.09
Vadodara 1492398 32.44
Rajkot 1002160 53.12
Source: City Development Plan (Revised), SMC/SUDA, 2008-2013.
April 19, 2023
Immigration to Surat• Rapid inflow of population is continuing. • Industrialization and urbanization has led to influx
of thousands of people to immigrate in Surat for search of employment.
• Surat is a dominant player in the textile sector.• At present, there are about 6 lacks power looms,
450 Process houses, 100 and above textile markets, 50000 and more embroidery machines in the city region and the sector provides total employment of over 1.2 millions people.
• In 2006 there were about 1 million migrant workers working in the textile sectors, of course the numbers have slightly decrease thereafter (Table: 3).
• Rapid inflow of population is continuing. • Industrialization and urbanization has led to influx
of thousands of people to immigrate in Surat for search of employment.
• Surat is a dominant player in the textile sector.• At present, there are about 6 lacks power looms,
450 Process houses, 100 and above textile markets, 50000 and more embroidery machines in the city region and the sector provides total employment of over 1.2 millions people.
• In 2006 there were about 1 million migrant workers working in the textile sectors, of course the numbers have slightly decrease thereafter (Table: 3).
April 19, 2023
Table 3. Migrant Workers in the textile sector
of Surat
Unit Before 2006
2007 2008 2009
Power loom 750000 675000 645000 540000
Processing 150000 134000 115000 100000
Texturising 50000 44000 35000 32000
Embroidery 100000 98000 89000 80000
Workforce 1050000 951000 884000 752000
Source: Federation of Indian Art Silk Weaving Industry, 2009
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Physical Expansion of Surat City • Surat is expanding in both the ways -
horizontally as well as vertically. • To cater rapid urbanization in peripheral
areas, Surat city area expanded about six times from 55.56 sq km to 326 sq km. during the period of 1981 to 2009.
• Since the 90’s the city has been growing rapidly on the eastern, southern and south western sides wherein large chunks of residential localities were developed under the SUDA area.
• Surat is expanding in both the ways - horizontally as well as vertically.
• To cater rapid urbanization in peripheral areas, Surat city area expanded about six times from 55.56 sq km to 326 sq km. during the period of 1981 to 2009.
• Since the 90’s the city has been growing rapidly on the eastern, southern and south western sides wherein large chunks of residential localities were developed under the SUDA area.
April 19, 2023
Unprecedented growth of Surat has posed numbers of other Problems to Surat city
The Population density has created a pressure on the existing infrastructure of the city.
It has created the problems related to:
• Drinking water
• Drainage
• Water logging
• Transport
• Traffic
• Environment degradation
• Pollution
• Health
• Hygiene
• Unauthorized construction
• Climate related issues have emerged.
• Patterns of Rain, temperature, etc have changed.
• Flood becomes frequent phenomenon in Surat.
The Population density has created a pressure on the existing infrastructure of the city.
It has created the problems related to:
• Drinking water
• Drainage
• Water logging
• Transport
• Traffic
• Environment degradation
• Pollution
• Health
• Hygiene
• Unauthorized construction
• Climate related issues have emerged.
• Patterns of Rain, temperature, etc have changed.
• Flood becomes frequent phenomenon in Surat.
• Shortage of potable drinking water• Frequent overflow of the shock pits • Breeding ground for Mosquitoes• Slum People generally go in open place for
defecation• Heaps of Garbage found at many places• Pigs/ cattle found wondering here and
there• Stagnation of rain water• Congestion of traffics• Parking question• Proliferation of Slums• Unhygienic living condition• Shortage of footpaths• Shortage of traffic islands• Shortage of recreational amenities• Shortage of accessibility of drinking water• Shortage of Amusement park, etc.
• Shortage of potable drinking water• Frequent overflow of the shock pits • Breeding ground for Mosquitoes• Slum People generally go in open place for
defecation• Heaps of Garbage found at many places• Pigs/ cattle found wondering here and
there• Stagnation of rain water• Congestion of traffics• Parking question• Proliferation of Slums• Unhygienic living condition• Shortage of footpaths• Shortage of traffic islands• Shortage of recreational amenities• Shortage of accessibility of drinking water• Shortage of Amusement park, etc.
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Housing Problem of Urban Poor in Surat
• In post 1990s, illegal or unauthorized construction activities going on large scale in Surat.
• The Population density has created a pressure on the existing infrastructure of the city. (Table: 5)
• E.g. there was saying in the vernacular languages that: `Suratma Rotalo Male Pan Otalo na Male’ (you will get the employment in Surat but not the resident).
• Total 15.03 million houses needed for fulfilling the current housing backlog and the future housing requirements for the increasing population by the year 2022.
• In post 1990s, illegal or unauthorized construction activities going on large scale in Surat.
• The Population density has created a pressure on the existing infrastructure of the city. (Table: 5)
• E.g. there was saying in the vernacular languages that: `Suratma Rotalo Male Pan Otalo na Male’ (you will get the employment in Surat but not the resident).
• Total 15.03 million houses needed for fulfilling the current housing backlog and the future housing requirements for the increasing population by the year 2022.
April 19, 2023
Reasons for aggravation of Housing Problem of Urban Poor in Surat
• The housing problem gets aggravated due to:(1) Non-functioning of the Gujarat Housing Board (GHB) which has not built a single house between the years 2005 to 2012. Not only that the staff of GHB was deputed to the other departments.
• 2) Acceleration of land and house prices from 2005 onwards.
• (3) Private builders have neglected to build house/flat for the lower and medium income category people.
• The table below shows the total shortfall in the number of housing units for the total population in Surat city in coming years:
• The housing problem gets aggravated due to:(1) Non-functioning of the Gujarat Housing Board (GHB) which has not built a single house between the years 2005 to 2012. Not only that the staff of GHB was deputed to the other departments.
• 2) Acceleration of land and house prices from 2005 onwards.
• (3) Private builders have neglected to build house/flat for the lower and medium income category people.
• The table below shows the total shortfall in the number of housing units for the total population in Surat city in coming years:
April 19, 2023
Table 6. Projected Housing Shortfall in Surat City
Particulars
1991 2001 2009 2012 2017 2022
Population 1,499,560 2,876,374 3,884,599 4,363,913 5,210,969 6,196,870
Total No. Of houses
681,750 752,441 814,236 838,696 881,106 925,661
Total Houses - Residential Use
436,744 477,508 512,842 526,756 550,791 575,922
Total Vacant Houses
99,267 117,236 133,926 140,781 152,993 166,264
Housing Requirement
299,912 575,275 776,920 872,783 1,042,194 1,239,374
Surplus 136,832
Shortfall 97,767 264,078 346,026 491,403 663,452
Source: City Development Plan (Revised), SMC/SUDA, 2008-2013.
April 19, 2023
Problem of Density and climate related issues
• Unauthorized or illegal constructions found in all parts of the Surat city.
