Exponential rates of urbanisation in LEDCs have led to the development of illegal squatter settlements around urban agglomerations.
Dharavi slum in central Mumbai exhibits the symptoms of the gross rate of urbanisation that has been effecting LEDCs in the past century.
It is located near the central business district [only heightening the perception of social polarity]
Located the Mahim Creek system meaning its land is vulnerable to flooding - the extent of the urbanisation is such that people must resort to such low quality land.
The population estimates vary but it is widely believed that up to 1 million people live within 1 sq mile in Dharavi. There are no census records - the development of the settlement is unregulated.
-This also means that making ones way around the unplanned settlement is near impossible.
-There are 12 neighbours joined only by winding narrow passages. There no maps or roads.
-Thus we wonder, how can this settlement be developed with modern infrastructure like street lighting and waste collection?
The rate of urbanisation has been such that the formal economy cannot support the influx of migrants, thus a thriving informal economy has established
-150,000 single room factories
-There is a booming recycling industry [a sustainable future for Dharavi or a major risk to health as people sort waste by hand?]
The growing population size cannot be supported by the fragile infrastructure.
-Water must therefore be rationed, only being available for 2 hours a day
-500 people share one latrine
-Many people resort to using Mahim Creek as site for defecation but also use the river for washing purposes leading to the rapid spread of disease, for example typhoid. 4000 cases of the disease are reported daily.
Then again, the community spirit in Dharavi is second to none.
-People graft together
-85% of the slum population are employed
-The crime rate is exceedingly low
-There is a high tolerance for religious diversity
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