College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

Urban Upgrading: Improving Living Conditions

in Delhi's Slums through In Situ Development
Strategies

AAYUSH SHARMA
ENROLMENT NO. 0021760162
YEAR: 2020-2025

RESEARCH PAPER GUIDE:- AR. SHILPI SINHA

RESEARCH PAPER COORDINATORS:-

AR. BINITA TAMBOLI & AR. AKASH SHARMA

Submission: 6

Date of Submission: 08.05.2024

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

VASTU KALA ACADEMY

9/1 QUTAB INSTITUTIONAL AREA, ARUNA ASAF ALI MARG
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

Urban Upgrading: Improving Living Conditions

in Delhi's Slums through In Situ Development
Strategies

Abstract: In order to identify practical methods for improving the “in-situ” conditions seen in Delhi, India's
slums, this article offers a thorough investigation of such conditions. Using Prasanna Desai's groundbreaking
research as a starting point, we carefully examine the wide range of issues that slum dwellers face, from poor
infrastructure to socioeconomic inequality. Utilising modern urban planning frameworks, we suggest
practical measures aimed at improving the quality of life in these disadvantaged areas. Through the
integration of contemporary urban development ideas with Desai's groundbreaking discoveries, this study
aims to further the conversation about practical approaches to improving slum conditions, particularly in the
particular setting of Delhi.

KEYWORDS: In situ conditions, Slums, Urban development, Living standards, Socioeconomic

disparities, Infrastructure, Actionable interventions, Marginalized communities, Urban development
principles

INTRODUCTION
Alongside Delhi, India's fast urbanisation has come the growth of slums, which now make up a sizable share of the city's
residential area. The lack of basic services, poor housing, and socioeconomic marginalisation of these informal
settlements present significant obstacles to healthy urban growth. Fostering inclusive and equitable cities in this setting
requires an awareness of the in situ conditions of slums and the development of effective ways to improve them.

The intricate relationship between urbanisation, poverty, and informal housing is exemplified by Delhi's slums. Over two
million people are thought to live in slum regions, and their existence highlights the ongoing injustices ingrained in the
urban fabric. Within these villages, housing typologies range from improvised huts made from repurposed materials to
overcrowded tenements with precarious structural integrity. Inadequate access to clean water, sanitary facilities, and
appropriate waste management pose serious health hazards in Delhi's slums, where sanitation is still a major problem.
The spread of respiratory illnesses and waterborne infections, which disproportionately impact women and children, is
facilitated by open defecation, tainted water sources, and unclean living circumstances.

Essential aspects of living in a slum are healthcare and education, yet access to these services is sometimes restricted or
non-existent. Residents are forced to rely on crammed public hospitals or unofficial healthcare providers due to the lack
of primary healthcare facilities. Similar limitations on educational chances exist for children living in slums due to poor
school infrastructure, a shortage of educated teachers, and financial barriers to education. Slums are known for their
informal economies, which are typified by jobs like housework, rubbish picking, and street hawking. Although these
livelihood options give slum dwellers a way to survive, they are frequently unstable, poorly compensated, and lack social
safety nets.

Considering these obstacles, it is critical to develop all-encompassing slum rehabilitation plans that tackle the underlying
causes of poverty and marginalisation.
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

The scenario of slums in Delhi

In Delhi, many people live in slums, which are areas where houses are often made of makeshift materials. These slums
are home to almost half of the city's population, according to a report from 2007-08. Back then, only a small percentage
of people living in these areas had proper ownership of the land they lived on. Most of the people in slums have moved
from other parts of the country to Delhi in search of work. They do a lot of important jobs like working in factories,
building things, and providing services like cleaning and cooking. The land where these slums are built mostly belongs to
the government, and there are many different agencies in charge of it. These slums are spread across the city in different
areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the people living in these areas have shown how important they are for keeping
the city running by doing essential jobs like cleaning and cooking.