• The density of Slum population is extremely congested, which is 20,000 persons per square kilometers.
• Due to above characteristics the health condition is quite vulnerable, it invites all kinds of diseases.
• All these have created a mess in the city.• Climate related issues have emerged. It has changed the
patterns of rain, temperature, etc. Flood becomes frequent phenomenon. Shortage of potable drinking water, frequent overflow of the shock pits, provided breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
• Unauthorized or illegal constructions found in all parts of the Surat city.
• The density of Slum population is extremely congested, which is 20,000 persons per square kilometers.
• Due to above characteristics the health condition is quite vulnerable, it invites all kinds of diseases.
• All these have created a mess in the city.• Climate related issues have emerged. It has changed the
patterns of rain, temperature, etc. Flood becomes frequent phenomenon. Shortage of potable drinking water, frequent overflow of the shock pits, provided breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
April 19, 2023
III
• CDP, Slum up-gradation Program under JnNURM
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3. Surat after Pneumonic Plague
• Pneumonic Plague broke out in Surat in 1994. It had paralyzed the city for days together.
• Surat got `bad’ name worldwide due to this incident. It has disclosed the limitation of the city administration.
• Plague had created panic situation for days together.
• Even the doctors have run away to save their life from the Plague.
• Of course, the city administration had not accepted the defeat and decided to convert adversity into advantages.
• Pneumonic Plague broke out in Surat in 1994. It had paralyzed the city for days together.
• Surat got `bad’ name worldwide due to this incident. It has disclosed the limitation of the city administration.
• Plague had created panic situation for days together.
• Even the doctors have run away to save their life from the Plague.
• Of course, the city administration had not accepted the defeat and decided to convert adversity into advantages.
April 19, 2023
3.1 CDP, Slum Up-gradation Programme under JnNURM
• After the incident of Pneumonic Plague many changes took place, but three points needs to be understood:
• Initiative efforts taken by enthusiastic SMC Commissioner Mr. Rao. To demolish the illegal encroachment, regular door to door check up of potable drinking water, started regular spray of the smokes to check the mosquitoes, sending the health worker to collect door to door blood samples, etc.
• The SMC, Surat has prepared an elaborated Corporate City Plan (CCP) in 1999, and drew up the vision 2020 for making Surat 'Global City-Global Standards' in 2004. Series of city consultations were done in the year 1998 and subsequently in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
• Meanwhile the Central government announced the JnNURM scheme in the year 2005 to give new look to the Indian large and medium size cities, the Surat city in its CCP extensively introduce this Program.
• After the incident of Pneumonic Plague many changes took place, but three points needs to be understood:
• Initiative efforts taken by enthusiastic SMC Commissioner Mr. Rao. To demolish the illegal encroachment, regular door to door check up of potable drinking water, started regular spray of the smokes to check the mosquitoes, sending the health worker to collect door to door blood samples, etc.
• The SMC, Surat has prepared an elaborated Corporate City Plan (CCP) in 1999, and drew up the vision 2020 for making Surat 'Global City-Global Standards' in 2004. Series of city consultations were done in the year 1998 and subsequently in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
• Meanwhile the Central government announced the JnNURM scheme in the year 2005 to give new look to the Indian large and medium size cities, the Surat city in its CCP extensively introduce this Program.
April 19, 2023
‘Urban renewal’ under JnNURM • ‘Urban renewal’ is one of the major the thrust areas of the Central
Government.• Under JnNURM, the Central Government of India had declared
housing schemes for families living below poverty line (BPL) and economically weaker section of society, on 3 rd. December 2005.
• The basic objective of JnNURM is holistic. Slum development ensuring healthy and enabling urban environment by providing adequate shelter and basic infrastructure facilities to Slum dwellers.
• It has mainly three components; Slum improvements, upgrading of existing Slums and relocation projects. under three heads: a) Housing b) Physical Infrastructure and c) Social infrastructure.
• In Gujarat, JnNURM has been under implementation in four major cities; Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot.
• ‘Urban renewal’ is one of the major the thrust areas of the Central Government.
• Under JnNURM, the Central Government of India had declared housing schemes for families living below poverty line (BPL) and economically weaker section of society, on 3 rd. December 2005.
• The basic objective of JnNURM is holistic. Slum development ensuring healthy and enabling urban environment by providing adequate shelter and basic infrastructure facilities to Slum dwellers.
• It has mainly three components; Slum improvements, upgrading of existing Slums and relocation projects. under three heads: a) Housing b) Physical Infrastructure and c) Social infrastructure.
• In Gujarat, JnNURM has been under implementation in four major cities; Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot.
04/19/23 27
April 19, 2023
Infrastructure development in Surat under JnNURM scheme
After introduction of JnNURM project like many large size cities , infrastructure development works can be seen every corner of city; such as ,
• Fly over.• Drainage network• Strom water• Bridges• BRTS• Traffic Inland• CCTV Camera• Traffic signals• Parks/Garden• Malls/ Super Markets• Door to Door Garbage Collection• Garbage container free city.
• Fountains• Expansion of road• Road construction• Pedestal• Jogging area• River front scheme• Amusement park• Food zones• Hawkers’ zone• Sulabh
Sauchalaya( Community Latrine)
04/19/23 28
April 19, 2023
Table 5. Summary of Investment Requirements for SMC (Figures in Rs. Lakhs)
Name of the sector 2009*10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Total
Water supply 14473 S2607 11125 10150 0 48355
Sewerage 9706 23545 23545 23545 0 80142
Storm water drainage 5574 6813 6869 6869 4579 30704
Solid waste management 1285 1285 1285 0 0 3856
Transportation System - Roads a no bridges
13025 52223 2100 0 0 67349
Transportation System " Urban Transport (BRTS)
8200 27500 11202 0 0 46902
Housing/ E.W.S (VAMBAY) 5390 23236 2622 0 0 31250
Social Development -Central Science Centre & -High-tech entertainment
737 1475 I475 0 0 3687
Flood protection and Disaster management a Tapi River Front Development
3560 570 0 0 0 4130
Total 61950 149 257 60223 40564 1579 316573
Source: City Development Plan (Revised), SMC/SUDA, 2008-2013.
April 19, 2023
Slum up-gradation scheme under JnNURM
• The cost of the dwelling unit will be shared on the proportion of 50:20:20:10 by the Central Government and State Governments/ SMC and the beneficiary respectively.
• Surat stands in the list of leading cities in implementation of JnNURM projects worth Rs. 24,289.9 million.
• In last two years time, Surat city administration has incurred the expenditure of Rs. 6184.4 million for constructing total 44,396 dwelling units for urban poor.
• The cost of the dwelling unit will be shared on the proportion of 50:20:20:10 by the Central Government and State Governments/ SMC and the beneficiary respectively.
• Surat stands in the list of leading cities in implementation of JnNURM projects worth Rs. 24,289.9 million.
