Megapolis Launches Major Demolition Initiative

In Mumbai, India, slums are being demolished without planning for alternative housing.

1 minute read

February 10, 2005, 6:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"In what is dubbed as the 'largest ever' demolition exercise since it started last December, 67,000 illegal constructions have been demolished in the western Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay).

"Slumlords...make their livings by wheeling and dealing in illegal property deals that make new slums possible...

This is part of a $6bn urban rejuvenation plan for India's richest and dirtiest megalopolis...

Planners say that the only way out is for the state to build low-cost housing in a city where real estate is frighteningly expensive and drives people even with reasonable incomes to live in slums...

In a land-scarce city, slums have come in the way of building new roads, bridges, schools and playgrounds."

Thanks to Latika Bhide

Thursday, February 3, 2005 in BBC News

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