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Over an extended period, intimidating communications continued. Initially, allegedly from a retired cop and an ex-military commander, and then from law enforcement directly. In the end, one resident claims he was called to the local precinct and warned explicitly: remain silent or face serious consequences.

This third-generation resident is one of many fighting a expensive initiative where Dharavi – one of India’s largest and most storied slums – is scheduled to be demolished and modernized by a corporate giant.

"The unique ecosystem of this area is like nowhere else in the world," says the protester. "Yet they want to eradicate our community and silence our voices."

Contrasting Realities

The dank gullies of this community stand in sharp opposition to the high-rise structures and elite residences that overshadow the neighborhood. Dwellings are assembled randomly and typically missing basic amenities, unregulated industries emit toxic smoke and the atmosphere is permeated by the unpleasant stench of uncovered waste channels.

Among some individuals, the vision of the slum's redevelopment into a developed area of premium apartments, neat parks, contemporary malls and apartments with two toilets is an aspirational dream realized.

"We lack adequate medical facilities, paved pathways or drainage and there's nowhere for kids to enjoy," says a chai seller, 56, who moved from Tamil Nadu in that period. "The single option is to tear it all down and provide modern residences."

Local Protest

However, some, including the leather artisan, are resisting the plan.

Everyone acknowledges that the slum, historically ignored as unauthorized settlement, is urgently needing investment and development. Yet they are concerned that this project – absent of resident participation – could potentially transform valuable urban land into a playground for the rich, evicting the lower-caste, working-class residents who have been there since the nineteenth century.

These were these marginalized, relocated individuals who established the vacant wetlands into an extensively researched phenomenon of community resilience and business activity, whose economic value is valued at between a significant amount and $2m per year, making it among the globe's biggest unregulated sectors.

Relocation Worries

Among approximately one million inhabitants living in the crowded sprawling neighborhood, less than 50% will be eligible for new homes in the project, which is estimated to take a significant period to accomplish. The remainder will be relocated to undeveloped zones and salt plains on the distant periphery of the metropolis, potentially break up a long-established community. A portion will receive no housing at all.

Those allowed to stay in Dharavi will be allocated units in tower blocks, a significant rupture from the organic, communal way of residing and operating that has maintained Dharavi for generations.

Commercial activities from garment work to ceramic crafts and material recovery are expected to reduce in scale and be moved to a designated "commercial zone" far from people's residences.

Survival Challenge

In the case of this protester, a leather artisan and multi-generational inhabitant to call home Dharavi, the project presents a survival challenge. His informal, three-storey workshop makes apparel – tailored coats, luxury coats, fashionable garments – sold in high-end shops in the city's affluent areas and internationally.

His family resides in the accommodations underneath and laborers and sewers – workers from other states – reside on-site, permitting him to afford their labour. Outside Dharavi's enclave, housing costs are typically 10 times costlier for basic accommodation.

Threats and Warning

In the official facilities in the vicinity, an illustrated mock-up of the redevelopment plan depicts a contrasting vision for the future. Well-groomed inhabitants gather on cycles and eco-friendly transport, purchasing international baguettes and croissants and having coffee on a terrace near Dharavi Cafe and treat station. This depicts a complete departure from the affordable idli sambar first meal and low-cost tea that maintains Dharavi's community.

"This isn't improvement for residents," states the artisan. "It represents a huge real estate deal that will price people out for us to survive."

There is also concern of the business conglomerate. Headed by a powerful tycoon – a leading figure and a supporter of the government head – the corporation has been subject to claims of crony capitalism and financial impropriety, which it denies.

While the state government labels it a partnership, the corporation paid $950m for its majority share. Legal proceedings stating that the redevelopment was improperly granted to the developer is pending in the top court.

Sustained Harassment

After they started to actively protest the project, protesters and community members claim they have been subjected to an extended period of pressure and threats – involving messages, explicit warnings and insinuations that opposing the development was tantamount to opposing national interests – by individuals they claim are associated with the developer.

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