🔗 Share this article

Over an extended period, threatening communications recurred. At first, supposedly from an ex-law enforcement official and an ex-military commander, and then from the police themselves. In the end, one resident states he was called to the police station and told clearly: remain silent or encounter real trouble.

Shaikh is part of a group fighting a expensive redevelopment plan where one of India's largest slums – a massive informal community with rich history – will be demolished and modernized by a corporate giant.

"The distinctive community of Dharavi is like nowhere else in the globe," says the resident. "Yet the plan aims to destroy our community and prevent our protests."

Contrasting Realities

The narrow alleys of Dharavi sit in stark contrast to the soaring skyscrapers and elite residences that dominate the settlement. Residences are assembled randomly and typically lacking adequate facilities, unregulated industries emit toxic smoke and the atmosphere is saturated with the overpowering odor of uncovered waste channels.

To some, the promise of Dharavi transformed into a developed area of luxury high-rises, neat parks, shiny shopping centers and apartments with proper sanitation is a hopeful vision achieved.

"We don't have adequate medical facilities, proper streets or sewage systems and there's nowhere for kids to enjoy," explains a tea vendor, 56, who moved from his home state in that period. "The only way is to demolish everything and construct proper housing."

Community Resistance

Yet certain residents, like Shaikh, are resisting the project.

None deny that this community, consistently overlooked as unauthorized settlement, is in stark need investment and development. However they fear that this plan – without public consultation – could potentially convert valuable urban land into a luxury development, displacing the marginalized, immigrant populations who have lived there since generations ago.

It was these excluded, relocated individuals who built up the uninhabited area into a widely studied marvel of self-reliance and business activity, whose production is valued at between one million dollars and $2m annually, making it a major unregulated sectors.

Resettlement Issues

Out of about 1 million inhabitants living in the dense sprawling area, less than 50% will be able for replacement housing in the project, which is projected to take a significant period to accomplish. The remainder will be transferred to undeveloped zones and saline fields on the distant periphery of Mumbai, risking break up a historic social network. Some will receive no homes at all.

Those allowed to remain in the area will be allocated flats in high-rise buildings, a major break from the natural, shared lifestyle of dwelling and laboring that has sustained this area for generations.

Businesses from clothing production to ceramic crafts and material recovery are projected to decrease in quantity and be moved to a specific "industrial sector" separated from residential areas.

Livelihood Crisis

For those such as Shaikh, a leather artisan and third generation resident to reside in Dharavi, the project presents a survival challenge. His rickety, three-storey facility creates garments – sharp blazers, luxury coats, studded bomber jackets – distributed in premium stores in south Mumbai and internationally.

His family lives in the spaces below and laborers and tailors – migrants from different regions – reside on-site, enabling him to afford their labour. Outside the slum, housing costs are frequently tenfold costlier for minimal space.

Harassment and Intimidation

Within the administrative buildings nearby, an illustrated mock-up of the redevelopment plan depicts a contrasting outlook. Well-groomed residents gather on cycles and eco-friendly transport, acquiring continental bread and pastries and enlisting beverages on a terrace near Dharavi Cafe and treat station. It is a stark contrast from the 20-rupee idli sambar first meal and low-cost tea that maintains the neighborhood.

"This is not progress for our community," explains the protester. "This constitutes a massive land development that will make it unaffordable for residents to remain."

Additionally, there exists concern of the development company. Managed by a prominent businessman – a leading figure and a supporter of the government head – the conglomerate has encountered allegations of crony capitalism and ethical concerns, which it rejects.

Although the state government labels it a collaborative effort, the corporation contributed nearly a billion dollars for its 80% stake. Legal proceedings alleging that the redevelopment was questionably assigned to the business group is pending in the top court.

Continued Intimidation

From when they initiated to publicly resist the redevelopment, local opponents state they have been faced ongoing efforts of coercion and warning – including messages, clear intimidation and implications that speaking against the project was equivalent to anti-national sentiment – by people they assert work for the corporate group.

Among those alleged to have making intimidations is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c