Why has Delhi’s population continued to grow since independence?

Since India’s independence in 1947, Delhi’s population has experienced significant and steady growth due to several key factors:

• Post-Independence Migration: Immediately following the partition of India in 1947, the city saw an enormous influx of Hindu and Sikh refugees arriving from Pakistan.12
• Ongoing Internal Migration: Since the early 1950s, Delhi has continuously attracted a large number of job-seeking immigrants from across various Indian states.12
• Metropolitan Expansion: As a major megalopolis, the city has expanded its physical footprint, spreading north, south, and east across the Yamuna River, as well as westward over the Delhi Ridge, allowing it to accommodate a rapidly increasing number of residents.1

This rapid demographic shift has presented significant ethical and logistical challenges, particularly regarding the provision of essential services like clean water, sanitation, and electricity for all residents, including those living in substandard housing. Addressing these disparities remains a critical task for ensuring equitable urban development and human dignity for the city's diverse population.1