• In last two years time, Surat city administration has incurred the expenditure of Rs. 6184.4 million for constructing total 44,396 dwelling units for urban poor. 04/19/23 30
April 19, 2023
The Policy Statement on Slum development by the State Government
• The Gujarat government has lays down ten key governing principles of Slum development . They are:
• Planned growth• Recognition of Slums• Humane Approach towards Urban Poor• Equity and Social Justice• Gender Equity• Promoting Partnerships• Networking of various agencies• ULBs’ lead role• Community Participation• Financing mechanisms for provision of services to the
Poor
• The Gujarat government has lays down ten key governing principles of Slum development . They are:
• Planned growth• Recognition of Slums• Humane Approach towards Urban Poor• Equity and Social Justice• Gender Equity• Promoting Partnerships• Networking of various agencies• ULBs’ lead role• Community Participation• Financing mechanisms for provision of services to the
Poor04/19/23 31
April 19, 2023
IV
• Slums and Slums dwellers
04/19/23 32
April 19, 2023
4.2 Types of Land ownerships of Slum locality
• Three types of land ownership found in Slum; government land, SMC land and the private land.
• The Slum dwellers have occupies 94.31 lac sq.m. land in the city.
• Table 8 shows that the slum covered about 94 million sq. lands in the city and it has 91000 huts and 4.97 Lac population in the year 2001 (Table:8).
• Three types of land ownership found in Slum; government land, SMC land and the private land.
• The Slum dwellers have occupies 94.31 lac sq.m. land in the city.
• Table 8 shows that the slum covered about 94 million sq. lands in the city and it has 91000 huts and 4.97 Lac population in the year 2001 (Table:8).
April 19, 2023
Table: 9 Land ownership wise number of Slum settlement, households and Slum population
Much(70% to 80 % of the total) of the Slums located on the SMC land and government land (Table:9)
Land Ownership
No. Slum settlement
No. of Slum household
Slum Population
Govt. Land 122 21801 177600
SMC Land 146 46576 213210
Private Land 138 30720 201190
Total 406 99097 592000
Source: City Development Plan (Revised), SMC/SUDA, 2008-2013.
April 19, 2023
Slums population in Surat
• In 2007 total Slum population in Surat was 5.92 lac, consists around 99 thousand households distributed in 406 Slum localities in the city.(Bio Matrix Survey, SMC).
• Prior to the Gujarat Assembly last elections in 2012, Congress party offered to provide the cheap urban-houses to the urban poor women, total 28 lacs woman applied for the house. (link).
• In response to this the Chief Minister of the present ruling party has announced the promise of building 50 lac low-cost houses in the state in the next five years (Jul 18, 2013, 01:20PM IST ),
• After winning the election he announced `The Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana’ with a total outlay of Rs. 15,000 corer and also reactivated the GHB.
• Zone-wise numbers of population shows that the Slum population is not distributed evenly in all the seven zones.
• North zone has the highest numbers of members in a family whereas central zone has lowest.(Table:8)
•
• In 2007 total Slum population in Surat was 5.92 lac, consists around 99 thousand households distributed in 406 Slum localities in the city.(Bio Matrix Survey, SMC).
• Prior to the Gujarat Assembly last elections in 2012, Congress party offered to provide the cheap urban-houses to the urban poor women, total 28 lacs woman applied for the house. (link).
• In response to this the Chief Minister of the present ruling party has announced the promise of building 50 lac low-cost houses in the state in the next five years (Jul 18, 2013, 01:20PM IST ),
• After winning the election he announced `The Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana’ with a total outlay of Rs. 15,000 corer and also reactivated the GHB.
• Zone-wise numbers of population shows that the Slum population is not distributed evenly in all the seven zones.
• North zone has the highest numbers of members in a family whereas central zone has lowest.(Table:8)
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April 19, 2023
Table 8. Zone wise Slum Population
Slum No. with zone code
Name of the Zone
No. of Huts No. of Families Population Area of Slum in sq. m.
W West Zone 11197 11197 68912 548593.47
C Central Zone
5211 5211 28502 532874.43
N North Zone 6454 6454 37187 488545.17
E East Zone 13918 13918 69818 627317.02
SE South East Zone
26255 26255 154707 3745817.18
S South Zone 20438 20438 87927 2799771.25
SW South West Zone
8056 8056 50283 688926.88
Source: City Development Plan (Revised), SMC/SUDA, 2008-2013.
April 19, 2023
Profile of Slum Dwellers of Surat
• Slum dwellers form the major portion of urban poor,• They come from Socially of lower communities,
economically poor and educationally illiterate background.• Mostly they found engaged in the unorganized sector.• Large numbers of them are from the lower income earning
groups. • Out of total 98039 Slum families, - 41% were earning less than Rs. 5,500/, - 36% were earning between Rs.2500 to 5500/. - Rests 16% were earning more than Rs. 5500/ @ month. - Overall, nearly 50 per cent of the households living in
Slums were of BPL.- The Slum Families found dependent on both; primary as
well as the secondary sources of income.- (Source : Bio-matrix survey, Surat).
• Slum dwellers form the major portion of urban poor,• They come from Socially of lower communities,
economically poor and educationally illiterate background.• Mostly they found engaged in the unorganized sector.• Large numbers of them are from the lower income earning
groups. • Out of total 98039 Slum families, - 41% were earning less than Rs. 5,500/, - 36% were earning between Rs.2500 to 5500/. - Rests 16% were earning more than Rs. 5500/ @ month. - Overall, nearly 50 per cent of the households living in
Slums were of BPL.- The Slum Families found dependent on both; primary as
well as the secondary sources of income.- (Source : Bio-matrix survey, Surat).
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April 19, 2023
Table 7. Slum/Slum dwellers’ Profile of Surat City in 1973-2031
Particulars/ Year
1983 1992 2001 2005 2007 2009 2012 2017 2022
Population (SMC) 8.50 15.70 28.7 6 34.23 35.8 3 38.85 43.6 4 52.1 1 61.9 7
Total slum population
1.87 4.34 4.91 5.69 5.92 2.94 1.03 0.18 0.03
% of total population
22% 28% 17% 17% 17% 8% 2% 0% 0%
No. of slum settlement identified
307 333 406
Slum Settlement area (Ha)
483 579
Slum pop. density (PPH)
_ _ 1017 1179 1022 _
Source: City Development Plan (Revised), SMC/SUDA, 2008-2013.
April 19, 2023
4. Characteristics of the Dwelling Units
• It shows that majority Slum dwelling units consists of ground floor, Kachcha by type, used mainly for residential purpose and interestingly 6 out of 10 were on rental basis.
• Numbers of floor wise classification shows that majorly 89 percent Slum dwelling units had ground floor.
• 9 percent houses had first floor and only 1 percent houses had second floor.
