CHALLENGES AND CHANGES IN URBAN SLUMS IN INDIA: A REVIEW APPROACH

Urban slums, defined by overpopulation, poor living conditions, and restricted access to essential services, are the perfect examples of the complex problems associated with modern urbanization. Over 1.1 billion people live in slums worldwide, which is expected to rise as urbanization picks up speed. Focusing on urban slums, this literature review investigates the socioeconomic circumstances, health disparities, and gender vulnerabilities that slum residents face. Slum dwellers have inequalities, such as low access to healthcare, unsanitary conditions, and environmental hazards, even though they make substantial contributions to urban economies. In India, 17.4% of the urban population lives in slums,32% of children are stunted, and 57% of these areas lack piped drinking water. These disparities are mirrored in Karnataka, where Bengaluru is home to 25% of the state's slum population, and 10.2% of urban dwellers live in slums. Increased maternal and child health vulnerabilities are revealed by health outcome analysis, which is fueled by sociocultural barriers and institutional gaps in care delivery. In addition, environmental elements like poor WASH infrastructure increase health risks and prolong cycles of marginalization and poverty. The resilience of slum communities, reveals and promotes integrated, inclusive urban policy by combining evidence from both global and regional sources. To improve slum dwellers' well-being, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children, these programs must address inequalities in housing, healthcare, and sanitation. The results highlight how urgently sustainable initiatives are needed to reduce disparities associated with slums and promote just urban growth. Keywords: Urban Poverty, Urban Slums, Health, Water and Sanitation