“The Global Housing Crisis: Pathways to Action” Report

The report titled:

• The Global Housing Crisis Pathways to Action

highlights that housing challenges such as:

• Affordability constraints

• Informal settlements

• Climate risks

• Weak policy frameworks

are:

“Interlinked and mutually reinforcing.”

Key Findings of the Report

1. Global Housing Crisis

The report estimates that:

Up to 3.4 billion people globally lack access to adequate housing.

2. Homelessness in India

According to the:

• Institute of Global Homelessness

India’s homelessness rate is:

• 13 per 10,000 people

3. Climate-related Risks

Climate hazards are projected to:

• Destroy nearly 167 million homes by 2040

Housing and Emissions

Housing sector contributes:

• Around 17–21% of total global emissions

4. Weak Housing Policies

Many national housing policies fail to adequately address:

• Affordability

• Accessibility

• Tenure security

• Inclusion

5. Rising Housing Prices

Global:

• Price-to-income ratio rose:

  • From 9.5 (2010)

  • To 11.7 (2023)

Indian Cities

• Mumbai: 14.3

• Delhi: 10.1

This indicates worsening affordability.

Key Recommendations

1. Comprehensive Affordability Strategies

Suggested measures include:

• Better land governance

• Expansion of rental housing

• Non-market housing models

• Streamlined regulations

2. Affordable Housing Finance

Priority should be given to:

• Low-income groups

• Informal workers

• Female-headed households

• Vulnerable populations

3. Climate-Resilient Housing

Policies should:

• Reduce disaster vulnerability

• Prevent:

  • Green gentrification

  • Green grabbing

Measures Taken in India

1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban

Objective

• “Housing for All”

Features

• Supports:

  • 1 crore additional beneficiaries

• Timeframe:

  • Next five years from 2024

2. Judicial Recognition of Housing Rights

In:

• Olga Tellis and Others v Bombay Municipal Corporation

the Supreme Court interpreted:

• Article 21 (Right to Life)

to include:

• Right to livelihood

• Right to shelter/housing

3. Indian Best Practices

Yerwada Project (Pune)

• Climate-sensitive construction measures

• Risk mitigation strategies

Bhubaneswar Affordable Housing Project

• Successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model

Challenges in India

Rapid Urbanisation

Growing urban population increases housing demand.

Informal Settlements

Large population lives in slums lacking basic services.

Land and Regulatory Issues

High land prices and complex approvals increase costs.

Climate Vulnerability

Floods, heatwaves, and cyclones threaten urban housing.

Conclusion

The The Global Housing Crisis Pathways to Action emphasizes that housing is not merely a shelter issue but also linked to:

• Economic inequality

• Climate resilience

• Urban governance

• Social justice

For India, expanding affordable, inclusive, and climate-resilient housing through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban will remain crucial for sustainable urban development.