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Over an extended period, threatening phone calls continued. Originally, supposedly from an ex-law enforcement official and a former defense officer, subsequently from law enforcement directly. In the end, one resident states he was called to the police station and instructed bluntly: remain silent or experience severe repercussions.

The leather artisan is one of many fighting a high-value redevelopment plan where Dharavi – an iconic Mumbai neighborhood – will be bulldozed and transformed by a corporate giant.

"The distinctive community of this area is exceptional in the world," explains Shaikh. "However the plan aims to destroy our way of life and stop us speaking out."

Opposing Environments

The dank gullies of the slum sit in stark contrast to the soaring skyscrapers and elite residences that loom over the settlement. Homes are built haphazardly and often lacking adequate facilities, small-scale operations produce dangerous fumes and the atmosphere is permeated by the unpleasant stench of uncovered waste channels.

To some, the promise of a renewed Dharavi into a developed area of premium apartments, well-maintained green spaces, contemporary malls and homes with proper sanitation is an aspirational dream realized.

"We lack sufficient health services, paved pathways or drainage and there's nowhere for children to play," states a tea vendor, in his fifties, who moved from Tamil Nadu in the early eighties. "The only way is to demolish everything and construct proper housing."

Resident Opposition

Yet certain residents, like Shaikh, are resisting the plan.

None deny that Dharavi, long neglected as informal housing, is in stark need financial support and improvement. However they are concerned that this project – lacking resident participation – might convert premium city property into a luxury development, forcing out the marginalized, immigrant populations who have resided there since generations ago.

It was these marginalized, relocated individuals who built up the vacant wetlands into a widely studied marvel of local enterprise and business activity, whose production is valued at between $1m and two million dollars per year, making it one of the world's largest unofficial markets.

Displacement Concerns

Of the roughly one million inhabitants living in the packed 220-hectare neighborhood, less than 50% will be qualified for replacement housing in the project, which is projected to take a significant period to accomplish. Additional residents will be moved to undeveloped zones and saline fields on the far outskirts of Mumbai, threatening to divide a generations-old neighborhood. Certain individuals will be denied homes at all.

Residents permitted to continue living in the neighborhood will be allocated units in multi-story structures, a significant rupture from the organic, communal way of dwelling and laboring that has supported Dharavi for so long.

Commercial activities from tailoring to clay work and material recovery are projected to shrink in number and be relocated to a specific "industrial sector" far from people's residences.

Livelihood Crisis

For those such as Shaikh, a craftsman and long-time inhabitant to reside in this community, the redevelopment presents an existential threat. His informal, multi-level facility makes apparel – sharp blazers, suede trenches, studded bomber jackets – distributed in high-end shops in upscale neighborhoods and abroad.

Household members resides in the accommodations downstairs and laborers and sewers – migrants from other states – reside on-site, permitting him to sustain operations. Outside this community, Mumbai rents are often significantly costlier for a single room.

Threats and Warning

Within the government offices nearby, a visual representation of the Dharavi project depicts a contrasting perspective. Well-groomed residents move around on bicycles and eco-friendly transport, acquiring international baguettes and breakfast items and socializing on a patio near a coffee shop and dessert parlor. It is a complete departure from the affordable idli sambar breakfast and 5-rupee chai that supports the neighborhood.

"This represents no progress for residents," states the artisan. "This constitutes a massive property transaction that will render it impossible for our community to continue."

Additionally, there exists skepticism of the development company. Run by an influential industrialist – a leading figure and an associate of the government head – the corporation has encountered allegations of favoritism and ethical concerns, which it disputes.

Even as the state government labels it a partnership, the corporation contributed nearly a billion dollars for its controlling interest. A case alleging that the redevelopment was unfairly awarded to the business group is under review in the nation's highest judicial body.

Sustained Harassment

After they started to vocally oppose the development, Shaikh and other residents claim they have been faced ongoing efforts of coercion and warning – involving messages, clear intimidation and implications that speaking against the project was comparable with anti-national sentiment – by people they allege represent the corporate group.

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