 |
| Pic: representative image (ai) |
- Ruata Lungchuang
Aizawl has grown from being a small hamlet in the remote Lushai Hills to one of the most congested cities in the region, particularly in terms of population density within a limited space. According to several independent data sources, including projections and Aadhaar registration rates, the population of Aizawl is believed to have almost doubled since the last census conducted in 2011.
While a growing population brings more opportunities and better livelihoods for many, it also introduces new challenges that cities around the world are currently facing. Homelessness is not unique to Aizawl. In fact, for its size, Aizawl has remained relatively equitable and has performed quite well in this regard. The Mizo community has always taken pride in caring for the destitute and providing shelter for the needy. This culture of care is still evident in Aizawl, though it is far more common and deeply rooted in rural areas.
However, in recent years, the growing drug problem and the exodus of addicts from rehabilitation centres have led to a rise in visible homelessness. These are people truly without a home, rejected by both their families and society. This issue is particularly noticeable in the northeastern parts of Aizawl, especially from Falkland to Thuampui, which has now become a hotspot for homeless individuals loitering in public spaces.
In Mizoram, homelessness is typically not tied to economic hardship, as even the poorest Mizo or non-Mizo individuals often find shelter within the community. In Aizawl, however, homelessness is more often a result of substance abuse and social rejection due to an individual's history of violence or misconduct. In the past, rehabilitation homes provided refuge for many of these individuals, but recent scandals involving some of these rescue homes have made them more selective in admissions. This has led to a noticeable increase in the number of people living on the streets, particularly in areas like Falkland and Thuampui. These areas are well-connected and form an essential part of Aizawl, yet they are distant enough from the main urban centre to be overlooked. Falkland Peng has been for a long time a recipient of homeless people and this has also increased wariness among residents in the area and reports of crime such as robbery, unauthorised entry etc.
Apart from homeless people causing anxiety in the area, the condition has also been detrimental to the homeless individuals living around these areas. For instance, recent wall collapse in Thuampui near Falkland peng which killed one person, was linked by locals to homelessness. Residents claim that homeless individuals often took shelter beneath the wall, and some were trapped when it gave way.
Currently, there is no reliable or updated data on homelessness in Aizawl, except for outdated figures collected from rehabilitation centres rather than directly from the streets. What is concerning, however, is the increasing presence of visibly homeless individuals in various parts of the city, something that was once only seen on television or associated with larger cities in the plains or in the West.
There is no single solution to homelessness, but it is important for both the government and churches, which are often well-funded, to treat this as a matter of concern. With a train connection on the horizon, this issue could grow in scale. As of now, homelessness in Aizawl is not yet a major crisis, and it is still something that the combined efforts of religious institutions, along with local and state governments, can address effectively if action is taken soon.