• The types of Slum dwelling units shows that only 12 percent houses were pucca, 29 percent semi-pucca and majority 59 percent houses were kachcha by types.
• 88 percent of the houses used for residential purpose while 7 percent as commercial purposes.
• Surprising 36 percent huts were on ownership basis whereas 64 percent were on rental basis.
• It shows that majority Slum dwelling units consists of ground floor, Kachcha by type, used mainly for residential purpose and interestingly 6 out of 10 were on rental basis.
• Numbers of floor wise classification shows that majorly 89 percent Slum dwelling units had ground floor.
• 9 percent houses had first floor and only 1 percent houses had second floor.
• The types of Slum dwelling units shows that only 12 percent houses were pucca, 29 percent semi-pucca and majority 59 percent houses were kachcha by types.
• 88 percent of the houses used for residential purpose while 7 percent as commercial purposes.
• Surprising 36 percent huts were on ownership basis whereas 64 percent were on rental basis.
April 19, 2023
4.1 Profiles of Slum dweller of Surat
• The classification of data gathered about the Surat Slum through Bio-Matrix Survey by SMC, shows that majority of them belong to socially lower communities, economically poor and educationally illiterate.
• Mostly found engaged in the unorganized sector. Majority of them are from the lower income earning groups.
• Overall, nearly 50 per cent of the households living in Slums are BPL.
• Out of total 98039 families, 41 percent were earning less than Rs. 5,500/, 36 percent were earning between Rs.2500/- to Rs.5500/-. Rest 16 percent were earning more than Rs.5500/- @ month.
• The classification of data gathered about the Surat Slum through Bio-Matrix Survey by SMC, shows that majority of them belong to socially lower communities, economically poor and educationally illiterate.
• Mostly found engaged in the unorganized sector. Majority of them are from the lower income earning groups.
• Overall, nearly 50 per cent of the households living in Slums are BPL.
• Out of total 98039 families, 41 percent were earning less than Rs. 5,500/, 36 percent were earning between Rs.2500/- to Rs.5500/-. Rest 16 percent were earning more than Rs.5500/- @ month.
April 19, 2023
V
• Demolition, Protests, violation of Human Rights
04/19/23 41
April 19, 2023
Towards achieving the goal
• SMC started relocating Slum
dwellers to EWS houses since
2010 on war footing and cleared
the major Slums by 2013. .
• It has demolished all kinds of
Slums; big, medium, small in
terms of size, old or new in terms
of its duration, etc.
• It has concentrate on demolition of the Slums located on the SMC and Government land.
• It is to be noted that 268 out of total 406 Slums built on the SMC land and the Government land and total 70377 people resides on that land.
• The SMC has cleared about 35 to 40 percent Slums of the it.
• SMC started relocating Slum
dwellers to EWS houses since
2010 on war footing and cleared
the major Slums by 2013. .
• It has demolished all kinds of
Slums; big, medium, small in
terms of size, old or new in terms
of its duration, etc.
• It has concentrate on demolition of the Slums located on the SMC and Government land.
• It is to be noted that 268 out of total 406 Slums built on the SMC land and the Government land and total 70377 people resides on that land.
• The SMC has cleared about 35 to 40 percent Slums of the it.
• Total 1.53+lac sq. mts. lands were purchased.
• Total 34,222 homes are already constructed.
• In all, Rs.1546 corers were spent for Slum up-gradation; of which Rs.650 corers spent for relocation Rs. 834 corers for redevelopment and Rs. 112 corers for up-gradation are spent.
• Today, Surat stands in the list of leading cities in implementation of JnNURM projects worth Rs. 2428.99 Corer.
• Statistically it looks very attractive from officials point of view but the affected people have different views to share with.
• It was observed that in the case of Slum evacuation all the differences based on part line has totally blurred.
• On e would finds a unique kinds of a unanimity among the concerned parties such as Police, State and Central government, ruling as well as opposition party, SMC, media, Civil society, etc.
• Total 1.53+lac sq. mts. lands were purchased.
• Total 34,222 homes are already constructed.
• In all, Rs.1546 corers were spent for Slum up-gradation; of which Rs.650 corers spent for relocation Rs. 834 corers for redevelopment and Rs. 112 corers for up-gradation are spent.
• Today, Surat stands in the list of leading cities in implementation of JnNURM projects worth Rs. 2428.99 Corer.
• Statistically it looks very attractive from officials point of view but the affected people have different views to share with.
• It was observed that in the case of Slum evacuation all the differences based on part line has totally blurred.
• On e would finds a unique kinds of a unanimity among the concerned parties such as Police, State and Central government, ruling as well as opposition party, SMC, media, Civil society, etc.
04/19/23 42
April 19, 2023
6.2 Police force were used intensively
• In order to prevent the agitators police force were used intensively.
• There was hardly any Slum in which the polices were not called.
• In many sites police parade was launched in order to send a massage that the administration takes stern action against the agitators.
• The role of police in the whole Slum evacuation process provides fascinating area of the research.
• In order to prevent the agitators police force were used intensively.
• There was hardly any Slum in which the polices were not called.
• In many sites police parade was launched in order to send a massage that the administration takes stern action against the agitators.
• The role of police in the whole Slum evacuation process provides fascinating area of the research.
April 19, 2023
7. Power of `Eminent domain’ reflected among the authority
• In some cases displacement of Slum people
remained objectionable. • Two Representative cases were prevented here
which were shows, the kind of treatment given to the people during demolition.
• Two cases; first, related with the locality Gopitalav and another related with a person named Mr. Vitthal Panpatil.
• The former case shows how the forced were used in order to vacate the Slum locality while the case of Mr. Vitthal Panpatil narrates what sorts of harassment a poor Slum dweller has to face from the authority to get the justice and fair deal.
• In some cases displacement of Slum people remained objectionable.
• Two Representative cases were prevented here which were shows, the kind of treatment given to the people during demolition.
• Two cases; first, related with the locality Gopitalav and another related with a person named Mr. Vitthal Panpatil.
• The former case shows how the forced were used in order to vacate the Slum locality while the case of Mr. Vitthal Panpatil narrates what sorts of harassment a poor Slum dweller has to face from the authority to get the justice and fair deal.
April 19, 2023
Incidents of self- immolation
• The question of leaving ones’ own houses was so sensitive that in few cases the incidents of self immolations were took place.
• E.g. in Ekatanagar 14 year young girl set herself ablaze sprinkled kerosene on her body to save her house from demolition. (Express News: April 11, 2013).
• In another incident, five Slum dwellers at Gopi Talao tried to immolate themselves to show the protest against demolition (DNA April 11 2013).
• Tension spread to other areas including Jalaram Nagar where a resident attempted self-immolation to oppose the civic body's operation to clear over 1,700 Slums in three Slums located in Tapi's riverbed.
• The question of leaving ones’ own houses was so sensitive that in few cases the incidents of self immolations were took place.
