Mumbai Case study

• Mumbai

  The financial and commercial capital of India
• Mumbai's location

  • Located on the west coast of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea
  • Has a deep natural harbor, making it a significant port city
  • Surrounded by the Western Ghats to the east, limiting its physical expansion in that direction
  • Capital of the state of Maharashtra
• Significance of Mumbai's site

  • The Arabian Sea provides a strategic location for trade and commerce
  • The Western Ghats influence the city's growth pattern, leading to expansion along the coast and northwards
  • Proximity to major oil reserves in the Arabian Sea and the Middle East has made Mumbai a hub for the oil and gas industry
  • Well-connected by road, rail, and air, enhancing its accessibility and connectivity
  • A crucial financial and economic center, hosting the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and numerous multinational corporations
• Regional importance of Mumbai

  • The most populous city in Maharashtra and the seventh most populous city in the world
  • Has a well-developed infrastructure with hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural centers
  • Center of the Bollywood film industry, contributing significantly to the country's entertainment sector
  • The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport connects Mumbai globally
• National importance of Mumbai

  • The financial hub of India, housing the Reserve Bank of India and the headquarters of several major banks and financial institutions
  • A major industrial center, hosting textile mills, manufacturing units, and the Bombay Dyeing industry
  • Attracts migrants from various parts of the country, contributing to its diverse population
  • Prominent presence of transnational corporations and serves as a headquarters for many Indian businesses
• International importance of Mumbai

  • The port of Mumbai is one of the largest and busiest in India, facilitating international trade
  • The city's stock exchange plays a crucial role in the global financial market
  • Mumbai's film industry, Bollywood, has gained international recognition
• Megacity structure of Mumbai

  • The central business district (CBD) is situated in South Mumbai, with the financial district hosting corporate offices and high-rise buildings
  • Industrial areas are dispersed across the city, with significant concentrations in the suburbs
  • Informal settlements, or slums, are prevalent, especially in areas like Dharavi, Asia's largest slum
• Population growth in Mumbai

  • Mumbai's population has surged over the years, from around 4 million in 1951 to over 20 million in 2022
  • The city experiences rapid urbanization due to rural-urban migration and natural population growth
  • Migration is driven by employment opportunities in industries, businesses, and the informal sector
• Opportunities for people in Mumbai

  • Job opportunities in diverse sectors, including finance, industry, and the film industry
  • Access to education and healthcare facilities is relatively better than in rural areas
  • Attracts individuals seeking economic opportunities and a better quality of life
• Challenges for people in Mumbai

  • Housing challenges with the proliferation of informal settlements and limited affordable housing options
  • Inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities in many areas
  • Traffic congestion, air pollution, and limited green spaces pose environmental challenges
  • High cost of living and economic disparities between the affluent and the impoverished
• Government-led sustainability initiatives in Mumbai

  • Major infrastructure projects, such as the Mumbai Metro and coastal road development, aim to enhance transportation and connectivity
  • Housing schemes, like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, address affordable housing needs
  • Policies to attract investment and support economic growth
• There are many slums in Mumbai, which house up to 60% of its population.
• The population density of Mumbai is around 19,500 people per square kilometre.
• Dharavi is one of the biggest slums in Mumbai, covering an area of about 3 km².
• Many people live in slum conditions without basic amenities such as electricity or running water.
• Many residents live in cramped conditions, often sharing small rooms with multiple families.
• Some residents of Dharavi earn money through recycling materials found on the streets.
• Mumbai

  • Megacity in Western India, along the coast of the Arabian Sea
  • Second largest city in India with a population of 22 million
  • Large deep-water port critical for international trade
  • Mumbai International Airport sees 32 million passengers
  • Located in India's richest province due to high business connections and fast-growing economy
• Up to 62% of Mumbai's population live in slums
• Dharavi

  • Thought to be Asia's largest slum with a population of approximately 1 million
  • Most residents work in recycling and rag-picking, processing the waste from the rest of Mumbai
• By 2030, Mumbai's population is expected to increase to 25 million
• Reasons for Mumbai's population growth

  1. Rural-to-Urban Migration - Thousands of young people migrate to Mumbai to improve their quality of life and opportunities

  2. Natural Increase - The fertility rate in Mumbai is 2.2 births per woman, especially since migrants from rural regions tend to be young and start families
• Vision Mumbai

  A) cheaper

  B) housing

  C) demolish

  D) slums

  E) rail

  F) bus

  G) road

  H) water

  I) sanitation

  J) healthcare

  K) economic

  
• Benefits 

  • By 2007, 200,000 people were moved, and 45,000 homes demolished in Dharavi. New flats replaced slums.
  • Piped water and sewerage systems were established for new flats.
  • By 2015, 72 new trains were introduced on Mumbai’s railways. Platforms were raised to prevent people falling into the ‘gaps’ between trains and platforms – the cause of many deaths.
  • In 2015, new measures were introduced to improve air quality.
• Costs:


  • Many prefer slum improvement (e.g. piped water, sewerage treatment) to demolition.
  • New 14-storey apartment blocks have split communities.
  • Rents cost more than in the slums.
  • Small workshops would have to move or go out of business, affecting Mumbai’s recycling industry.
  • Many residents believe that ‘Vision Mumbai’ benefits only the rich and powerful.
• Vision Mumbai


  Cost: $50bn

  End date: 2050
• What is the main problem with the toilet blocks provided by the city government?

  They charged individual prices for each use, making them too expensive for families.
• Why were the city toilets considered badly designed?

  They lacked running water and were not cleaned by government employees.
• What is SPARC and what does it do?

  • SPARC is an Indian NGO.
  • Works with communities in Mumbai.
  • Builds new toilet blocks connected to city sewers and water supplies.
• How does the local community contribute to the construction of SPARC toilet blocks?

  The local community helps to construct the toilet block.
• How much do families pay for a monthly permit to use SPARC toilets?

  About 25p.
• What benefits do families receive once they have a permit for SPARC toilets?

  They can use the toilet block as many times as they want during the month.
• What features do SPARC toilet blocks have to enhance safety and usability?

  They have electric lights and separate toilets for children.
• How many community toilet blocks has SPARC provided in the past 5 years?

  800 community toilet blocks.
• How many toilets does each SPARC toilet block contain?

  Each block contains 8 toilets.
• Costs of SPARC toilets


  • relies on donations
  • still 155 people per toilet