MSc Environment and Sustainable Development

Mumbai Field Trip, May 2007

Mumbai’s R&R. From Theory to Practice

By Gabriela Sauter

The ten-day fieldtrip to Mumbai, India, carried out in May 2007 consisted of the analysis of three separate case studies of relocation and rehabilitation by the Environment and Sustainable Development (ESD) course, along with the Urban Development Planning (UDP) course. Here, we learned to understand the contextual details, diverse rationality of various actors and varied contradictions that encompass the developmental sphere. Concomitantly, the coordinated fieldtrip with UDP meant real-life experience (and struggle!) for ESD’ers in trying to incorporate environmental considerations into a more traditional planning perspective. As a ‘consultancy’ to NGO SPARC (the Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres), we performed an analysis of the impacts of three cases of urban development, such as the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (a large scale road-widening scheme (MUIP)), which is causing the relocation of approx. 35 000 project affected families. Along with the other two cases, relating to the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (rail and road improvement scheme causing the relocation and rehabilitation of approx. 20 000 families) and to the relocation of pavement dwellers from the neighbourhood of Byculla, this case study also investigated the role of an alliance formed between SPARC, CBO Mahila Milan (MM), and the National Slum Dwellers Federation (NSDF), as well as its interconnectivities and relationships with other organizations, including local/regional/national government, a research entity, private institutions and community members through focus group discussions, interviews (semi-/un-/structured), observation and presentations.

Here, we learned to integrate learned and tacit knowledge and action for a diagnosis that would later aid us in the creation of relevant proposals to improve the relocation and rehabilitation processes in a transformative manner. We looked at the changing environments of these project affected persons from pre-relocation to post-relocation, and assessed to what extent and in which ways these were compromised or improved. On the basis of these diagnoses, proposals were presented in Mumbai to various actors involved in MUIP, including SPARC, ICICI bank, members of MM and NSDF and government officials, as well as to fellow colleagues and members of faculty at the DPU upon our return in London.

Society’s inherent dichotomy between theoretical and practical thought is best understood through work in the field. The former, attaching itself to science and research, and the latter, to artistic intuition, represent a rift between academics and practitioners. The overseas experience to the heart of relocation and rehabilitation processes in Mumbai embodied these diverging spheres with the introduction of students formulating practical diagnoses and strategies based upon theories and skills developed throughout the course of the year.

Perhaps what was most interesting is the process of understanding the concept and practice of ‘transformation,’ what is meant by it, with whom it is concerned, and how it may be achieved. Does it operate within the current paradigm through incremental change or can it be operationalized through opposition against the paradigm? In the case of MUIP, it became evident that the transformation sought by SPARC is one of change through institutional learning. What certainly may be argued is whether this can provide the needed force to achieve its goals.

The chaotic nature of Mumbai’s roads are entirely representative of its political situation; a prima facie, it seems frantic and confused and I found myself expecting calamity. However, a closer look revealed order and composure within this hectic atmosphere. Becoming apparent was the tacit rationality behind SPARC’s actions; its choice to maintain a neutral relationship with politicians, despite its less than ideal role in MUIP. Contrary to the initial belief that SPARC was commissioned by the regional development authority for the relocation of MUIP-affected households, the logic to describe the Alliance’s involvement in MUIP was based on the statement that ‘even if it is not a central role, a marginal role is better than no role.’ Although my initial impression that Mumbai’s regional development authority, MMRDA, was legitimising its actions through SPARC, its own tacit rationale was perhaps difficult to understand, but may also be considered somewhat of an eye-opener.

What was learned throughout this process beyond an understanding of development in practice? Group-work skills. Although we may all assume we are proficient group-workers, this fieldtrip really put our skills to the test. Compromise, understanding, team motivation, and building healthy group dynamics are just some of the skills you we learned to develop. Maybe the fieldtrip experience is not as easy as walking your dog or as straightforward as taking the tube, but it is certainly unforgettable!