Abstract

Research was undertaken to study the micro-environment and health of the inhabitants. The primary survey was done to gather information on socio-economic characteristics and spaces etc. Subsequently, interviews and focused group discussions with the workers were made to explore the process of manufacturing at household level in slums, Interviews with professionals such as Medical Private Practitioners practicing close to these settlement areas revealed about the health conditions of these inhabitants. It was envisaged that the poor health of these inhabitants may be due to the unhealthy micro-environment. Finally, a scientific survey was also conducted to explore the quality of the micro-environment in these areas, with the help of scientific instruments and the laboratory analysis at Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi. The findings of research are as follows: Head of the family imparted training to family members and the manufacturing trade progressed from father to son. Women workers involved in such home-based working combined work with their domestic responsibilities. Incidence of child labour is significant, although head of the family provides less hazardous work to their children. The survey revealed that the workers in the family had severe respiratory problems and therefore an indoor air quality assessment was conducted. The pollution level was found to be quite alarming in case of CO, NO2, SO2 and Suspended Particulate Matter. Issues of health and micro-environment need to be addressed urgently to take care of the existing settlements and in subsequent developments where such target group are expected to come.

Presenters

Mayank Mathur
Professor and Head, Department of Physical Planning, Physical Planning Department, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, Delhi, India

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Public Health Policies and Practices

KEYWORDS

Micro-environment, Health

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