AN UNPUBLISHED STORY OF AN URBAN SLUM KIRARI, NEW DELHI

Abstract

Displacement is a byproduct of the deliberated developmental projects formulated and implemented by the government. India is a developing country; the phenomenon of displacement has its roots spread since pre-independence era. History of displacement in India can be traced back from the British era in India. Delhi is the capital of India and has been host for various international events (International Seminars, meetings, festivals, game tournaments, etc.). Likewise, Delhi hosted Asian games in 1982 and Commonwealth games in 2010. Both these events were mega events. A lot of construction and beautification work was carried out to make these mega events a successful one. A huge population was displaced from their places where they have been living since generations. The UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) Article 25.1 states that the Right to adequate housing is a basic human right of all human beings. Further, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) recognize the same in Article 11.1. Similarly, constitutional provisions under fundamental rights guarantee the basic human rights to be enjoyed by the citizens of India.  

The present research aims to study the present living condition of the people displaced during Asian games in 1982 and presently residing in the slum of Kirari (an area under north-west district of Delhi). The study is qualitative in nature and has a descriptive design. Snowball sampling design is used for data collection. The tools used for data collection is semi structured interview schedule and observation (non participant) by the researcher. The unavailability of the basic infrastructure (Housing, Sanitation, Toilets, availability of drinking water and drainage system), Education, occupation and the legal modalities related to the J.J. cluster have been studied in the findings.  It was found that the present living conditions of these people are not humane and the ineffective functioning of the respective government body. It shows the inattention of the government towards the people of select slum, the lack of rehabilitation measures taken during the time of displacement and adequate implementation according to the existing legal framework.