From the time it was a clump of islands, Mumbai has always kept its doors open to everyone. Even though in recent times, this has caused discontent in some quarters, most Mumbaikars agree that the migrant is Mumbai’s leitmotif and its greatest strength. Unfortunately, not all who come to this city are easily favoured with a roof over their heads and to even acquire a 350-sq.feet legal apartment in
the city is an immense struggle. Others feel forced to make do with whatever they get. Slums are often perceived by those who don’t live there as illegal ‘encroachments’ on legitimate government/private lands. Middle-class gated communities close their doors to anyone and everyone who is not quite like them. They discriminate on the basis of gender, profession, religion, caste, marriage status and even food habits (veg or non-veg housing societies, anyone?). This may not be easily apparent to a newcomer for if you do a quick google search of ‘Housing in Mumbai’, you will be inundated with listings of all the top housing companies. Their glossy images of luxurious apartment complexes with promised world-class amenities including swimming pools, club houses, gymnasiums and even elevators for your cars might lull you into believing that the house of your dreams is just a home loan away. A hefty home loan away! Yet, more than half of Mumbai’s population lives in the slums, occupying less than 10 per cent of the city’s land. Still others remain homeless, forced to make the streets their home and obliged to move around due to the monsoons or the police. This issue of Footnotes, presented as a blog, brings to you the stories of these struggles for home in Mumbai. Apart from enumerating the problems faced, these stories will tell you that in spite of all the odds, people survive, thrive and build homes in this city, attempting in some way or the other to recreate their own perfect Ashiana’s.