THE RELEVANCE OF THIS RESEARCH:

Policy Formulation: In order to create successful urban development policies, policymakers must have a thorough
understanding of the complex issues that slum inhabitants face. The core causes of poverty and marginalisation within
slum communities can be addressed by policymakers in order to create solutions that support social equality and
inclusive growth.

Urban Growth and Demographic Shifts: Delhi's fast urbanisation has resulted in the growth of informal settlements. In
order to meet the demands of an expanding urban population and guarantee equitable urban development, it is essential to
comprehend the conditions that exist within these slums.

Urban Planning: To create spatial solutions that include slums into the larger urban fabric, urban planners need to gather
and analyse extensive data. Planning for land use, infrastructure development, and housing regulations that enhance
living standards and advance sustainable urbanisation are informed by findings from studies on slum conditions.

Community Empowerment: The promotion of community ownership and sustainable development necessitates the
empowerment of slum dwellers through participatory initiatives. Assisting inclusive decision-making processes and
capacity-building programmes, research findings offer significant insights into the goals, needs, and aspirations of slum
communities.
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

Public health : Results depend on addressing the poor infrastructure for healthcare and sanitation in slums. Public health
initiatives targeted at lowering the burden of disease, enhancing access to healthcare, and fostering environmental health
in slum communities are informed by research on slum living.

Social Justice: Targeted initiatives that address systemic discrimination and inequality are necessary to ensure social
justice and human rights for slum residents. Advocacy initiatives that support the rights of marginalised people and work
to remove structural obstacles to their socioeconomic inclusion are sparked by research on slum conditions.

Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs): The study supports the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN,
especially Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The research helps with larger
initiatives for inclusive development, sustainable urbanisation, and poverty alleviation by enhancing the living conditions
of slum dwellers.

Disaster Resilience and Risk Reduction: Because slums are frequently situated in hazardous places like floodplains or
steep slopes, their occupants are more vulnerable to natural catastrophes. To lessen vulnerability and increase community
safety, slum conditions must be improved, and resistance to natural hazards must be strengthened.

Goal
To study and find ways to enhance the in-place circumstances of slums in Delhi, India, with the goal of enabling
inclusive urban development, improving slum people' well-being, and promoting sustainable cities.

Objective:

The following goals will be pursued in order to fulfil this purpose:

1. Identify the main challenges and vulnerabilities that slum inhabitants experience, including the causes that contribute
to socioeconomic marginalisation and exclusion.
2. Develop evidence-based plans and initiatives to address identified weaknesses and improve slum inhabitants' living
conditions.
3. Encourage community participation and stakeholder engagement in the design, implementation, and monitoring of
slum improvement efforts, making sure to include slum people' opinions and interests.
4. Improve institutional capacity and coordination among appropriate government agencies, non-governmental
organisations, community-based organisations, and other slum development partners.
5. Identify the main challenges and vulnerabilities that slum inhabitants experience, including the causes that contribute
to socioeconomic marginalisation and exclusion.
6. Develop evidence-based plans and initiatives to address identified weaknesses and improve slum inhabitants' living
conditions.
7. Encourage community participation and stakeholder engagement in the design, implementation, and monitoring of
slum improvement efforts, making sure to include slum people' opinions and interests.
8. Improve institutional capacity and coordination among appropriate government agencies, non-governmental
organisations, community-based organisations, and other slum development partners.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The scope of this study includes investigating the in situ circumstances of slums in Delhi, India, with an emphasis on the
housing, sanitation, healthcare, education, and livelihood issues that slum people confront. It entails geographical
coverage of slum settlements inside Delhi's administrative boundaries, as well as a combination of quantitative surveys,
qualitative interviews, and secondary data analysis to collect a representative sample of slum households. Community
engagement tactics will be used to elicit feedback from slum inhabitants and to include stakeholders in intervention
planning. Policy analysis will highlight reform opportunities, while capacity-building efforts will help stakeholders
improve their abilities. Interventions' influence on housing quality, access to services, socioeconomic empowerment, and
overall well-being will be evaluated through outcome evaluation. The study acknowledges limitations such as resource
limits and data gathering issues, but aims methodological rigour to inform evidence-based solutions for equitable urban
development.
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

