Housing apartheid flourishes in Delhi
The Hindu
ISLANDS OF EXCLUSION: Residents of Haji Colony in Okhla, Delhi, face
poor civic conditions and air pollution. This densely populated area,
like some others, is predominantly Muslim. Photo: V. Sudershan
Finding a home to rent in India's national capital is an arduous task for anyone - but, an investigation by The Hindu
has found, almost impossible for citizens who happen to be Muslim.
Homeowners and property dealers contacted by reporters often firmed up
deals, only to be disqualified as soon as they revealed their religion.
Housing apartheid was at its worst in New Delhi’s most affluent and
educated neighbourhoods: New Friends Colony, Vasant Kunj, Jangpura and
Rohini. By contrast, in areas such as Mukherjee Nagar, Karol Bagh,
Janakpuri and Ashok Vihar the responses were mixed.
In one case, a property agent representing a homeowner in New Friends Colony flatly told The Hindu's reporters, “The landlords want only Indians, not Muslims.”