Life in a Slum in Dehradun
Just 15 minutes away from the bustling Dehradun's clock tower lies a different world, one hidden behind Bindal Bridge. Here, the Bindal River flows dark and toxic, surrounded by cramped slum settlements. One such area is Malin Basti, a slum where hundreds of families live in unsafe and unhygienic conditions.
Children run barefoot among heaps of garbage. Some laugh and play, while others help their parents collect waste in large sacks. Adults go about their daily chores, often working as rag pickers or laborers. Despite being part of a city that is developing rapidly, life in these slums stands still—stuck in poverty, pollution, and struggle.
1. Unsafe and Unclean Living
The people living in Bindal slum face daily health risks. Dirty water overflows from drains. Garbage piles up on roads. Stray animals roam freely. Most families live in shanty houses made from tin sheets or plastic, which shake with strong winds or heavy rains. When it rains a lot, many people lose their homes to floods.
A resident shared, “We work in garbage without gloves or masks. Many of us came from Bihar or Uttar Pradesh, hoping for better lives. But we get no support from the authorities.”
These residents live in conditions where simple things like clean water, proper toilets, and fresh air are luxuries. Despite all this, they continue their lives with strength and hope.
2. Children and Challenges
In the slum, children face a hard life from an early age. Some go to nearby government schools, but many drop out due to lack of interest, poor guidance, or family problems. Education becomes less important when the family needs money to survive.
The eldest girl in the house often stays back to care for her siblings while the parents go to work. Food is limited, and in many families, the little income they earn goes to alcohol. Some children are even seen addicted to whiteners or other harmful substances by the age of 5 or 6.
They grow up surrounded by garbage, hunger, and neglect—where dreams are hard to dream.
3. Srshti: A Ray of Hope
Amidst all this pain, Srshti is working to bring change. Srshti is a non-profit NGO in Dehradun focused on three main areas, Health, Hunger, and Education. Our mission is to help those who are often ignored by society and to give them a fair chance at a better life.
2. Feeding the Hungry
One of Srshti's strongest efforts is their Slum Feeding Program. In the past year alone, they have reached more than 15–20 slum areas in Dehradun. We provide fresh, nutritious meals to people who would otherwise sleep hungry. This program is more than just giving food, it gives people hope and respect. For many, these meals are the only proper food they get in days.
3. Health for All
Srshti runs Free Health Camps in slums to make basic healthcare available for all. People get free check-ups, medicine, and even financial help for treatments when needed. We also hand out free medicines and ensure no one skips treatment due to lack of money. Health education is shared too, so people know how to stay clean and safe even in tough conditions.
4. Education Support
Srshti believes education can change lives. They help children from low-income families by paying their school fees. They also give out school supplies like books and stationery. By doing this, Srshti gives kids a chance to learn and dream. They're building a future where these children don't have to grow up in the same conditions.
5. Bigger Dreams, Better Lives
Srshti doesn't just offer short-term help. We work on long-term change. We dream of creating self-reliant communities where people help themselves and each other. Through partnerships with local groups and leaders, they aim to bring lasting improvements in health, education, and basic living standards.
6. Hope Beyond the Slum
Life in the Bindal slum is hard, but it's not hopeless. Organizations like Srshti prove that change is possible. They are planting seeds of hope, one meal, one health camp, and one school bag at a time. The road ahead is long. Many more slums need support. Many more children need help. But with strong efforts and kind hearts, a better future is possible.
If you want to be a part of this change, consider supporting Srshti's mission. A small step from you can make a big difference in someone's life.
Conclusion
Slums like those near the Bindal River in Dehradun remind us of the invisible lives around us. These are people with real struggles, real dreams, and real needs. They don't need sympathy they need support. They don't want charity they want opportunity.
Let's not look away. Let's come together and help build a slum free Dehradun where every life matters.
