Case Study - Mumbai Flashcards
Where is Mumbai located?
Along the western coast of India bordering the Arabian Sea
Why is Mumbai nationally important?
Mumbai is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India. Home to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Reserve Bank of India, and many corporate headquarters.
Why is Mumbai internationally important?
Mumbai is a major global financial hub, known for its large port, Bollywood film industry, and as a center for trade and manufacturing.
What are the main causes of rapid urban growth in Mumbai?
Rural-to-Urban Migration: People move from rural areas of India (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar) in search of better jobs, education, and healthcare.
Natural Increase: High birth rates among the population due to a youthful demographic.
Economic Opportunities: Mumbai offers a range of jobs, particularly in the informal economy, finance, construction, and entertainment.
Industrialization: Expansion of service industries, IT, and international trade continues to attract people from across India.
What are the key social and economic opportunities created by urban growth in Mumbai?
Economic: Job creation in finance, textiles, Bollywood, and informal sectors. Mumbai contributes significantly to India’s GDP and is home to several multi-millionaire entrepreneurs.
Social: Access to better healthcare, educational facilities, and infrastructure compared to rural areas.
Infrastructure Development: Mumbai is experiencing investment in roads, housing, and transport systems (e.g., Mumbai Metro).
Cultural Hub: Known for its diversity, Mumbai offers cultural opportunities in arts, music, and cinema.
What are the main housing challenges Mumbai faces due to rapid urban growth?
Slum Development: Over 60% of Mumbai’s population live in slums, with Dharavi being one of the largest slums in Asia.
Overcrowding: High population density results in congested living conditions and lack of space, especially in informal settlements.
Poor Sanitation: Lack of access to clean water, electricity, and sanitation in slum areas. Overcrowded homes often share a single tap or toilet with hundreds of others.
High Property Prices: Property prices are some of the highest in the world, making formal housing unaffordable for many.
What transport challenges does Mumbai face as it grows?
Traffic Congestion: Narrow roads and over-reliance on cars cause severe congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Public Transport Overload: Mumbai’s suburban railway network, which carries over 7.5 million passengers a day, is overcrowded and outdated.
Air Pollution: Vehicular emissions contribute to poor air quality and environmental issues.
Poor Infrastructure: Lack of proper roads, flyovers, and an efficient public transport system to cater to the growing population.
What are some social challenges associated with rapid growth in Mumbai?
- Widening gap between rich and poor.
- High crime rates in slum areas.
- Inadequate healthcare and education for the slum population.
What are some of the environmental challenges associated with rapid growth in Mumbai?
- Flooding during monsoon seasons, worsened by poor drainage systems and unplanned slum construction.
- Water and air pollution due to unregulated industrial and vehicular emissions.
- Waste management issues, with 10,000 tonnes of waste generated daily and limited capacity to process it.
What are the key features of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?
Redevelop Dharavi into a modern mixed-use residential and commercial space, including high-rise apartments.
What are some benefits of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?
- Improved housing conditions, providing people with access to clean water and sanitation.
- New infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare centers.
- Job creation through formal businesses.
What are some criticisms of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?
- Displacement of informal workers and loss of local businesses.
- Risk of gentrification, making housing unaffordable for current residents.
- Opposition from local communities who value the close-knit social structure in Dharavi.
What are some top-down approaches of managing urban growth in Mumbai.
Large-scale government or corporate initiatives like the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan and the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP).
What are the pro’s and con’s of top-down approaches?
Pros: Can be large-scale and bring significant improvements.
Cons: Often lacks community involvement and can lead to displacement.
What are some bottom-up approaches of managing urban growth in Mumbai?
Small-scale community-led projects, such as SPARC (Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres), focusing on improving slum sanitation, education, and housing.
