Jislum

Jislum is a term that refers to a specific style of informal shelter or dwelling. It is often characterized by its temporary or makeshift nature, constructed from readily available materials such as salvaged wood, corrugated metal, tarpaulins, or cardboard. These structures are typically found in urban or semi-urban environments, often on the fringes of communities or in areas experiencing rapid development and housing shortages.

The construction of a jislum prioritizes immediate shelter over permanence or aesthetic considerations. They may lack basic amenities like running water, electricity, or proper sanitation. The size and complexity of a jislum can vary greatly, from a single-room structure to a more elaborate dwelling with multiple interconnected sections. They can be found in both rural and urban settings, but are more commonly associated with the latter, particularly in regions with significant informal settlements.

The term "jislum" is sometimes used interchangeably with other terms describing informal housing, such as shantytown, slum, or favela, though it may carry specific regional connotations or imply a particular type of construction. The presence of jislums often reflects socio-economic conditions, including poverty, displacement, or migration, and can highlight challenges related to urban planning and housing policy. They represent a form of self-built housing that arises out of necessity when formal housing options are inaccessible or insufficient.