Located in Mumbai, Kamathipura is one of Asia's oldest red-light districts. It has a long-standing history dating back to the colonial era. Despite efforts to eradicate the trade, Kamathipura continues to operate, highlighting the complexities surrounding the issue of sex work in India's financial capital.
Sonagachi, situated in Kolkata, is one of India's largest red-light areas. It houses a significant number of sex workers and has been the subject of various initiatives aimed at promoting safe practices, reducing exploitation, and raising awareness about sexually transmitted infections.
Delhi's Garstin Bastion Road, popularly known as GB Road, has a notorious reputation as one of the largest red-light areas in the capital. It attracts people from various parts of the country, and efforts have been made to regulate and address the challenges faced by sex workers operating in this area.
Budhwar Peth, located in Pune, has a historical significance intertwined with its status as a red-light area. Over the years, several organizations have worked towards empowering and rehabilitating sex workers in the region, focusing on skill development and providing alternative livelihood options.
Meerganj in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, is another prominent red-light area in India. The district administration, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, has undertaken initiatives to support the welfare and rehabilitation of sex workers and their children.
Shivdaspur, situated in Varanasi, is known for its red-light area adjacent to the sacred city's religious sites. Despite the challenges posed by the proximity of this district to revered places of worship, various organizations work towards providing healthcare, education, and social support to the sex workers and their families.
Chaturbhujsthan in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is an area with a significant presence of sex workers. Numerous grassroots organizations and government initiatives aim to address the issues faced by sex workers and ensure their access to essential services, while also focusing on their rehabilitation.
Itwari, located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is a red-light area that has faced substantial challenges due to legal and social implications. Organizations are striving to create avenues for skill development, healthcare, and education to help sex workers reintegrate into society.
Reshampura in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, is known for its red-light area where sex work continues to exist. Various organizations collaborate with local authorities to provide support services, vocational training, and awareness programs for the welfare and empowerment of sex workers.
Sukumvit in Kochi, Kerala, is an area that witnesses the presence of sex workers. Local initiatives focus on promoting health awareness, safe practices, and providing counseling and rehabilitation services to sex workers while recognizing the complexities surrounding the issue.