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For months, intimidating phone calls persisted. At first, reportedly from an ex-law enforcement official and an ex-military commander, subsequently from the authorities. Ultimately, a local artisan claims he was called to the local precinct and told clearly: remain silent or face serious consequences.

This third-generation resident is one of many fighting a high-value initiative where Dharavi – one of India’s largest and most storied slums – will be demolished and transformed by a corporate giant.

"The unique ecosystem of Dharavi is exceptional in the world," says the protester. "But their intention is to dismantle our way of life and silence our voices."

Contrasting Realities

The cramped lanes of this community present a dramatic difference to the soaring skyscrapers and luxury apartments that loom over the area. Homes are assembled randomly and typically without proper sanitation, informal businesses emit toxic smoke and the environment is filled with the suffocating smell of open sewers.

For certain residents, the prospect of Dharavi transformed into a developed area of luxury high-rises, organized recreational areas, shiny shopping centers and homes with multiple bathrooms is a hopeful vision come true.

"There's no adequate medical facilities, paved pathways or water management and there's nowhere for kids to enjoy," states A Selvin Nadar, in his fifties, who relocated from his home state in the early eighties. "The only way is to clear the area and provide modern residences."

Resident Opposition

However, some, such as Shaikh, are fighting against the redevelopment.

All recognize that Dharavi, consistently overlooked as an illegal encroachment, is in stark need investment and development. But they are concerned that this initiative – without community input – could potentially transform valuable urban land into a luxury development, forcing out the disadvantaged, working-class residents who have lived there since the nineteenth century.

This involved these shunned, relocated individuals who built up the empty marshland into a widely studied marvel of local enterprise and commercial output, whose economic value is valued at between a significant amount and $2m annually, making it among the globe's biggest unofficial markets.

Resettlement Issues

Of the roughly 1 million residents living in the crowded 220-hectare neighborhood, less than 50% will be able for new homes in the development, which is expected to take seven years to complete. Others will be transferred to barren areas and saline fields on the far outskirts of Mumbai, risking break up a historic social network. Some will not get residences at all.

Residents permitted to stay in the area will be allocated flats in tower blocks, a substantial change from the evolved, collective approach of dwelling and laboring that has maintained the community for many years.

Commercial activities from garment work to ceramic crafts and recycling are likely to decrease in quantity and be moved to an allocated "business area" distant from homes.

Survival Challenge

For residents like this protester, a craftsman and multi-generational of his family to call home Dharavi, the plan presents a fundamental risk. His informal, multi-level workshop makes garments – formal jackets, luxury coats, decorated jackets – sold in luxury boutiques in the city's affluent areas and internationally.

His family lives in the accommodations underneath and laborers and tailors – workers from north India – also sleep there, enabling him to afford their labour. Away from Dharavi's enclave, Mumbai rents are often significantly as high for minimal space.

Threats and Warning

At the government offices in the vicinity, a conceptual model of the Dharavi project illustrates an alternative outlook. Slickly dressed residents gather on bicycles and electric vehicles, buying western-style baguettes and breakfast items and having coffee on a patio near a restaurant and treat station. It is a stark contrast from the affordable idli sambar morning meal and low-cost tea that supports Dharavi's community.

"This isn't development for us," explains the protester. "It represents a huge land development that will price people out for us to survive."

Additionally, there exists skepticism of the corporate group. Headed by a powerful tycoon – a leading figure and a close ally of the government head – the conglomerate has encountered allegations of preferential treatment and ethical concerns, which it rejects.

While local authorities describes it as a joint project, the corporation invested $950m for its 80% stake. A case claiming that the project was improperly granted to the business group is pending in India's supreme court.

Continued Intimidation

From when they initiated to actively protest the redevelopment, Shaikh and other residents assert they have been faced an extended period of harassment and intimidation – including communications, clear intimidation and implications that criticizing the development was tantamount to anti-national sentiment – by figures they assert represent the business conglomerate.

Among those accused of making intimidations is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c