• E.g. in Ekatanagar 14 year young girl set herself ablaze sprinkled kerosene on her body to save her house from demolition. (Express News: April 11, 2013).
• In another incident, five Slum dwellers at Gopi Talao tried to immolate themselves to show the protest against demolition (DNA April 11 2013).
• Tension spread to other areas including Jalaram Nagar where a resident attempted self-immolation to oppose the civic body's operation to clear over 1,700 Slums in three Slums located in Tapi's riverbed.
04/19/23 45
April 19, 2023
Two cases of forceful Slum evacuation: A sheer violation of Human Rights
• The first, related to the demolition of Slum locality named the Gopitalav and another concerned with the individual case of Mr. Vitthal Panpatil, resides in Mafatnagar Slum locality.
• The former is the representative case which shows how the Slum population are displaced involuntarily from their habitat.
• How the whole system gets united against the poor people.
• The case of Mr. Vitthal Panpatil shows what sorts of harassment a Slum dweller has to undergo in order to protect the personal and community interests.
• How he has used to Right to Information Act for his rescue.
• The first, related to the demolition of Slum locality named the Gopitalav and another concerned with the individual case of Mr. Vitthal Panpatil, resides in Mafatnagar Slum locality.
• The former is the representative case which shows how the Slum population are displaced involuntarily from their habitat.
• How the whole system gets united against the poor people.
• The case of Mr. Vitthal Panpatil shows what sorts of harassment a Slum dweller has to undergo in order to protect the personal and community interests.
• How he has used to Right to Information Act for his rescue.
04/19/23 46
April 19, 2023
The Gopitalav Slum demolished in a ‘brutal’ manner
• For demolition of Gopitalav Slum, the SMC has used:
- More than 800 staff, - 500 police officers, - 200 security guards,- 100 vehicles, - 40 JCB, machines,- 8 parkland machines, - 4 breaker machines, - 20 CCTV cameras,- 15 photographers, and - 15 video systems at work place. - SMC distributed the work with 12s
team.- Locked up Mr. Asad Kalyani, the
local Councilor in his house through out the demolition works. (24 May 2013 Gujarat Mitra).
- Some other affected people were put behind the bar.
- On the following day the media, offices, police, etc. have dubbed this as `Peaceful Demolition’.
• For demolition of Gopitalav Slum, the SMC has used:
- More than 800 staff, - 500 police officers, - 200 security guards,- 100 vehicles, - 40 JCB, machines,- 8 parkland machines, - 4 breaker machines, - 20 CCTV cameras,- 15 photographers, and - 15 video systems at work place. - SMC distributed the work with 12s
team.- Locked up Mr. Asad Kalyani, the
local Councilor in his house through out the demolition works. (24 May 2013 Gujarat Mitra).
- Some other affected people were put behind the bar.
- On the following day the media, offices, police, etc. have dubbed this as `Peaceful Demolition’.
• Gopitalav was not an exceptional case. There were many such cases including the Bapunagar Slum, Iqbal Nagar, Subhas nagar, Ekta nagar, etc.
• UN-HABITAT on forceful demolition • If one compared the Slum eviction process that were
applied in Gopitalav, Surat with the spirit of the UN-HABITAT it can be said quite ‘horrible’.
• UN-HABITAT recognizes and, also advocates urban development and planning, and acknowledges displacement but as a last resort after thoroughly examined all the possible alternatives.
• If one compared with the ideals of the policy statement one would realized that it is not in the line of that ideals.
• It should be implemented in accordance with international human rights law and in a sustainable and socially inclusive manner.
• But it was found totally missing in the case of Slum relocation in Surat.
• SMC used the JnNURM Scheme as a tool for displacing the urban poor from their valuable land for commercial interests and Amusement for the rich.
• This feeling was found common among the affected people.
• Gopitalav was not an exceptional case. There were many such cases including the Bapunagar Slum, Iqbal Nagar, Subhas nagar, Ekta nagar, etc.
• UN-HABITAT on forceful demolition • If one compared the Slum eviction process that were
applied in Gopitalav, Surat with the spirit of the UN-HABITAT it can be said quite ‘horrible’.
• UN-HABITAT recognizes and, also advocates urban development and planning, and acknowledges displacement but as a last resort after thoroughly examined all the possible alternatives.
• If one compared with the ideals of the policy statement one would realized that it is not in the line of that ideals.
• It should be implemented in accordance with international human rights law and in a sustainable and socially inclusive manner.
• But it was found totally missing in the case of Slum relocation in Surat.
• SMC used the JnNURM Scheme as a tool for displacing the urban poor from their valuable land for commercial interests and Amusement for the rich.
• This feeling was found common among the affected people.
47
April 19, 2023
Forceful Demolition of Gopitalav…
• The demolition of Gopitalav Slum can be labeled as brutal. For demolition of Gopitalav Slum, SMC has used, more than 800 employees, 500 police officers, 200 security guards, 100 vehicles, 40 JCB, machines, 8 parkland machines, 4 breaker machines, 20 CCTV cameras, 15 photographers, and 15 video systems at work place.
• SMC distributed the entire demolition work to 12s team. Each of the team provided leadership of higher level SMC officer and 80 to 100 staff.
• In order to finished the demolition work without much disturbance the SMC has kept tight watch of police cordoning the house of Mr. Asad Kalyani, the local Councilor belongs to Muslim Community.
• The way in which police beat the Slum people that was quite horrible. Police have not spared even elderly person and the women folk.()Videos available on You tube).
• He was not allowed to go out throughout the day- from the beginning to till the end of demolition work. Some local resident who opposed the demolition work were put behind the bar (24 May 2013 Gujarat Mitra).
• On the following day it was dubbed as `Peaceful Demolition’ by the media, officials and police. This has not an exceptional case but many such cases including the Bapunagar Slum, Iqbal Nagar, Subhas Nagar, Ekta Nagar Slums, etc. were reported.
• The demolition of Gopitalav Slum can be labeled as brutal. For demolition of Gopitalav Slum, SMC has used, more than 800 employees, 500 police officers, 200 security guards, 100 vehicles, 40 JCB, machines, 8 parkland machines, 4 breaker machines, 20 CCTV cameras, 15 photographers, and 15 video systems at work place.
• SMC distributed the entire demolition work to 12s team. Each of the team provided leadership of higher level SMC officer and 80 to 100 staff.
• In order to finished the demolition work without much disturbance the SMC has kept tight watch of police cordoning the house of Mr. Asad Kalyani, the local Councilor belongs to Muslim Community.
• The way in which police beat the Slum people that was quite horrible. Police have not spared even elderly person and the women folk.()Videos available on You tube).
• He was not allowed to go out throughout the day- from the beginning to till the end of demolition work. Some local resident who opposed the demolition work were put behind the bar (24 May 2013 Gujarat Mitra).
