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For months, threatening messages persisted. At first, supposedly from a retired cop and a former defense officer, subsequently from law enforcement directly. Finally, one resident states he was summoned to the local precinct and told clearly: remain silent or encounter real trouble.

Shaikh is among those opposing a multimillion-dollar redevelopment plan where this historic settlement – a massive informal community with rich history – is scheduled to be razed and modernized by a multinational conglomerate.

"The unique ecosystem of this area is unparalleled in the planet," states the protester. "But they want to destroy our social fabric and silence our voices."

Opposing Environments

The narrow alleys of this community sit in stark contrast to the towering buildings and elite residences that overshadow the neighborhood. Homes are built haphazardly and often without proper sanitation, informal businesses emit toxic smoke and the air is permeated by the unpleasant stench of open sewers.

For certain residents, the promise of Dharavi transformed into a modern district of luxury high-rises, organized recreational areas, contemporary malls and homes with two toilets is a hopeful vision realized.

"We lack sufficient health services, proper streets or sewage systems and we have no places for youth to recreate," explains a tea vendor, fifty-six, who moved from his home state in the early eighties. "The single option is to clear the area and build us new homes."

Community Resistance

However, some, like Shaikh, are opposing the redevelopment.

All recognize that Dharavi, historically ignored as unauthorized settlement, is urgently needing economic input and modernization. Yet they worry that this project – without community input – might convert a piece of prime Mumbai real estate into a playground for the rich, evicting the lower-caste, immigrant populations who have lived there since the late 1800s.

It was these shunned, relocated individuals who built up the uninhabited area into an extensively researched phenomenon of self-reliance and commercial output, whose output is estimated at between a significant amount and two million dollars a year, making it a major unofficial markets.

Resettlement Issues

Out of about one million residents living in the crowded 220-hectare zone, less than 50% will be qualified for replacement housing in the development, which is expected to take seven years to complete. The remainder will be moved to wastelands and saline fields on the far outskirts of the metropolis, threatening to break up a generations-old neighborhood. Some will be denied homes at all.

Residents permitted to stay in Dharavi will be provided flats in high-rise buildings, a significant rupture from the evolved, collective approach of residing and operating that has supported the community for so long.

Businesses from clothing production to pottery and material recovery are projected to decrease in quantity and be relocated to a specific "business area" distant from residential areas.

Livelihood Crisis

In the case of the leather artisan, a leather artisan and third generation inhabitant to reside in this community, the plan presents a fundamental risk. His makeshift, three-storey facility creates apparel – sharp blazers, suede trenches, fashionable garments – marketed in high-end shops in the city's affluent areas and abroad.

Relatives resides in the rooms downstairs and laborers and tailors – migrants from different regions – reside there, allowing him to sustain operations. Away from this community, Mumbai rents are frequently tenfold costlier for basic accommodation.

Threats and Warning

At the official facilities in the vicinity, a visual representation of the Dharavi project illustrates a contrasting vision for the future. Slickly dressed residents mill about on two-wheelers and e-vehicles, acquiring international baked goods and breakfast items and socializing on a terrace adjacent to Dharavi Cafe and treat station. It is a stark contrast from the inexpensive idli sambar morning meal and budget beverage that supports local residents.

"This is not improvement for residents," says Shaikh. "It represents an enormous real estate deal that will make it unaffordable for our community to continue."

Furthermore, there's distrust of the development company. Headed by a prominent businessman – among the country's wealthiest and a close ally of the national leader – the business group has faced accusations of crony capitalism and ethical concerns, which it denies.

While the state government labels it a partnership, the corporation invested a significant amount for its majority share. A lawsuit alleging that the redevelopment was improperly granted to the developer is under review in the nation's highest judicial body.

Sustained Harassment

From when they initiated to publicly resist the development, Shaikh and other residents claim they have been experienced ongoing efforts of harassment and intimidation – including phone calls, explicit warnings and suggestions that criticizing the project was comparable with speaking against the country – by people they assert represent the corporate group.

Part of the group accused of delivering warnings is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c