Series 1 | 2023-2024: Walk 1 - Mahipalpur
20 January 2024
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Theme: Rent and informality
Mahipalpur is one of Delhi's 'urban villages' - islands of dense unregulated construction in a city spreading ever wider. These space typically feature by narrow lanes, patchy infrastructure, and a lack of open spaces. Nevertheless, the informality of urban villages keeps rent low. Consequently Mahipalpur is able to provide affordable rental housing in an otherwise expensive residential market, which makes it sought after due to its proximity to the IGI airport. Formality and informality, as always, are deeply intertwined in Mahipalpur.
The walk introduced participants to the lived experiences of residents in navigating the formal institutions; experiences that range from dissatisfaction with administrative neglect to deftly maneuvering the lack of zoning regulations to maximize rents.
Highlights
High density construction in the absence of regulations in the 'lal dora' area
Budget hotels
A convenient place to live for those working at the airport
Commercial establishments thriving on the proximity to the airport and the availability of low-rent space
Regular electricity connections throughout Mahipalpur
An immersion pool for festivals in the middle of what used to be a larger pond
A watering hole for cattle
'Tiffins' for the multicultural workforce
A government-run dispensary
Segregated 'wet' and 'dry' solid waste containers, at a designated spot
A deep well covered for safety
Activity sheet for participants
Note on the first walk of the UrbEx series
The first walk of the first series of urban exploration walks was held on a chilly winter morning. Students braved the elements to congregate at the Northern end of Mahipalpur at 10:00am. Prof. Debananda Misra joined the student participants. As we walked through the urban village, students spoke with several local residents. Some of them were quite vocal about the challenges they have faced while making claims for formal recognition. We thank the village elders we met at the chaupal for taking the time to explain the history of the village. Many thanks to the students for their energy, and for the thoughtful discussions. Congratulations to Richie Varghese for doing an excellent job with the logistics. It was a great start to the UrbEx series.
Prof. Surajit Chakravarty
New Delhi, February 2024
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