7.10 - Contested Land
Contested land issues in Dharavi, Mumbai
Dharavi, located in Mumbai, India, is one of the largest slums in the world and a focal point for debates over land use and development. This area faces significant challenges as plans for redevelopment clash with the needs of its residents and the local economy.
Challenges of redevelopment in Dharavi
- Development proposals - Indian property developer Mukesh Mehta aims to transform Dharavi into an international business destination.
- Displacement concerns - Such redevelopment could displace up to 1 million residents, relocating them to peripheral areas of the city with limited economic opportunities.
- Economic significance - Dharavi hosts numerous small-scale, informal industries that generate around $650 million annually, playing a crucial role in helping many escape poverty.
- Informal economy's impact - The informal sector drives a substantial portion of India's economic growth, accounting for as much as 90% of employment in the country.
Slum clearance and property booms in Rio de Janeiro
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, urban development linked to major events like the 2016 Olympic Games has led to significant changes in land use, particularly in favelas (informal settlements). These changes have sparked both economic growth and social displacement.
Effects of the 2016 Olympic Games on favelas
- Property value surge - In central favelas like Vidigal, land values rose threefold in three years due to the Olympic-driven property boom, with average house prices increasing by 165% between 2012 and 2016.
- Speculative buying - Land speculators purchased properties in these areas, capitalising on the increased demand.
- Mass displacement - Around 170,000 people were displaced for projects related to the Games, often to make way for infrastructure developments.
- Specific case of Favela do Metro - This favela, originally home to 1,000 residents, was demolished to construct parking facilities for the event, highlighting the scale of disruption faced by communities.
Depletion of urban green spaces and open areas
Urban green spaces and open areas are vital for the well-being of city residents, yet they are often sacrificed for development. The loss of such spaces varies widely across cities, reflecting different priorities in urban planning.
Loss of green and open spaces in cities
- Disparity in open space availability - In London, each resident has access to about 50 m2 of open space, while in Mumbai, this figure drops to less than 2 m2 per person, illustrating stark contrasts in urban planning.
- Conversion of lakes in Bangalore - In the 1960s, Bangalore had over 280 lakes, but now there are fewer than 70, with many converted into parking areas, a bus station, and a sports stadium.
- Deforestation for infrastructure - Between 2010 and 2014, over 50,000 trees were felled in Bangalore to facilitate road widening, further reducing natural spaces.
- Creation of new spaces - Despite widespread depletion, some cities have created new open spaces, such as the Queen Elizabeth Park in London, established after the 2012 Olympic Games.
Impacts of urban development on communities and environments
The contest over land in urban areas often results in profound consequences for both the people living there and the surrounding environment. Development projects, while aimed at economic growth, frequently prioritise infrastructure over social and ecological needs.
Social and environmental consequences of land contests
- Community displacement - Large-scale projects in areas like Dharavi and Rio de Janeiro disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands, forcing them into less desirable locations with fewer job prospects.
- Economic trade-offs - While informal economies in slums provide livelihoods for many, redevelopment often overlooks these contributions, risking increased poverty for displaced residents.
- Loss of natural resources - The reduction of green spaces, lakes, and trees in cities like Bangalore diminishes environmental quality, affecting air purity, biodiversity, and mental health of residents.
- Urban planning challenges - Balancing the need for economic development with the preservation of community structures and natural spaces remains a significant issue, as seen in the varied approaches of cities like London and Mumbai.