A slum is a densely populated urban area characterized by substandard housing and poor living conditions.
Step 1: Definition.
Slums are typically formed when people migrate from rural to urban areas in search of employment but cannot afford proper housing. These areas lack basic facilities such as sanitation, clean water, electricity, and healthcare.
Step 2: Features.
Slums are marked by overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, unhygienic conditions, and insecure housing.
Step 3: Example.
Major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata have large slum areas due to rapid urbanization and limited affordable housing.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, a slum is a settlement where people live in poor conditions without access to essential amenities.