Addressing the Unique WASH Challenges Faced by Migrant Populations in Hyderabad Slums

Understanding the Slum Context in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the bustling capital of India’s Telangana state, is home to a growing number of urban slums housing migrant populations. These informal settlements, characterized by inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic services, pose significant challenges for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) provision.

Many of the slum residents in Hyderabad are internal migrants, drawn to the city by the promise of economic opportunities. However, upon arrival, they often find themselves living in squalid conditions, lacking the legal and social protections afforded to more established urban communities. This vulnerability is exacerbated for certain groups, such as Rohingya refugees, who have fled persecution in Myanmar and face additional barriers to accessing essential WASH services.

“We have a constant feeling of being outsiders,” shared a Rohingya student in Hyderabad, highlighting the sense of marginalization experienced by these migrant populations.

Barriers to WASH Access

Lack of Secure Tenure and Legal Documentation

One of the primary obstacles faced by migrant populations in Hyderabad’s slums is the issue of land tenure and legal documentation. Without formal land ownership or recognized residency status, residents often lack the necessary documentation to access municipal services, including water and sanitation infrastructure.

“It’s becoming like Burma with an inability to move freely within the country,” lamented a Rohingya woman in Hyderabad, drawing parallels to the restrictions she faced in her country of origin.

The introduction of biometric Aadhaar cards, which are required for accessing many government services, has further marginalized migrant communities, including Rohingya refugees, who are unable to obtain these essential identity documents.

Inadequate WASH Infrastructure and Service Provision

The slums in Hyderabad are characterized by a severe lack of adequate WASH infrastructure. Many settlements lack access to clean drinking water, functional toilets, and proper waste management systems. Residents often rely on communal water sources or unprotected wells, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

“We have a constant feeling as being outsiders,” shared a Rohingya student, highlighting the challenges of accessing even basic services.

The density of these informal settlements, combined with the absence of proper drainage and sewage systems, creates an environment rife with health hazards. Outbreaks of communicable diseases, such as cholera and typhoid, are common occurrences, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable members of the community.

Discrimination and Marginalization

Migrant populations, particularly Rohingya refugees, face pervasive discrimination and marginalization within Hyderabad’s urban landscape. This social stigma translates into limited access to essential services, including WASH facilities, education, and healthcare.

“People are living in a lot of fear here. Anything you plan on doing in life, you can’t,” expressed a young Rohingya woman in Hyderabad, reflecting the pervasive sense of insecurity and vulnerability.

The lack of legal status and documentation further exacerbates this issue, as migrant residents are often viewed as “illegal immigrants” and denied their basic rights and entitlements.

Initiatives and Advocacy Efforts

Despite the significant challenges, there are ongoing efforts to address the WASH needs of migrant populations in Hyderabad’s slums. Local civil society organizations, in collaboration with international partners, have implemented various initiatives to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education.

One notable example is the work of refugee-led organizations, such as the Rohingya Human Rights Initiative, which have advocated for the rights of Rohingya refugees and facilitated the enrollment of Rohingya children in local schools. These efforts have had some success, with the first cohort of Rohingya students in Hyderabad achieving remarkable academic results and securing scholarships to study abroad.

Lawyers and human rights activists have also taken up the cause, challenging the arbitrary detention and deportation of Rohingya refugees in India’s courts. Through these legal interventions, they have been able to secure the release of detainees and draw attention to the deplorable conditions within detention centers.

“We couldn’t get her out,” lamented a human rights lawyer, referring to a Rohingya child separated from her mother during detention.

Furthermore, international organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and their local partners have provided essential services, such as food distribution, psychosocial support, and cash grants to help Rohingya refugees establish small businesses.

The Way Forward

Addressing the unique WASH challenges faced by migrant populations in Hyderabad’s slums will require a multi-pronged approach, involving collaboration between the government, civil society, and the affected communities themselves.

1. Recognizing the Right to the City: Policymakers must acknowledge the inherent rights of slum dwellers, including migrants and refugees, to access essential services and live with dignity. This fundamental shift in mindset is crucial for designing and implementing inclusive WASH solutions.

2. Securing Land Tenure and Legal Documentation: Providing secure land tenure and legal documentation, such as Aadhaar cards, to migrant residents is essential for ensuring their access to municipal services and reducing their vulnerability to exploitation and discrimination.

3. Investing in WASH Infrastructure and Service Delivery: Targeted investments in improving water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure within slum communities can significantly enhance the health and wellbeing of migrant populations. This includes the construction of public toilets, the provision of clean water sources, and the establishment of effective waste management systems.

4. Promoting Community Engagement and Empowerment: Engaging migrant communities, particularly women and youth, in the planning and implementation of WASH initiatives is crucial for ensuring their needs are adequately addressed. This approach can foster a sense of ownership and sustainability within the community.

5. Advocating for Policy Change and Accountability: Continued advocacy efforts, both at the local and national levels, are necessary to push for policy reforms that protect the rights of migrant populations and hold authorities accountable for providing equitable WASH services.

6. Strengthening Partnerships and Coordination: Effective collaboration between the government, civil society organizations, and international agencies is key to leveraging resources, expertise, and collective influence to address the complex challenges faced by migrant communities in Hyderabad’s slums.

By addressing these critical areas, Hyderabad can work towards ensuring that all its residents, regardless of their migration status, have access to safe, affordable, and reliable water, sanitation, and hygiene services – a fundamental human right that should be guaranteed for all.

As the Joint Action for Water blog states, “Residents of a city have a fundamental right to environmental health and basic living conditions.” It is time for Hyderabad, and cities across India, to uphold this principle and create inclusive, sustainable, and resilient WASH solutions for their most vulnerable populations.