The rise in the population of urban poor in India is an issue that stems from an increase in the number of rural to urban migration. In the city of Hyderabad, capital of the province of Telangana, the urban poor are finding their homes in slums, accounting for ⅓ of the population.
In fact, Hyderabad has the second largest population of urban poor in cities of India.
Living in 775 urban slums in Hyderabad, the rise in the number of urban poor is directly proportionate to the economic growth of the city. That means as swanky malls and high rises grow, so do slums that house those who live under the poverty line.
The lack of effective urban planning saw migrants taking over vacant parcels of land within the city. It is not surprising to find slums next to high-class and commercial areas, as it provides employment opportunities for slum dwellers.
Slum dwellers are mainly involved in informal livelihood activities, like street vendors or construction workers. Since the cost of living is affordable for the urban poor, they are able to survive, and more than half of the slum population has been living in slums for ten years.
Despite the ability to survive living in the slums, it is challenging to live a healthy life.
Slums are residential areas of poor conditioned and dilapidated dwellings with:
● Poor ventilation
● Inadequate lighting
● Poor sanitation
● Lack of safe drinking water
● Overcrowding
● Convoluted street patterns
● Fire and flood hazards
● Poor facilities for education and health
● Unhygienic living conditions
● High risk of air and water-borne diseases
Without basic civic amenities like safe drinking water and sanitation, slum dwellers are vulnerable to infectious and communicable diseases like for instance tuberculosis, diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, and dengue fever.
Their socio-economic status is also making them vulnerable to food insecurity, as India is home to a quarter of all undernourished people worldwide.
India has worked hard on the issue of food security over the decades and achieved self-sufficiency in cereal production. However, a balanced diet requires more than cereal for an individual to be healthy.
The daily recommended intake of protein for healthy adults is 10% to 35% of your total calorie needs. With around 21.25% of the population living on less than US$1.90 a day, it is rare for needy Indians to consume enough protein for their health.
This is the reason Life for Relief and Development' Qurbani Meat Distribution Project is so important for this vulnerable population.
A project that started on June 17th-20th, 2024, and lasting for 15 days, it aimed at facilitating the
ritual of animal sacrifice during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, focusing on ensuring
the proper and efficient distribution of fresh meat to needy and deserving individuals or families.
The project was a success in helping 1608 families from Hyderabad, Telangana, with the sacrifice of 40 cows. Through addressing the physical and nutritional needs of the underprivileged, it fostered compassion, unity, and social welfare within the community.
