India is facing a severe housing crisis. The country’s housing shortage stands at about 73.6 million units, comprising 26.3 million units in urban areas and 47.3 million units in rural areas. The problem is more severe in urban areas where an estimated 93 million people are cramped together in slums.
The housing problem is not only quantitative but also qualitative. Beyond the physical structure, good housing also includes access to clean water and sanitary and recreational facilities. The 93 million people living in India’s urban slums often lack adequate access to sanitary facilities and clean water. Conditions are no better in rural areas where many houses lack sanitation and clean water.
Rapid urbanization coupled with a growing population have exacerbated India’s housing problem. The government embarked on an ambitious mission to provide affordable housing to all by 2022. However, progress has been slow. More cooperation is needed between the public, private, and charitable sectors to truly solve the country’s housing problem.