One of the upsetting outcomes of hasty urbanization and industrialization is the augmentation of slums. The Census of India defines a slum as “a compact area of at least 300 in population or about 60-70 households of poorly built, congested tenements in an unhygienic environment usually with inadequate infrastructure and lacking proper sanitary and drinking water facilities”. It is very important, taking into consideration, the living conditions of slum dwellers and to suggest methods to improve their living conditions. The objectives of the present study are: to identify the socio-economic status and problems of Thrikkumarakudam slum dwellers; to examine the measures already taken to redress their problems and to identify community based action plan for the comprehensive development of the slum. The study relies on both primary and secondary data.