Limitations:
There are certain challenges to studying in Delhi's slums. First, it is difficult to obtain reliable information since there
may not be enough data regarding slum residents, particularly in areas that are not legally recognised as slums. Second,
deciding who to investigate can be difficult since people in slums may move frequently or distrust researchers. This could
make it difficult to obtain a representative sample of people to investigate, and what we discover may not be true for
everyone in the slums. Third, language and cultural barriers may make it difficult to communicate with others and
comprehend what they say. Furthermore, we may not have the money or resources to do everything we want. It is critical
that we do the research in a fair and polite manner, especially since we will be working with people who may be
vulnerable. Slums fluctuate dramatically over time due to factors such as new construction or people leaving, therefore
we must keep this in mind when conducting our research. Things like bad weather or huge events can make it difficult
for us to do proper research. Finally, when conducting study, we must consider a wide range of factors such as how cities
function, how people live, and what makes people healthy and happy. Despite the challenges, we will try our best to
ensure that our research is thorough and helps people better understand slums.

Research Methodology:
The study will use a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and secondary
data analysis, to evaluate slum conditions in Delhi and the success of urban upgrading efforts.

• A cross-sectional design will be used to capture a snapshot of slum conditions at a given point in time, allowing
for comparisons across slum settlements and demographic groupings.
sample Strategy: Stratified random sample will be utilised to represent distinct slum settlements in Delhi,
including notified and non-notified slums, as well as socio-economic groups
• To ensure proper representation and statistical validity, sample sizes will be calculated using statistical power
analysis.

Data collection would involve administering structured questionnaires to slum households to gather
information on housing conditions, access to basic amenities (sanitation, healthcare, education), livelihood
options, and socio-economic status. Pre-testing and validation of survey instruments will assure their reliability
and validity.
Qualitative interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted with key stakeholders, such as slum
residents, community leaders, government officials, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to gain
insight into community perspectives, experiences, and aspirations regarding urban upgrading initiatives.
• Secondary Data Analysis: Existing datasets from government publications, census data, and academic literature
will be examined to augment primary data and offer context for slum demographics, socioeconomic indicators,
and urban development strategies.

Data analysis will employ descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages, and means to summarise survey
results and uncover patterns in slum conditions. Inferential statistics, such as correlation analysis and regression
modelling, can be used to investigate relationships between variables and evaluate the effectiveness of urban
improvement programmes.
•
Qualitative Data: Interviews and focus group discussions will be analysed using thematic analysis
methodologies to discover recurring themes, patterns, and narratives about urban upgrading experiences,
challenges, and aspirations.

Ethical Considerations: All participants will provide informed consent before data collection to ensure
voluntary participation and anonymity.
Ethical rules for research with vulnerable groups will be scrupulously followed, with a focus on protecting
slum people' rights and dignity.
• Quality assurance involves rigorous training for research team members to ensure uniformity and
standardisation in data collection techniques.
Data quality checks and validation procedures will be applied throughout the study process to reduce errors and
assure data integrity.

Case Study: Pick sample case studies of in-situ conditions and efforts from various areas, emphasising both
fruitful and fruitless endeavours.
Examine the project's goals, methods, background information, and findings for every case study.
Determine the best practices, lessons learned, and common problems that can guide the creation of the
suggested ecological approach for ghetto research.
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

Literature Review :

The urban landscape of Delhi is marked by the presence of large informal settlements, sometimes known as slums, which
suffer a slew of difficulties related to inadequate housing, basic services, socioeconomic possibilities, and environmental
sustainability. This literature review gives an overview of the primary in situ challenges affecting Delhi's slums, focusing
on research papers, policy reports, and academic articles.

Housing Conditions
Research shows that living conditions in Delhi's slums are generally overcrowded, with inferior construction and few
facilities. Many slum buildings are made of temporary materials like tarpaulin, corrugated metal sheets, and plastic tarps,
which provide little protection from the elements and pose substantial health and safety dangers to occupants (Kundu &
Sarangi, 2016).