• On the following day it was dubbed as `Peaceful Demolition’ by the media, officials and police. This has not an exceptional case but many such cases including the Bapunagar Slum, Iqbal Nagar, Subhas Nagar, Ekta Nagar Slums, etc. were reported.
April 19, 2023
Another case is of Hansaben Ajaybhai Pandya, aged 40 years, illiterate, Brahmin by caste shared that she was evacuated from Ashwinikumar Slum to the Shrijinagari area near Palnapur in Western Zone.
• Her house was demolished on 14th June 2003 at the time the rain was continued SMC people were after target so tightly they did not see whether it is rain or cold or heat or social exigencies or flood etc. at the time of demolition.
• At that time her son Suraj was 4 year old. The SMC staff came to vacate the hut at that time her husband was not presence and she got frightened called her husband.
• She told `how SMC can send the people by just passing an order to vacate the house in any situation - like rain. In rain even the animal like cat and dog also tends to stay at safer place.
• At such time the slum dwellers are asked to take their luggage in the open truck along with their children at unknown area and that to in the heavy rain? There after the slum dwellers have put demand not to do demolish the house immediately.
• They ask for more time, the staff has demolished their houses by threatening that it is a Mayor order.
• At that time monsoon season was on they have urged that where they will go with their kids in such condition but they have done what they wanted to do’.
• Her house was demolished on 14th June 2003 at the time the rain was continued SMC people were after target so tightly they did not see whether it is rain or cold or heat or social exigencies or flood etc. at the time of demolition.
• At that time her son Suraj was 4 year old. The SMC staff came to vacate the hut at that time her husband was not presence and she got frightened called her husband.
• She told `how SMC can send the people by just passing an order to vacate the house in any situation - like rain. In rain even the animal like cat and dog also tends to stay at safer place.
• At such time the slum dwellers are asked to take their luggage in the open truck along with their children at unknown area and that to in the heavy rain? There after the slum dwellers have put demand not to do demolish the house immediately.
• They ask for more time, the staff has demolished their houses by threatening that it is a Mayor order.
• At that time monsoon season was on they have urged that where they will go with their kids in such condition but they have done what they wanted to do’.
April 19, 2023
A Case of Sheer Human Rights Violations Human Rights
• If one compared the Slum eviction process that was applied in the above cases with the spirit of the UN-HABITAT it can be said `quite horrible’.
• UN-HABITAT recognizes and, also advocates urban development and planning, and acknowledges displacement but it strongly emphasizes that such resettlement must be a last resort after consideration of all alternatives, and must be implemented both in accordance with international human rights laws and in a sustainable and socially inclusive manner. But it was found totally missing in the case of Slum relocation in Surat.
• If one compared the Slum eviction process that was applied in the above cases with the spirit of the UN-HABITAT it can be said `quite horrible’.
• UN-HABITAT recognizes and, also advocates urban development and planning, and acknowledges displacement but it strongly emphasizes that such resettlement must be a last resort after consideration of all alternatives, and must be implemented both in accordance with international human rights laws and in a sustainable and socially inclusive manner. But it was found totally missing in the case of Slum relocation in Surat.
April 19, 2023
VI
• Marginalization of Slum dwellers
04/19/23 51
April 19, 2023
A Case of Viththalbhai Patil
• Viththal Patil narrated the story in which the people of Mafat nagar lost livelihood option and the youth have pushed into the `illegal, activities following resettlement.
• He told that many of the slum people have lost the jobs at the new sites as they do not know the skills other than what they possessed.
• Many were allotted the houses far 10 km. (in many cases) away from their old habitat.
• They all are facing one or the other kinds of problem of livelihood at the new site. Many of the slum dwellers are forced to discontinue their jobs compulsorily due to the distance.
• Viththal Patil also expressed his worries about the second generation. He added that the SMC has yet to think of in this regard.
• Viththal Patil narrated the story in which the people of Mafat nagar lost livelihood option and the youth have pushed into the `illegal, activities following resettlement.
• He told that many of the slum people have lost the jobs at the new sites as they do not know the skills other than what they possessed.
• Many were allotted the houses far 10 km. (in many cases) away from their old habitat.
• They all are facing one or the other kinds of problem of livelihood at the new site. Many of the slum dwellers are forced to discontinue their jobs compulsorily due to the distance.
• Viththal Patil also expressed his worries about the second generation. He added that the SMC has yet to think of in this regard.
04/19/23 52
April 19, 2023
A Case of Viththalbhai Patil • Elaborating his self experience he told that the secondary occupation of goat rearing
activity has totally decline at new relocation site. • He told that few families at the original site were engaged in rearing the goats. He
had 8 to 9 goats. • He was saying that he was not facing any problem of getting fodder as they get it free
of charges from the nearby Agricultural Producing Market Co-operating Housing Society (APMC) market.
• He told that even at the old age he earns Rs.15 to 20 thousand per annum. Viththal Patil further added that around 50 to 60 children turned unemployed and passing their time without doing anything concrete.
• `The people want to work but they do not have work’. Because of the unemployment few youngsters pushed towards the anti-social activities and got indulged in it.
• It was told that after shifting at relocated sites the consumption of alcohol has also increased that has led the people indebted.
• It has also gave imputes to the thefts. In absence of gainful employment the young generations do not hesitate to do any unlawful activities to get the money.
• He added that when the younger boys were living in the Slum locality they all were under control and observation of their neighbors, elders, and relatives, etc.
• But this is not in the case of new settlement has not continued for longer. In absence of work, few of the families gone back to their native by selling out the belonging they owned.
• Elaborating his self experience he told that the secondary occupation of goat rearing activity has totally decline at new relocation site.
• He told that few families at the original site were engaged in rearing the goats. He had 8 to 9 goats.
• He was saying that he was not facing any problem of getting fodder as they get it free of charges from the nearby Agricultural Producing Market Co-operating Housing Society (APMC) market.
• He told that even at the old age he earns Rs.15 to 20 thousand per annum. Viththal Patil further added that around 50 to 60 children turned unemployed and passing their time without doing anything concrete.
• `The people want to work but they do not have work’. Because of the unemployment few youngsters pushed towards the anti-social activities and got indulged in it.
• It was told that after shifting at relocated sites the consumption of alcohol has also increased that has led the people indebted.
• It has also gave imputes to the thefts. In absence of gainful employment the young generations do not hesitate to do any unlawful activities to get the money.
• He added that when the younger boys were living in the Slum locality they all were under control and observation of their neighbors, elders, and relatives, etc.
• But this is not in the case of new settlement has not continued for longer. In absence of work, few of the families gone back to their native by selling out the belonging they owned.
04/19/23 53
April 19, 2023
Loss of livelihood: A Case of Jagdishbhai
• Jagdishbhai, aged of Mafat Nagar slum area, aged 32, illiterate,
originally from Maharashtra having five members in his family has shifted from power loom worker to the paint (color) worker.
• Narrating his story he told that he was born and brought up in Surat and staying in a Kaccha house having only one room (size 12’ x 22’).
