Growing Homelessness Crisis in Hyderabad Amid Urban Expansion

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-04-16 08:57:56 |

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Hyderabad, a city celebrated for its technological advancements and urban development, is facing an escalating homelessness crisis that has emerged as a pressing social issue by April 2025. As the city expands with new infrastructure projects, IT hubs, and commercial zones, the displacement of marginalized communities has intensified, leaving thousands without shelter. Areas like Nampally, Begumpet, and the Musi River banks have become makeshift homes for the homeless, highlighting a stark contrast between Hyderabad’s prosperity and the plight of its most vulnerable residents. This crisis, driven by rapid urbanization, inadequate housing policies, and economic disparities, has sparked public concern and calls for urgent government action.

The Scope of Homelessness

The homelessness crisis in Hyderabad has grown significantly in recent years. A survey by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) in March 2025 estimated that over 15,000 individuals, including families and single persons, live on the streets, under bridges, or in temporary shelters. The Musi River cleanup project, aimed at revitalizing the river, has displaced hundreds of families who once resided along its banks, with many unable to afford relocation to government-provided housing. Similarly, the expansion of the Hyderabad Metro and real estate developments in Begumpet have evicted slum dwellers, pushing them into precarious living conditions.

Economic factors exacerbate the problem. Migrant workers from rural Telangana and neighboring states, drawn by Hyderabad’s job opportunities, often end up homeless when employment is unstable or wages are insufficient. In Nampally, a hub for daily wage laborers, many sleep on pavements due to unaffordable rents, which have soared with the city’s real estate boom. Women and children are particularly affected, with reports of increased vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking among this population.

Health and Social Consequences

The health implications of homelessness in Hyderabad are alarming. Living in open spaces exposes individuals to extreme weather, leading to illnesses like pneumonia and dehydration. A health camp organized by the NGO Helping Hand Foundation in April 2025 found that 60% of the 300 homeless individuals screened suffered from untreated conditions, including tuberculosis and skin infections. The lack of access to sanitation facilities has also led to outbreaks of waterborne diseases along the Musi River banks, where waste accumulation compounds the problem.

Socially, homelessness strains community cohesion. Children of homeless families often drop out of school, resorting to begging or petty crime to survive, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. In Begumpet, local residents have reported tensions with homeless groups, citing safety concerns, though activists argue this reflects a lack of empathy rather than a genuine threat. On X, posts have highlighted the plight of elderly homeless individuals, with one user noting, “Saw an old man sleeping on a footpath in Nampally—where is the government’s promise of housing for all?”

Community and Activist Efforts

Public response to the crisis has been marked by both compassion and activism. In March 2025, volunteers from the Hyderabad Homeless Initiative distributed blankets and food to those living near the Musi River, an effort that gained attention on social media. Activists have organized sit-ins outside the GHMC office, demanding affordable housing and rehabilitation programs. The hashtag #ShelterForHyderabad has trended on X, with users sharing images of homeless families and urging policymakers to act.

Community kitchens and night shelters, run by local NGOs and religious organizations, provide temporary relief. In Nampally, a shelter opened by the Salvation Army offers 50 beds, though it falls far short of the demand. These efforts highlight the goodwill of citizens but also underscore the government’s inadequate response, as many shelters lack funding and infrastructure.

Government Response and Challenges

The Telangana government has introduced measures to address homelessness, including the Hyderabad Shelter Scheme, which aims to build 100 low-cost housing units by 2026. In April 2025, the state allocated funds to expand night shelters and provide skill training to homeless individuals. However, implementation lags, with only 10 units completed so far. Bureaucratic delays, land acquisition disputes, and corruption allegations have slowed progress, while displaced families complain of being overlooked in the planning process.

A major challenge is the lack of comprehensive data on the homeless population, hindering targeted interventions. The GHMC’s focus on high-profile projects like the Musi Riverfront development has diverted resources from social welfare, critics argue. Political priorities also play a role, with opposition parties accusing the ruling government of neglecting the poor amid its urban beautification drive.

The Way Forward

Resolving Hyderabad’s homelessness crisis requires a balanced approach. The government must prioritize affordable housing, ensuring displaced communities are resettled with dignity. Expanding night shelters with medical and educational facilities can address immediate needs. Public-private partnerships, involving IT firms and real estate developers, could fund housing projects, leveraging Hyderabad’s economic growth. Community involvement, such as adopting neighborhoods to support the homeless, could bridge gaps in government efforts.

For Hyderabad to remain a compassionate and inclusive city, addressing homelessness is imperative. The contrast between its gleaming skyscrapers and the cardboard shelters along its streets is a stark reminder of unfinished social progress. Until systemic reforms are enacted, the voices of the homeless will continue to demand a place to call home.

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