Planning for the 'Urban displaced': post-colonial refugee scenario in Delhi (original) (raw)

Abstract

In today's scenario, violence, political conflicts, exponential food insecurity, persecutions and natural disasters like earthquakes and rapid floods have left over 6 million people seeking asylum in the last 3 years. Political services and prospects have failed or so far remained elusive in most situations contributing to the alarming refugee crisis faced by the world presently. The number of climate migrants is anticipated to reach near 200 million refugees in the next 30 years as a result of environmental degradation and climate change. There is a dire need to address this issue through both political and humanitarian perspectives to ensure sustenance of these people. A refugee brings along some unique cultural qualities and language, but, cocooned by oppressions, insecurities and social fears, which once eliminated, can lead them to stability, acceptance and empowerment in a foreign land. India's capital city, Delhi has witnessed, over the past six decades, a constant transfiguration of citizen culture and character through a blend of inhabitants from cities all over India and even different nationalities. The city hosts about 30,000 registered refugees all together, struggling to find their place in the conjunction. The crowded conditions lead to morbidity and stress. However, collective consciousness and contextual opportunities may prove to be critical for planning refugee settlements in the concerned metropolis. The research investigates varying patterns of different refugee communities in Delhi and temporal-contextual analysis of legislative aids and their respective effects to the order and bracket of their settlements from the post-colonial period to present day. The study is receptive to conserve the heritage and cultural intangibles attached to the motive and analyses its magnitude in the physical as well as judicial planning for refugees to produce prototypical solutions for their sustenance with dignity and peace in an urban environment.

Key takeaways

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  1. The refugee crisis in India affects over 420,400 individuals, exacerbated by inadequate legal protections.
  2. India's lack of ratification of the 1951 Refugee Convention limits refugees' rights and access to services.
  3. Delhi's refugee population includes diverse groups, each facing unique challenges in integration and acceptance.
  4. UNHCR plays a critical role in refugee support, but faces limitations due to India's non-signatory status.
  5. Effective urban planning for refugees requires local engagement and recognition of their cultural contributions.

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