• Initially he worked in a power loom factory but he left this job as the new relocation site is located far off place from his work place.
• He told that many times he has to perform duty of 12 hours a day and sometimes late night.
• During such days he finds difficultly to reach back to his home. So, he left his job and started color work on causal basis. After coming to the new locality his wife also lost the job as maid servant.
• He told that the most pathetic situation is that at the relocated site both; husband and wife have lost their sources of livelihood.
• Narrating his personnel case he told that earlier he was earning Rs.10,000/- @ month. His balance sheet got upset and he has to incur debt from his friend.
• Jagdishbhai, aged of Mafat Nagar slum area, aged 32, illiterate, originally from Maharashtra having five members in his family has shifted from power loom worker to the paint (color) worker.
• Narrating his story he told that he was born and brought up in Surat and staying in a Kaccha house having only one room (size 12’ x 22’).
• Initially he worked in a power loom factory but he left this job as the new relocation site is located far off place from his work place.
• He told that many times he has to perform duty of 12 hours a day and sometimes late night.
• During such days he finds difficultly to reach back to his home. So, he left his job and started color work on causal basis. After coming to the new locality his wife also lost the job as maid servant.
• He told that the most pathetic situation is that at the relocated site both; husband and wife have lost their sources of livelihood.
• Narrating his personnel case he told that earlier he was earning Rs.10,000/- @ month. His balance sheet got upset and he has to incur debt from his friend.
04/19/23 54
April 19, 2023
A Case of Hansaben
• Hansaben and her husband both have lost the earning sources of livelihood. He told that in the old locality her husband was working with Blue Star Company as a Supervisor and earning Rs.8000/- per month.
• From their new residence, his husband could not reach office located at Ashwini Kumar road on time, so he was kicked out of his job. This was quite great loss for family like him.
• In the initial two years he uses to stand at the nearby local labour market called “Ramnagar Majur Bazaar”, where usually the hundreds of casual workers used to stand in search of employment.
• She told that in those days she was unable to manage two meals in a day. • Their children were crying because of hunger and it was unbearable situation to her
as she belongs to the Brahmin caste which considered as one of the most reputed caste in India having highest social rank and was not supposed to do such manual work.
• Even though, she wondered for around two months at the labour market but she did not get the job. No one ready to give her work, even, people were suspicious.
• Lastly, she started small grocery shop in her allotted house. The SMC staff scolded her by saying that the houses are given for stay and not for running a shop.
• Hansaben and her husband both have lost the earning sources of livelihood. He told that in the old locality her husband was working with Blue Star Company as a Supervisor and earning Rs.8000/- per month.
• From their new residence, his husband could not reach office located at Ashwini Kumar road on time, so he was kicked out of his job. This was quite great loss for family like him.
• In the initial two years he uses to stand at the nearby local labour market called “Ramnagar Majur Bazaar”, where usually the hundreds of casual workers used to stand in search of employment.
• She told that in those days she was unable to manage two meals in a day. • Their children were crying because of hunger and it was unbearable situation to her
as she belongs to the Brahmin caste which considered as one of the most reputed caste in India having highest social rank and was not supposed to do such manual work.
• Even though, she wondered for around two months at the labour market but she did not get the job. No one ready to give her work, even, people were suspicious.
• Lastly, she started small grocery shop in her allotted house. The SMC staff scolded her by saying that the houses are given for stay and not for running a shop.
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A Case of Hansaben…
• Hansaben was often intimated and was threatened number of time that throwing out the goods out of her house.
• She added that she has to spend Rs.6500/- per month as against the day to day expenses to maintain her family. She argued that due to the demolition of house her husband lost his job of Rs.8000/- per month.
• She told that the SMC should compensate him by giving job. She revealed that due to the problem of livelihood her family has gone under pressure and has passes days together in stresses and psychological strain.
• Adding to that her children are growing, the expenditure also increased making her husband tense and sometimes he was saying to her that ‘it is better to die then passing such miserable life’.
• Hansaben was often intimated and was threatened number of time that throwing out the goods out of her house.
• She added that she has to spend Rs.6500/- per month as against the day to day expenses to maintain her family. She argued that due to the demolition of house her husband lost his job of Rs.8000/- per month.
• She told that the SMC should compensate him by giving job. She revealed that due to the problem of livelihood her family has gone under pressure and has passes days together in stresses and psychological strain.
• Adding to that her children are growing, the expenditure also increased making her husband tense and sometimes he was saying to her that ‘it is better to die then passing such miserable life’. 04/19/23 56
April 19, 2023
People felt `Cheated’ by the SMC
• The spirit mentioned under JnNURM scheme and statement of state policy of housing that in the exceptional cases only the Slum population should be relocated elsewhere.
• In the rarest cases after examining all the possible alternatives; they should be displaced and resettled at the nearest places at their original locality.
• But this spirit is totally violated in majority of the cases. • The SMC has displaced the slums and resettled at
distance places in many cases exceed 10 kms away. • It has created ‘bad’ feeling about the SMC among the
affected. • They felt that, in the name of `development’ SMC has
used the JnNURM Scheme as a tool for displacing the urban poor from their valuable habitat for capitalist and commercial interests.
• The spirit mentioned under JnNURM scheme and statement of state policy of housing that in the exceptional cases only the Slum population should be relocated elsewhere.
• In the rarest cases after examining all the possible alternatives; they should be displaced and resettled at the nearest places at their original locality.
• But this spirit is totally violated in majority of the cases. • The SMC has displaced the slums and resettled at
distance places in many cases exceed 10 kms away. • It has created ‘bad’ feeling about the SMC among the
affected. • They felt that, in the name of `development’ SMC has
used the JnNURM Scheme as a tool for displacing the urban poor from their valuable habitat for capitalist and commercial interests.
April 19, 2023
VII
• Concluding Remarks, Issues, Points for Discussion
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April 19, 2023
Major Findings …• Though, the city administration has tried to demolish the
Slums very skillfully and strategically by using one or the other kinds of tricks and techniques as cited in the text, it has not completely stopped the resistance of the local people.
• It was observed that unique congregation of various interest groups; such as police, government, media, civil society, bureaucracy, and city people, especially the middle class have unionized against the urban poor, though not by designed.
• They are forced them to vacate the land, where the Slum people have developed their social and cultural capital over the years.
• Power of `Eminent domain’ reflected in the attitude often reflected among the minds of the authority during the process of displacing the people and resettlement.
• Though, the city administration has tried to demolish the Slums very skillfully and strategically by using one or the other kinds of tricks and techniques as cited in the text, it has not completely stopped the resistance of the local people.
• It was observed that unique congregation of various interest groups; such as police, government, media, civil society, bureaucracy, and city people, especially the middle class have unionized against the urban poor, though not by designed.
• They are forced them to vacate the land, where the Slum people have developed their social and cultural capital over the years.
