REPORT MAKING : CO-CREATING AN INCLUSIVE CITY

26th March 2017 Nature Park, Dharavi Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA)

OVER 400 YOUTH GATHER TO DISCUSS INCLUSIVE CITIES The context In January 2017, YUVA conducted a 10 day course for 19 youth from across Mumbai. The course ‘Youth & Inclusive Cities’ brought together youth from different communities who have engaged with issues faced by their communities to bring change at the local level. This course had aspects of understanding the urban, urban movements, ways of engaging and participating in urban governance. It fostered in them the need to draw from these learnings and come together as young people in the city to bring changes in issues they had begun to take for granted. The event, ‘Making Mumbai’ was the beginning of a journey where these 19 youth discussed select issues with others keen to make the city a more inclusive one. Over 400 youth from across the city gathered to be part of this. These included youth living on streets, in slums, urban villages and resettlement colonies.

Opening Plenary To begin the day, the founder of YUVA, Mr. Minar Pimple took to the stage and shared the history of youth movements while relating it to the journey of YUVA. The year 1985 was declared by the United Nations as the International Youth Year with three major pillars – development, participation and peace. He noted that despite it being 33 years since the International Youth Year, we are talking about the very same values even today. This provided a historical context to the day's event. He spoke on the contemporary problems faced by cities and outlined 3 distinct issues: firstly, inequality and discrimination in terms of distribution of resources, especially among the urban poor; secondly, environmental problems of air and water pollution, caused largely by a certain section (through the excessive usage of cars, wastage of water) and their consequences, which are borne by low-income groups; finally, political leadership in cities which is crucial to implementing change-making decisions and steering a movement towards inclusion. He emphasized the need for adequate representation from all sections in local governance, especially the youth who can be the catalysts of change - as seen with the youth-led movement in Egypt for dignity of life, labour and employment. In addition, he spoke about the increasing realm of science and the use of artificial intelligence, with computers increasingly replacing human beings. In this context he mentioned that “we will be in the process of becoming Netizens, from Citizens” should this continue. He concluded by urging the youth to come forward and take up issues and participate in making cities inclusive.

This was followed by group presentations on various issues by youth who participated in the course titled, ‘Youth & Inclusive Cities’; additionally, a representative from each group spoke at a panel discussion. Group Presentations Presentations were made by youth groups from 4 different areas- Malad (Malvani), Bandra (Indira Nagar pipeline), (Lallubhai Compound), and Santa Cruz (Koliwada).

Malad: The youth from Malad presented the issue of access and quality of water in their area, a non- notified slum in Malvani. They spoke of the water resources in the area - well, lake and tap - which are either inadequate or polluted. The water is unfit for consumption and even for washing. It has also caused them different types of water borne diseases. They then spoke of the social impact of the lack of water on women, children and youth. They made a public demand for the basic right to water irrespective of the status of legitimacy granted by the local government, a tap in every house preventing the private water market, and the need to save and conserve water sources.

Mankhurd: The youth from Mankhurd presented the problems of health and sanitation in the area in which they live - Lallubhai Compound, a resettlement colony. Lallubhai Compound faces problems of sanitation, garbage disposal, drug abuse and disease. They presented the harsh realities and are seeking government attention to look into their problems. They stated that rehabilitation was not enough, and there was an urgent need for basic services to be provided for within the colony.

Bandra: The youth presented the demographic profile of their locality, the Indira Nagar pipeline basti. They presented the major problem of water and sanitation along with the conflict over the land. There is a conflict over the land between the BMC and the railway. They have a pond, tap, and dug-well as drinking water sources; but after the inspection of water, it is believed that the water is not usable. They are not getting enough water whereas the government is providing the water to industries for their benefit. They called for the need to raise awareness on the issue of rehabilitation and water as a right.

Santa Cruz: The youth from Santa Cruz presented the implication of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) on those residing in close proximity to the coast. They gave a detailed presentation on the implementation of laws like the CRZ and its fallouts, especially on traditional communities which have to be relocated leading to loss of their settlement as well as of their livelihood. They raised important issues of legality and tenure of those living in slums located along the CRZ. Panel discussion The youth presentations were followed by a panel discussion wherein four youth leaders from the four different locations in Mumbai spoke on their ideas and vision for an inclusive city. The discussion was on the contemporary problems and suitable solutions for them, as well as the way forward for bringing change in cities through changing attitude of the youth. Asma from Malad spoke on the gaps in the implementation of the government schemes in slums. She focused on girls’ education, housing rights, water and sanitation. Further, she asked youth to join and participate in the planning process in making Mumbai an Inclusive City. Sushma from Santa Cruz said, “I want equality, development and peace; I do not want discrimination in the inclusive city.” She proposed to change the youth themselves first and then dream to change the city. She spoke on the issue of caste, stating that tensions among communities based on religion, caste and language were a crucial hurdle to achieving inclusivity. She also noted that the diversity of cities should be maintained. Laxmi from Bandra talked about the work, education and employment issues of those living in slums. She reinstated the need to believe in humanity towards building inclusivity.

Following this, the discussion was open to the audience to pose questions to the panelists, or ask for any clarifications. These questions included whether there should be an age limit for work; whether houses should be given to all and on what basis without any cut-off date; whether there should be dignity of labour in picking garbage, house work etc. or there should be a change of rather-traditional caste-based occupations; farmers’ crisis and inclusivity in planning. These questions were answered well by adopting the rights-based framework; housing is a right of all citizens whether he/she has any document or not. Although all jobs must be respected and given their due dignity, however, we cannot ignore the fact that certain occupations have been performed by low caste groups traditionally. Thus, conclusive remarks to the discussion were that the caste system in all its forms needs to be eliminated in , and campaigning through knowledge and awareness, participation and understanding must be developed by youth. The discussion showed that inclusive cities is a complex issue covering housing, basic services, gender, caste and so on. It also showed that the more we discuss, the more clarity we can get on our different perspectives and move towards a shared vision and action.