Access to basic services

Slum people in Delhi confront considerable barriers to getting essential amenities such as water, sanitation, healthcare,
and education. Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities helps to spread waterborne infections and
sanitation-related ailments, especially among youngsters (Roy & Nag, 2017). Healthcare services in slums are frequently
substandard, with limited access to primary care facilities and diagnostic services, aggravating health inequities and
decreasing health seeking behavior among residents.

Socio-Economic Vulerability
Slum inhabitants in Delhi face considerable socio-economic vulnerability, including poor earnings, unstable employment,
and restricted access to social safety systems. Many slum residents labour in the informal sector, doing things like street
hawking, domestic work, and rubbish picking, which provide inconsistent wages and no job security (Roy and Nag,
2017). The lack of access to formal financial institutions and social insurance exacerbates economic insecurity in slum
households (Bose, 2018).

Environmental Degradation
Inadequate garbage management in Delhi's slums causes pollution, poisoning of water sources, and health risks for
people. Open defecation and inappropriate solid waste disposal lead to the spread of infectious illnesses and
environmental contamination, providing substantial problems to public health
Land tenure insecurity is a widespread issue in Delhi's slums, with many people lacking legal recognition of their land
rights and facing continual eviction and displacement. Informal land tenure arrangements and ambiguous property rights
increase vulnerability to forceful eviction and limit chances for home upgrading and tenure regularisation (Bose, 2018).

Drivers of Slum Formation

Slum formation in Delhi is driven by rapid urbanisation and rural-urban migration, with migrants seeking better
economic possibilities in cities. Inadequate urban planning and regulatory frameworks frequently fail to accommodate a
growing population, resulting in the spread of informal settlements. Land tenure insecurity, caused by uncertain property
rights and land ownership, exacerbates slum growth since residents lack legal legitimacy and protection. Economic
inequities and a lack of affordable housing options drive low-income families into informal settlements, continuing
cycles of poverty and marginalisation.

Challenges in Slum Living Conditions

In slums, inadequate housing is defined as overcrowded and substandard houses that lack essential services such as
sanitation and clean water. Limited access to healthcare and education exacerbates health inequities while also
perpetuating intergenerational poverty. Precarious livelihoods in the informal sector are frequently characterised by poor
earnings, employment uncertainty, and a lack of social security. Pollution and exposure to natural calamities endanger the
health and well-being of slum people. Social exclusion and discrimination exacerbate the marginalisation of slum
populations, limiting their access to resources and possibilities for advancement.

In Situ Development Strategies

strive to improve living conditions in slums while allowing residents to stay in their homes. Tenure regularisation efforts
aim to provide slum inhabitants with legal acknowledgment of their land rights, provide tenure security, and encourage
investment in housing and infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure improvements, such as water supply, sanitation,
solid waste management, and electricity availability, are critical for improving living standards and environmental
sustainability in slums. Housing upgrades entail renovating and enlarging existing structures to satisfy basic safety and
quality criteria. Community involvement is critical to the success of in situ development programmes, as it ensures that
interventions are tailored to local needs and priorities. Skills training, microfinance, and market access are some of the
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

livelihood assistance programmes that aim to improve economic opportunities and reduce vulnerability among slum
residents.

Policy Implications
The literature emphasises the need to include slum upgrading into urban development strategies and policies. Key policy
recommendations include strengthening land tenure security through legal reforms and land regularisation programmes,
improving basic service provision through targeted infrastructure and service delivery investments, promoting inclusive
governance mechanisms that allow slum communities to participate in decision-making processes, and addressing the
root causes of urban poverty and inequality through inclusive economic development strategies. Furthermore, there is an
increasing acknowledgment of the importance of multi-stakeholder collaborations, innovative funding mechanisms, and
flexible governance structures in addressing the complex difficulties of slum upgrading in cities such as Delhi.