• Power of `Eminent domain’ reflected in the attitude often reflected among the minds of the authority during the process of displacing the people and resettlement. 59
April 19, 2023
Major Findings …• In some of the cases the process of displacement has remained
highly controversial and objectionable.
• In absence of proper allotment of dwelling units the problem of livelihood has aggravated and it has resulted in dismantling the economic bases of the Slum population.
• It was observed that the urban poor are pushed towards the `marginalized condition’.
• All these have further `marginalized’ the economic condition of the urban poor who were already vulnerable.
• Few of the families have gone back to their native villages and sold out the residential units that were allotted to them and some have gone in the nearby cities. Question of gender become more worrisome.
• In some of the cases the process of displacement has remained highly controversial and objectionable.
• In absence of proper allotment of dwelling units the problem of livelihood has aggravated and it has resulted in dismantling the economic bases of the Slum population.
• It was observed that the urban poor are pushed towards the `marginalized condition’.
• All these have further `marginalized’ the economic condition of the urban poor who were already vulnerable.
• Few of the families have gone back to their native villages and sold out the residential units that were allotted to them and some have gone in the nearby cities. Question of gender become more worrisome.
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April 19, 2023
Spirit under JnNURM Violated widely
• The spirit mentioned under JnNURM scheme and parameters shown in the policy settlement housing violated in a major ways.
• The Slum dwellers were supposed to be displace as the last resort and if in any cases they are to be displaced after examining all the possible alternatives in such cases they should be resettled at the nearest places of their original locality, so that they not lost their socio-cultural aspects and livelihood pattern.
• But this spirit is violated in majority of the cases. • The SMC has displaced the slums and pushed them 10 kms away, in
majority of the cases. • It has aroused ‘bad’ feeling about the intention of the SMC. • Majority of the Slum evacuees doubted that in the name of
`development’ SMC has used the JnNURM Scheme as a tool for displacing the urban poor from their valuable habitat for capitalist and commercial interests.
• The spirit mentioned under JnNURM scheme and parameters shown in the policy settlement housing violated in a major ways.
• The Slum dwellers were supposed to be displace as the last resort and if in any cases they are to be displaced after examining all the possible alternatives in such cases they should be resettled at the nearest places of their original locality, so that they not lost their socio-cultural aspects and livelihood pattern.
• But this spirit is violated in majority of the cases. • The SMC has displaced the slums and pushed them 10 kms away, in
majority of the cases. • It has aroused ‘bad’ feeling about the intention of the SMC. • Majority of the Slum evacuees doubted that in the name of
`development’ SMC has used the JnNURM Scheme as a tool for displacing the urban poor from their valuable habitat for capitalist and commercial interests.
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April 19, 2023
Issues identified • There are many issues involved with the Slum redevelopment.• Few among them are listed below:• Absence of ‘proper policy’ is one of the main responsible factor for
creating the risks.• Surprisingly, the Slum up-gradation project dealing with the corers of the
people without policy.• It just follow the State Regulations (SRs) and that too without any checks
on its implementation.• The Concept of Slum up-gradation understood in a very narrow sense of
shifting dwelling units from one place to another. • As shown in the text, the meaning of the `Space’ is quite different for the
point of view of Slum dweller.• For them it is not just confined to just physical space but it also
encompasses their socio-economic, political and cultural spheres too.• The Slum dwellers forced to resettle at the distance places has dismantled
their whole settled life that has resulted in public anguished in absence of any possible scope for its proper redressed.
• Allottment of the housing units through draw system found very problematic.
• There are many issues involved with the Slum redevelopment.• Few among them are listed below:• Absence of ‘proper policy’ is one of the main responsible factor for
creating the risks.• Surprisingly, the Slum up-gradation project dealing with the corers of the
people without policy.• It just follow the State Regulations (SRs) and that too without any checks
on its implementation.• The Concept of Slum up-gradation understood in a very narrow sense of
shifting dwelling units from one place to another. • As shown in the text, the meaning of the `Space’ is quite different for the
point of view of Slum dweller.• For them it is not just confined to just physical space but it also
encompasses their socio-economic, political and cultural spheres too.• The Slum dwellers forced to resettle at the distance places has dismantled
their whole settled life that has resulted in public anguished in absence of any possible scope for its proper redressed.
• Allottment of the housing units through draw system found very problematic.04/19/23 62
April 19, 2023
Issues for discussion
• A big question that must be invoked again at the risk of repetition in the discussion on urban renewal is the soundness of schemes like JnNURM hat are very `ad-hoc’ and `inadequate’ as a solution to the larger question of providing affordable housing to the increasing number of urban poor in a situation where in-migration of the poor into growing cities will escalate the demand for such housing.
• Why people have not shown willingness to accept voluntarily the `noble’ objective of SMC, to move from filth localities in some cases to the pucca house at a environmental friendly places?
• Why people did not like the idea of the SMC in spite it has some advantages; such as legal entitlement, equipped with civic amenities, full facilities in the house, pucca structure, locality with hygienic condition, etc?
• What is to be done in order to make this policy/ program more effective?
• A big question that must be invoked again at the risk of repetition in the discussion on urban renewal is the soundness of schemes like JnNURM hat are very `ad-hoc’ and `inadequate’ as a solution to the larger question of providing affordable housing to the increasing number of urban poor in a situation where in-migration of the poor into growing cities will escalate the demand for such housing.
• Why people have not shown willingness to accept voluntarily the `noble’ objective of SMC, to move from filth localities in some cases to the pucca house at a environmental friendly places?
• Why people did not like the idea of the SMC in spite it has some advantages; such as legal entitlement, equipped with civic amenities, full facilities in the house, pucca structure, locality with hygienic condition, etc?
• What is to be done in order to make this policy/ program more effective?04/19/23 63
April 19, 2023
Issues for discussion…
• Can one expect without knowing the primary stakeholder i.e; the affected people the displacement, resettlement, rehabilitation plans get succeed?
• Without conducting SIA, do we have any mechanism to know the potential risks in order to evolve the counter strategies to prevent from its negative impacts in advance .
• To what extent program imposed from the above (Top-down approach) get succeed?.
• Whether resettlement program that was not encompassing the peoples’ needs/aspirations gets succeed?.
• Whether the program gets succeed if no ongoing monitoring and post work done once people shifted at the relocation site?.
• Can one expect without knowing the primary stakeholder i.e; the affected people the displacement, resettlement, rehabilitation plans get succeed?
• Without conducting SIA, do we have any mechanism to know the potential risks in order to evolve the counter strategies to prevent from its negative impacts in advance .
• To what extent program imposed from the above (Top-down approach) get succeed?.
• Whether resettlement program that was not encompassing the peoples’ needs/aspirations gets succeed?.
• Whether the program gets succeed if no ongoing monitoring and post work done once people shifted at the relocation site?.
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April 19, 2023