Providing Basic Services for Urban Poor

Abstract

Urbanization is a current global trend, which is creating strain on the eco –system and is also associated with poverty. The swift but unplanned growth of the urban sector, coupled with the difficulties faced by the Government of India in keeping pace with the demand for infrastructure and services for the urban population, has caused the emergence of a number of urban environment issues in India. Insufficient provision of water and sanitation and a lack of hygiene education are contributing to various diseases affecting thousands of people, especially the deprived and vulnerable, each year. Environment health risks from unsafe drinking water, poor hygiene and a lack of sanitation are very high in Indian slums. This situation is getting worse with rapid and chaotic urbanization as the urban and peri- urban poor are often forced to live in poor settlements that are crowded and in unhygienic conditions. Local establishment with limited income and capacity are struggling to meet escalating demands for basic services such as water, sanitation and other environmental basic services.