Analysis of Overpopulation in Slums of Mumbai

Running head: ANALYSIS OF OVERPOPULATION IN SLUMS OF MUMBAI
Analysis of Overpopulation in Slums of Mumbai
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ANALYSIS OF OVERPOPULATION IN SLUMS OF MUMBAI
1
The major problem of overpopulation is present in the slums of Mumbai, India. The
city is the growth of unlawful settlements with the lack of planned access, lack of
unemployment and lack of proper sanitation systems. The population density of India is
approximately 364.9 per km2 and is termed as the 31st most densely populated country in the
world ( www.mapsofindia.com ). Almost 540 million people of India are living below the
international poverty line and almost one third of the poor people of the world reside in India.
The issue of overpopulation is defined as an undesirable condition where the ratio of the
existing human population to the carrying capacity of the earth increases than the desired
condition. This results in the poor living conditions causing food insecurity and food crisis.
This paper is aimed at finding the solution of overpopulation and how can it be eradicated.
The structure of the paper involves the cause of the issue, its consequences, and its economic,
social as well as environmental solution.
The sprouting and expansion of slums in the city of Mumbai in India happens due to
several demographic, political, economic and social reasons. The most common reason for
the overpopulated slums is the migration of the rural people to the urban areas due to the
advent of industrialization. According to Ghertner, urbanization is the cause of the growing
slums because there is mismanagement from the side of the government. The people tend to
migrate from the rural areas because of the presence of high level of unemployment. With the
rapid migration, the major issue of poverty migrates to urban areas. Lack of proper planning
and the lack of low cost housing also accounts for the development of more number of slums.
Out of all these factors that result in overpopulation, natural disasters are the environmental
events which cause the migration of the people from the affected areas to the unaffected ones.
The poor infrastructure, lack of affordable public transport and economic infrastructure are
the other man made reasons along with the economic stagnation of the country.