Threats, Fear and Optimism as India's financial capital Slum Dwellers Confront the Bulldozers

For months, intimidating communications persisted. Originally, reportedly from a former police officer and a retired army general, subsequently from law enforcement directly. Finally, Mohammad Khurshid Shaikh asserts he was summoned to the local precinct and told clearly: stop speaking out or encounter real trouble.

The leather artisan is one of many opposing a multimillion-dollar initiative where Dharavi – one of India’s largest and most storied slums – will be demolished and redeveloped by a corporate giant.

"The distinctive community of the slum is exceptional in the world," explains the protester. "But the plan aims to destroy our community and stop us speaking out."

Dual Worlds

The narrow alleys of the slum present a dramatic difference to the high-rise structures and elite residences that dominate the neighborhood. Residences are built haphazardly and typically lacking adequate facilities, unregulated industries produce dangerous fumes and the environment is saturated with the unpleasant stench of exposed drainage.

Among some individuals, the vision of the slum's redevelopment into a modern district of luxury high-rises, organized recreational areas, modern retail complexes and apartments with two toilets is an aspirational dream realized.

"We don't have proper healthcare, paved pathways or water management and there are no spaces for youth to recreate," states A Selvin Nadar, 56, who migrated from his home state in that period. "The sole solution is to clear the area and build us new homes."

Community Resistance

But others, like Shaikh, are fighting against the project.

Everyone acknowledges that the slum, consistently overlooked as unauthorized settlement, is desperately requiring financial support and improvement. However they are concerned that this project – without public consultation – might turn valuable urban land into a luxury development, displacing the disadvantaged, immigrant populations who have been there since generations ago.

These were these shunned, migrant workers who developed the vacant wetlands into a widely studied marvel of local enterprise and business activity, whose economic value is worth between one million dollars and $2m per year, making it among the globe's biggest informal economies.

Displacement Concerns

Of the roughly one million inhabitants living in the packed 220-hectare neighborhood, a minority will be able for new homes in the redevelopment, which is estimated to take a significant period to accomplish. The remainder will be relocated to wastelands and saline fields on the far outskirts of the city, potentially divide a long-established community. A portion will receive no housing at all.

Those allowed to remain in the neighborhood will be allocated apartments in tower blocks, a substantial change from the natural, shared lifestyle of living and working that has maintained this area for generations.

Industries from clothing production to pottery and waste processing are projected to decrease in quantity and be transferred to an allocated "commercial zone" distant from homes.

Survival Challenge

For those such as the leather artisan, a leather artisan and multi-generational inhabitant to call home this community, the redevelopment presents a survival challenge. His makeshift, multi-level facility produces garments – tailored coats, premium outerwear, fashionable garments – sold in luxury boutiques in south Mumbai and internationally.

Household members dwells in the spaces below and his workers and sewers – laborers from other states – reside there, permitting him to sustain operations. Beyond this community, Mumbai rents are frequently significantly as high for a single room.

Pressure and Coercion

At the administrative buildings close by, an illustrated mock-up of the transformation initiative shows an alternative perspective. Slickly dressed inhabitants gather on two-wheelers and eco-friendly transport, buying continental baguettes and croissants and having coffee on an outdoor area near a coffee shop and Ice-Cream. This depicts a world away from the 20-rupee idli sambar morning meal and budget beverage that sustains the neighborhood.

"This is not development for us," states Shaikh. "This constitutes a huge land development that will make it unaffordable for residents to remain."

Furthermore, there's skepticism of the development company. Managed by an influential industrialist – one of India's most powerful and a supporter of the national leader – the business group has encountered allegations of preferential treatment and questionable practices, which it rejects.

Although local authorities labels it a joint project, the developer contributed $950m for its 80% stake. A case claiming that the redevelopment was questionably assigned to the business group is pending in India's supreme court.

Sustained Harassment

From when they initiated to vocally oppose the development, Shaikh and other residents state they have been experienced ongoing efforts of harassment and intimidation – including messages, explicit warnings and implications that opposing the project was tantamount to speaking against the country – by individuals they assert represent the corporate group.

Included in these accused of delivering warnings is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c