Thousands Are Displaced As Indian Slum Is Bulldozed

The Indian government has demolished a housing slum in Mumbai, displacing thousands. Though the government has promised replacement homes for many of the slum's documented citizens, thousands without documentation are now also without homes.

1 minute read

July 4, 2006, 9:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


In an effort to transform a sprawling slum in one of India's largest cities into an economically vibrant boulevard, the government has destroyed the slum's shanties, displacing thousands. The government had made a promise to residents that they would be given replacement housing if they could provide documentation of their residence. Those without documentation have been pushed out into the city streets of Mumbai, while even some of those with proper documentation have not yet received a replacement home.

"The man in charge of the demolition, MJ Vazirani, says the slum's inhabitants have been given a day's notice to collect their belongings and move out of their properties."

" 'We have provided many of these slum dwellers, those who have documentation to show they came to Mumbai before 1995, with alternative housing,' he says."

" 'They will get better homes to live in - council flats, that are safer, better built, with running water and electricity. Why wouldn't they want to move into these homes?' "

The Indian government has been challenged with the large amount of slums in Mumbai and other large cities. Slums currently house nearly two-thirds of Mumbai’s population. Plans are currently underway to redevelop large plots of slums into commercially-active areas of mixed use that provide economic activity as well as replacement homes for displaced slum residents.

Monday, July 3, 2006 in BBC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Orange and white vintage-look streetcar on Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024

The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

April 4 - San Francisco Chronicle

Green and silver Max BRT bus at station in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding

In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

April 4 - Colorado Public Radio

Low view of separated bike lanes in middle of Pennsylvania Avenue with U.S. Capitol dome visible at end of street at night.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy

The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.

April 4 - Grist