Release of a book A book comprising of a compilation of articles on experiences of inclusive cities was released. These articles cover a range of issues that the youth from the inclusive cities course felt the need to engage on. This was followed by a certificate distribution of the inclusive cities course. Launch of the campaign ‘Making Mumbai’ ‘Making Mumbai’, a campaign that is an initiative of the youth to create an inclusive Mumbai for all was kick started by the youth. This campaign will be taken forward by the youth through the course of the year in communities and across the city.

INCLUSIVE CITIES THROUGH MIXED MEDIA The afternoon had parallel sessions - a screening on the history of housing, games on city planning and decision making, art work, exhibitions including pot-painting, tattoo art and a cultural programme.

Screening

From Janta Colony to Janta Colony - Bombay Housing (1950 - 1983) by CAMP This presentation used a range of archival materials: local press, mini-institutional archives and city- based documentary and fiction film, to tell story about housing in the city. The audience was taken from the imaginary Janta Colony that is the cornerstone of Raj Kapoor's Shree 420, to the actual Janta Colony demolitions in the late 1970's in the BARC area from where people were moved into , among many "inner migrations" of city dwellers to places like Mankhurd and Jogeshwari in this period. We were reminded of various aspects of the "housing question" that are not only to do with power struggles over land and the FSI, but a different landscape of solidarity and creativity among people living in the city, and those who moved here.

City Games

Fields of View, Bangalore: This Bangalore-based organization organizes games and activities with different groups in order to understand needs and demands of people for city-building. The data collected is then used for policy-making and planning. A group game with 2 groups was organized by them to understand the needs of the youth in the city. SESSION 1

This session of the city game had 20 participants, largely in mid to late teens. The participants played a total of nine rounds. Right in the first round, a toilet was created, which is remarkable in contrast with city game sessions played with those from a different demographic. Other significant structures created include an anganwadi, an orphanage, a garbage collection bin, and mobile shop. Two significant structures that emerged were - a tap, and a ‘cement road’. The tap was not seen as an entity - but as a structure required in the city. When the participant who placed entities in the city, the other participants laughed - demonstrating that they did not think his choices as typical. Yet, when the tap was placed, it was not considered as a specific entity, but as a structure in the city. The other significant structure was a cement road - the appellation was specific.

During the debrief, out of 20 participants, 16 said they would want to live in the city, and only 4 said they wouldn’t. On being asked why, one of the four who said no responded that it was too haphazard, and that you could not get from one place to another. To the response that the city was haphazard, another participant who said he would live in the city countered that it had all amenities anyone could want, to which the entire group agreed. They pointed out different amenities in the city they had created to justify their assertion, and said they would want to live in such a city. The city that emerged could be understood as a city of amenities. The city that emerged was not spatially organized - the participants’ focus was more on coming up with amenities they wanted in the city rather than on spatial organization.

SESSION 2

The session 2 of the city game had 20 participants largely in their early 20s. The participants played a total of 10 rounds. Some of the significant structures created include a BMC school, private school, industry, factory, corporator office, ration office, rehabilitation center, marriage hall, and science lab. As the participant placed each structure they not only mentioned what structure they were creating, but also articulated ‘why’. For instance, they kept a market near the houses saying, “Ghar ke baaju mein market” (market should be near the house). A ‘school bus’ was created, for people to go from the house to the school.

The city was spatially organized, with a cluster of houses (“basti”) surrounded by amenities. At a distance was ‘industry’ and ‘factory’. A structure of interest was ‘jobs centre’ - where the participant said you could get different jobs, such as a call centre job. Instead of specifying a particular job, the participant conveyed that many jobs will be available at this centre. In both the sessions, a tap (“nal”) was placed as a structure in the city. There were many commercial and recreational spaces, including a mall, disco bar, and DJ centre. Water emerged as one of the main concerns, with different structures, including a tap and a pumping station to serve the needs of the people. The city that emerged could be seen as an aspirational city. The participants had a spatial sense of the city, and said that what they had created could be seen as two wards rather than the entire city. All participants said they would want to live in the city they had created. They said, we created this, why wouldn’t we live here.

Diploma in Youth Development and Social Change, TISS: Mumbai Trail

Mumbai, the 'city of dreams' is the place where people chase their dreams. Hustling and running through the mundane, Mumbaikars often miss out on a dash of playfulness in their daily lives. Even if they do find time for it, they opt for more sedentary means of recreation, especially seen among the youth these days. Through 'Mumbai Trail' we wanted to give all our participants an opportunity to play and laugh, to jostle and hop, to twist and turn and most importantly to remember that there's always time for a bit of fun in their daily run. The game highlighted the fact that one doesn't need fancy things to have fun in a busy city like ours. All that's required is some space, some friends and you are ready to roll the dice.

Stalls and Exhibitions

Pani Haq Samiti: Along the aisle entrance of the venue was a photo exhibition by the Pani Haq Samiti, to emphasize water as a right of all peoples and the polar differences in water provision in Mumbai.

Hamara Shehar Mumbai: The Mumbai Development Plan campaign had an exhibition on urban planning and governance in the city that throws light on the planning practices and means of people’s participation in planning.

Right to Pee campaign: Right to Pee campaign set up mock toilets to show the stark difference between the current scenario and aspired situation. It also highlighted the changes that have been brought about through the campaign. A tattoo artist created images that normalized talking about the need for public toilets in the city.

Cultural Programme

The day culminated with a cultural programme that included performances by youth groups from across the city. Songs for change, dance performances on social issues, and poetry recitation provided cultural expression to the themes that were discussed during the day.

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