Abstract
Rapid urbanization in India has intensified the challenges of informal housing, particularly among the urban poor. This study investigates the sustainability conditions of four slum settlements in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area, Kundu Bagan, Bapuji Nagar, Ganges Bank and Kadapara Samity, through a mixed-methods approach involving 160 household surveys (40 per site), 20 stakeholder interviews and field mapping. Using five analytical dimensions that is environmental, economic, social, infrastructural and spatial. The research reveals significant intra-urban disparities in sustainability outcomes. Kadapara Samity demonstrated the most favorable conditions, with 93% of households accessing electricity, an average income of ₹7,100 and high satisfaction with safety and education services. In contrast, Ganges Bank showed critical vulnerabilities, including high kutcha housing (58%), poor sanitation (rated 2.1/5) and only 59% financial inclusion. Perceived sustainability ratings across all settlements indicate a trade-off between affordability and living standards, with Kadapara scoring highest on sanitation and services, while Ganges Bank scored lowest despite being the most affordable. The study identifies the underlying trade-offs between affordability, accessibility and quality of life. The study’s novelty lies in its comparative, data-driven evaluation of slum sustainability, offering insights that can inform more context-sensitive, evidence-based policy interventions for urban low-income housing in India. Future research could expand this framework to peri-urban and rural-urban fringe settlements and examine the longitudinal impacts of post-redevelopment transitions. By repositioning slums as integral to the urban fabric, this study contributes to inclusive planning frameworks that promote equitable and resilient urban futures.
Keywords: Kolkata, Slum Settlements, Sustainable Housing, Urban Development, Urban Informality, Urban Poor.