Theoretical Frameworks
Amartya Sen's capabilities approach emphasises improving individuals' talents and freedoms to live fulfilling lives. This
approach emphasises the importance of empowering slum people through chances to improve their living conditions,
access essential services, and participate in decision-making processes. Similarly, the human rights-based approach
emphasises slum residents' rights to appropriate housing, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and livelihoods,
as outlined in international human rights treaties. The sustainable livelihoods framework provides a perspective through
which to examine how social, economic, and environmental factors influence livelihood possibilities and vulnerabilities
in slum communities.

For in situ slum redevelopment, the relevant and extant planning norms and development controls are applicable as per –
Master Plan of Delhi. The DDA, Beneficiaries, Slum dwellers and the developer play different roles at different
stages in these projects for proper development and execution of the projects.
The role of Delhi Development Authority –

The DDA acts as a regulator, mediator and enabler which sets up various committees for formulation and
implementation of the policy and the action plan as per PMAY guidelines.

• The DDA prepares the lists of beneficiaries based on surveys conducted. The beneficiaries must be citizens of
India and must reside in the JJ clusters over a minimum of 18 years. • It selects the private developer with an open and
transparent bidding process. • It provides external trunk infrastructure facilities for basic civic amenities to the slum
dwellers in the project.

• DDA ensures by periodic inspections that the beneficiaries are residing in the alternative transit
accommodations or rented houses provided by the developer. In case if not, their right of alternative allotment in lieu of
Jhuggi will be fortified.

• The DDA supervises/allots houses constructed under the slum rehabilitation projects under a transparent computerized
draw system.
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

Case Studies :
Case study 1 : Incremental-Housing-Strategy-Yerawada-Project- Human-Settlements

Prasanna Desai Architects, along with NSDF & Mahila Milan, worked on a plan to make slum living better in Delhi.
They talked a lot with the people living there to understand what they needed. They came up with a clever way to build
houses that would be cheaper but still strong. They planned different types of houses, some with space for parking or
shops below. The government agreed to help pay for the project, and people living in the slums had to contribute a little
bit too. Mahila Milan, a group of women from the slums, helped collect money and manage the construction. They also
trained people to check that the houses were built well. The project faced some delays because of government rules and
money issues, but it showed how involving the community can make a big difference in improving living conditions in
slums.
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

Case study 2 : Critical Analysis of Delhi's in situ-Slum Rehabilitation Policy on PPP Model: A Study of Slums of
Shalimar Bagh by Aakriti Singhai

Slums in Delhi, particularly in Shalimar Bagh and Pitampura, present substantial issues in terms of housing and living
circumstances. These slum settlements, which are primarily made up of migrant labourers looking for work, struggle with
congestion, a lack of basic infrastructure like as sewage and water facilities, and poor safety and security measures. The
accommodations are frequently tight and inadequately ventilated, with restricted access to amenities.

Efforts to solve these difficulties through government schemes such as the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) policy
seek to provide slum inhabitants with better homes and essential amenities. Concerns have been raised about the clarity
and accessibility of these schemes, as well as their influence on community livelihoods and social dynamics. Slum
inhabitants express a mixture Optimism and worry over the projected renovation, emphasising the importance of
transparency, security, and community involvement in the process.
Prioritising community involvement, providing clarity on financial contributions and ownership rights, and assuring the
provision of livelihood possibilities and social infrastructure within rehabilitation projects are among the solutions made
to solve these difficulties. Furthermore, investigating alternative housing solutions such as rental housing and fostering
partnerships with non-profit organisations can aid in meeting the housing needs of low-income urban residents.

Overall, successful slum redevelopment strategies require efficient collaboration among governments, developers, and
communities, as well as a focus on timely building, quality housing, and inclusive development.
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

An overview of slum upgrading programs in developing countries: Case study in Indonesia

This research study adds valuable evidence to the existing literature on Indonesia's slum upgrading programs. By
analyzing 10 editions of these programs, it helps us understand how they've evolved over time. This study also lays the
groundwork for creating better guidelines for future slum upgrading initiatives, which could lead to more successful
outcomes.The findings of this research have practical implications, especially for policymakers. They highlight the
importance of involving all national stakeholders in such programs, which can have positive effects on both regional and
national levels. This study could inspire other slum upgrading programs to evaluate their own effectiveness and
efficiency, and it might encourage the initiation of similar programs in other regions or countries.

