Intimidation, Apprehension and Aspiration as India's financial capital Residents Await the Bulldozers

Over an extended period, threatening phone calls persisted. Originally, reportedly from an ex-law enforcement official and a former defense officer, subsequently from the authorities. In the end, a local artisan states he was called to the local precinct and instructed bluntly: stop speaking out or experience severe repercussions.

The leather artisan is one of many opposing a high-value redevelopment plan where this historic settlement – an iconic Mumbai neighborhood – is scheduled to be bulldozed and redeveloped by a corporate giant.

"The unique ecosystem of Dharavi is exceptional in the globe," explains the resident. "Yet they want to dismantle our way of life and stop us speaking out."

Opposing Environments

The cramped lanes of this community present a dramatic difference to the soaring skyscrapers and luxury apartments that dominate the neighborhood. Residences are built haphazardly and typically without proper sanitation, small-scale operations produce dangerous fumes and the environment is filled with the unpleasant stench of exposed drainage.

Among some individuals, the promise of a renewed Dharavi into a developed area of premium apartments, organized recreational areas, modern retail complexes and homes with two toilets is a hopeful vision achieved.

"There's no sufficient health services, proper streets or water management and we have no places for youth to recreate," explains a chai seller, 56, who moved from Tamil Nadu in that period. "The sole solution is to clear the area and provide modern residences."

Resident Opposition

But others, including the leather artisan, are resisting the redevelopment.

Everyone acknowledges that Dharavi, long neglected as unauthorized settlement, is desperately requiring economic input and modernization. However they are concerned that this plan – lacking community input – might turn valuable urban land into a playground for the rich, displacing the disadvantaged, working-class residents who have resided there since generations ago.

These were these excluded, relocated individuals who established the uninhabited area into a frequently examined example of community resilience and commercial output, whose economic value is valued at between a significant amount and a substantial sum annually, making it a major informal economies.

Displacement Concerns

Out of about a million people living in the dense 220-hectare zone, a minority will be able for replacement housing in the redevelopment, which is projected to take a significant period to finish. Others will be relocated to undeveloped zones and coastal regions on the distant periphery of the city, risking divide a historic community. A portion will not get residences at all.

People eligible to continue living in Dharavi will be given units in multi-story structures, a substantial change from the organic, collective approach of residing and operating that has sustained the community for many years.

Commercial activities from clothing production to clay work and material recovery are likely to shrink in number and be moved to a designated "commercial zone" far from residential areas.

Existential Threat

For those such as the leather artisan, a craftsman and multi-generational inhabitant to call home this community, the plan presents a fundamental risk. His informal, three-floor operation produces apparel – tailored coats, suede trenches, decorated jackets – sold in premium stores in upscale neighborhoods and internationally.

His family dwells in the spaces downstairs and his workers and sewers – workers from north India – reside in the same building, enabling him to afford their labour. Away from Dharavi's enclave, accommodation prices are typically 10 times costlier for basic accommodation.

Threats and Warning

At the government offices close by, a visual representation of the transformation initiative depicts a contrasting outlook. Well-groomed people gather on cycles and eco-friendly transport, buying continental baked goods and croissants and enlisting beverages on a terrace outside a restaurant and treat station. This depicts a world away from the affordable idli sambar breakfast and budget beverage that sustains local residents.

"This represents no progress for our community," states the artisan. "It represents an enormous land development that will make it unaffordable for residents to remain."

There is also concern of the development company. Run by an influential industrialist – one of India's most powerful and a supporter of the national leader – the business group has been subject to claims of crony capitalism and questionable practices, which it disputes.

Even as local authorities describes it as a partnership, the developer invested nearly a billion dollars for its majority share. A case stating that the redevelopment was unfairly awarded to the business group is under review in India's supreme court.

Continued Intimidation

From when they initiated to actively protest the project, Shaikh and other residents assert they have been faced an extended period of coercion and warning – involving communications, direct threats and insinuations that speaking against the project was equivalent to speaking against the country – by figures they assert are associated with the developer.

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