GS-1-URBANISATION

 GS 1 -URBANISATION

Gentrification is the transformation of a neighborhood through the influx of wealthier residents, resulting in rising property values and rent. This process often displaces lower-income, long-time residents and alters the community’s character.

Impact of Gentrification on Working-Class People in Indian Cities

Gentrification, where wealthier people move into a neighborhood, has significant effects on working-class residents in Indian cities.

1.Displacement and Housing Issues: When property prices and rents go up, long-time residents may be forced to move out. For instance, Dharavi in Mumbai is facing redevelopment that could displace many low-income families.

2.Loss of Community and Culture: Gentrification can disrupt established communities, causing people to lose their social connections and cultural traditions. Whitefield in Bengaluru is a case where traditional neighborhoods have changed into upscale residential areas, altering the local culture.

3.Economic Marginalization: As wealthier people move in, local businesses that cater to lower-income residents may struggle or close. For example, in Delhi, traditional markets are being replaced by high-end stores, making it hard for small, local businesses to survive.

4.Pressure on Public Services: A larger population puts extra stress on services like water, sanitation, and public transport. Chennai has seen its infrastructure under strain due to rapid urban growth, affecting working-class residents who rely on these services.

5.Job Losses: Gentrification can lead to a decrease in job opportunities for working-class people, as redevelopment projects often focus on high-end offices and luxury shops rather than spaces for small businesses or informal jobs.

Measures for Inclusive Urban Development

1.Affordable Housing Policies: Ensuring new developments include affordable housing, such as in Mumbai’s Development Plan 2034, helps maintain diversity in neighborhoods.

2.Community Land Trusts: These organizations help communities buy and manage land, keeping it affordable for long-time residents. This method has worked well in other places and could be used in Indian cities.

3.Rent Control: Strengthening rent control laws in cities like Mumbai and Delhi can prevent excessive rent increases that force tenants out of their homes.

4.Inclusionary Zoning: Requiring or encouraging new projects to include affordable housing, as Chennai is starting to explore, ensures that urban development benefits everyone.

5.Support for Small Businesses: Programs like PM SVANidhi provide help to local businesses, allowing them to thrive even amid gentrification.

6.Community Involvement: Involving local residents in planning decisions through meetings and consultations ensures their needs are addressed.

7.Legal Protections: Improving laws to protect tenants and informal workers, with support from legal aid, helps prevent unfair evictions and displacement.

             To tackle the challenges of gentrification, a balanced approach is essential. By focusing on affordable housing, supporting local businesses, and involving communities in planning, we can ensure that urban development benefits everyone without causing displacement.