However, it's important to acknowledge some limitations of this research. For example, it relied mainly on data from
libraries, which might not provide a complete picture. Future studies could benefit from conducting in-depth interviews
with people involved in these programs for better insights. Additionally, there's some subjectivity involved in analyzing
the findings, so comparing slum upgrading programs in other areas could offer a broader perspective.

In conclusion, further research could build upon the guidelines proposed in this study to assess the quality of slum
upgrading programs more comprehensively. By addressing these limitations and expanding the scope, we can continue to

improve our understanding and implementation of slum upgrading initiatives.

 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

INFERENCES

YERWADA SLUM : The findings from many research on slum upgrading programmes highlight the critical importance
of community engagement in ensuring the success of such initiatives. One notable example is the project led by Prasanna
Desai Architects in Delhi, which demonstrates the good influence of incorporating slum inhabitants in decision-making.
Architects seeking to improve living conditions in slums can learn essential lessons from collaborative efforts such as the
one in Delhi, where community engagement proved critical. Understanding inhabitants' individual wants and concerns is
critical for designing economical yet long-lasting housing solutions that can adapt to changing circumstances. Flexible
design techniques, together with partnerships with local organisations and government agencies, make it easier to
overcome regulatory and financial constraints. Participating in fundraising, building, and project management empowers
communities while also developing essential skills and job prospects. Navigating bureaucratic difficulties necessitates
patience, adaptability, and advocacy for policy changes. Architects who embrace these ideas can catalyse dramatic
change, raising living standards and supporting sustainable development.

SHALIAMR BAGH SLUM : The slums of Delhi, particularly in Shalimar Bagh and Pitampura, portray a harsh reality of
housing and living conditions that predominantly affect migrant labourers seeking work. Overcrowding, poor
infrastructure, including sewage and water facilities, and flaws in safety measures highlight the critical need for
intervention. Government initiatives such as the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) policy seek to alleviate these
hardships by providing improved housing and essential amenities; however, concerns remain about the accessibility and
clarity of these schemes, as well as their potential impact on community dynamics and livelihoods. Residents express a
mix of hope and worry about the proposed repairs, emphasising the importance of openness, security, and community
involvement throughout the process. To overcome these complications, solutions call for prioritising community
involvement, clarifying financial contributions and ownership rights, and ensuring that livelihood opportunities and
social infrastructure are included in restoration projects. Exploring alternate housing options, such as rental housing, and
forming partnerships with non-profit organisations appear to be effective approaches to meeting the housing needs of
low-income urban residents. Successful slum rebuilding requires efficient collaboration among governments, developers,
and communities, as well as a dedication to timely construction, high-quality housing, and inclusive development
policies.

INDONESIA SLUMS : This research study adds significantly to the literature on Indonesia's slum upgrading
programmes by providing a thorough examination of their progress throughout time, spanning ten editions of these
projects. It establishes a solid framework for the development of improved criteria for future slum improvement efforts,
thereby increasing their overall efficacy and success. The findings' practical implications are especially important for
policymakers, emphasising the importance of including all essential national stakeholders to maximise the positive
impact of these programmes at both the regional and national level. Furthermore, this study has the potential to serve as a
catalyst for reflection inside other slum upgrading projects, encouraging them to analyse their own efficacy and
efficiency while stimulating the establishment of comparable programmes in different locations. However, it is critical to
recognise the limits of this study, such as its reliance on library data, which may not provide a whole picture. Future
research could address this issue by conducting in-depth interviews with programme stakeholders to gain more nuanced
insights. Furthermore, the subjectivity of the analysis emphasises the significance of comparing findings to similar
programmes in different places to gain a more comprehensive picture. Finally, more study might build on the proposed
guidelines to completely assess the quality of slum upgrading programmes, eliminating these constraints and widening
the possibilities to continuously improve our understanding and implementation of such projects.

SUGGESTIONS/ RECCOMENDATIONS

As an architecture student conducting research on improving slums in Delhi, using ideas from current literature and
studies on slum upgrading programmes in Indonesia might greatly improve the effectiveness of my research paper. Here
are some tips and ideas for future on how to improve the in-situ problems

In our joint goal of improving living conditions in Delhi's slums, we must draw on a rich tapestry of research and
experiential learning, particularly from extensive evaluations of slum upgrading projects in Indonesia. As emerging
architects, we find ourselves at a crossroads of opportunity, ready to translate these priceless insights into concrete
recommendations customised to the complex fabric of Delhi's urban landscape.

First and foremost, let us emphasise the critical importance of a community-centered approach. We may co-create
solutions that reflect the lived experiences and ambitions of people directly affected by actively engaging and
collaborating with slum residents. Reflecting on the enormous impact of community participation experienced in
Indonesia's programmes, we recognise its potential as a driving force towards sustainable and inclusive interventions in
Delhi.
 College of Architecture Vastukala Academy: Research Paper 2024-2025

Let us delve deeper into our investigation and take a nuanced look at the evolution of Delhi's slum upgrading efforts. By
painstakingly studying previous endeavours, we can identify patterns, determine which techniques have proven
successful, and learn from setbacks. This historical lens not only enhances our understanding, but also provides crucial
insights into shaping the course of future interventions.
Furthermore, let us consider policy recommendations, pushing for frameworks that prioritise comprehensive slum
redevelopment while upholding equality and accountability norms. Drawing parallels between the policy implications
identified in Indonesia's context and the demands of Delhi's urban environment, we seek to establish a strong framework
conducive to revolutionary change.

• Community Engagement and Co-design: Prioritise community engagement and collaborative design
procedures. Work closely with residents to better understand their requirements, preferences, and goals. Co-
create solutions that are culturally sensitive, responsive to the local context, and represent the community's
values and ambitions. By including inhabitants in the design process, we ensure that solutions are suited to their
individual requirements while also instilling a feeling of ownership and pride in the built environment.
•
Flexible and Incremental Housing Solutions: Create flexible and incremental housing options that can be
adjusted to changing demands and situations throughout time. Incorporate modular construction techniques and
adaptable design so that people can extend or change their homes as their families grow or their financial
situation improves. This method not only caters to the dynamic character of informal settlements but also
promotes resilience and sustainability in the built environment.

• Infrastructure and Basic Services: Prioritise the provision of critical infrastructure and services such water
supply, sanitation, energy, and waste management. Design integrated solutions that meet several needs at once,
such as rainwater harvesting systems that provide both water supply and flood mitigation. Collaborate with
local governments and utilities to guarantee that informal settlements receive long-term services and
infrastructure.
•
Safe and accessible public spaces: Improve the quality and accessibility of public areas in informal
communities. Create dynamic, inclusive communal areas that encourage social interaction, recreation, and
economic activity. Ensure that public places are well-lit, well-maintained, and safe for all people, particularly
women, children, and vulnerable groups. To increase the general quality of life, include elements like seating
areas, playgrounds, and green spaces.

• Economic Opportunities and Livelihoods: Support economic prospects and livelihoods in informal settlements
by designing mixed-use developments and small-scale businesses. Create venues for home-based companies,
street sellers, and community markets to help residents earn money and better their economic situation.
Facilitate access to training programmes, vocational education, and microfinance efforts to help residents
improve their skills and businesses.

Architects may play a critical role in improving the in-place difficulties that people living in informal settlements
confront by taking a comprehensive and community-centered approach to design and planning. We can build new and
long-term solutions that improve the quality of life for all residents by learning from the triumphs and problems of past
slum rehabilitation programmes.