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Over an extended period, intimidating communications persisted. Initially, allegedly from a former police officer and a former defense officer, and then from the authorities. Ultimately, Mohammad Khurshid Shaikh states he was called to the police station and instructed bluntly: remain silent or experience severe repercussions.

This third-generation resident is part of a group resisting a expensive project where this historic settlement – an iconic Mumbai neighborhood – will be razed and transformed by a multinational conglomerate.

"The unique ecosystem of this area is unparalleled in the world," explains the protester. "However their intention is to destroy our way of life and stop us speaking out."

Dual Worlds

The cramped lanes of Dharavi sit in stark contrast to the soaring skyscrapers and elite residences that loom over the settlement. Homes are built haphazardly and typically without proper sanitation, informal businesses release harmful emissions and the environment is saturated with the unpleasant stench of uncovered waste channels.

For certain residents, the prospect of a renewed Dharavi into a modern district of premium apartments, organized recreational areas, shiny shopping centers and homes with two toilets is a hopeful vision achieved.

"We don't have sufficient health services, paved pathways or water management and there's nowhere for kids to enjoy," states A Selvin Nadar, in his fifties, who relocated from southern India in that period. "The sole solution is to demolish everything and provide modern residences."

Resident Opposition

Yet certain residents, like this protester, are resisting the project.

None deny that Dharavi, historically ignored as unauthorized settlement, is desperately requiring economic input and modernization. But they fear that this project – absent of community input – could potentially turn a piece of prime Mumbai real estate into a luxury development, forcing out the marginalized, immigrant populations who have lived there since the nineteenth century.

These were these excluded, displaced people who developed the vacant wetlands into a widely studied marvel of local enterprise and economic productivity, whose economic value is estimated at between one million dollars and a substantial sum annually, making it a major unofficial markets.

Resettlement Issues

Of the roughly 1 million residents living in the dense 2.2 square kilometer zone, a minority will be eligible for replacement housing in the redevelopment, which is estimated to take an extended timeframe to accomplish. The remainder will be transferred to barren areas and coastal regions on the remote edges of Mumbai, potentially divide a long-established community. A portion will not get homes at all.

Those allowed to continue living in the neighborhood will be provided apartments in high-rise buildings, a significant rupture from the organic, shared lifestyle of living and working that has maintained this area for many years.

Businesses from clothing production to pottery and material recovery are likely to shrink in number and be transferred to an allocated "commercial zone" separated from residential areas.

Survival Challenge

For those such as Shaikh, a craftsman and long-time of his family to reside in the slum, the redevelopment presents a fundamental risk. His makeshift, multi-level workshop produces garments – sharp blazers, suede trenches, studded bomber jackets – marketed in high-end shops in upscale neighborhoods and internationally.

Household members lives in the rooms underneath and his workers and garment workers – migrants from north India – also sleep in the same building, enabling him to manage costs. Beyond Dharavi's enclave, Mumbai rents are often tenfold more expensive for basic accommodation.

Pressure and Coercion

Within the government offices close by, a visual representation of the transformation initiative depicts an alternative vision for the future. Slickly dressed residents move around on two-wheelers and electric vehicles, buying international baguettes and breakfast items and enlisting beverages on an outdoor area outside Dharavi Cafe and dessert parlor. This depicts a complete departure from the inexpensive idli sambar first meal and 5-rupee chai that supports Dharavi's community.

"This isn't progress for residents," states the artisan. "It's a huge real estate deal that will make it unaffordable for our community to continue."

Furthermore, there's concern of the corporate group. Headed by a prominent businessman – a leading figure and a supporter of the national leader – the conglomerate has encountered allegations of crony capitalism and financial impropriety, which it rejects.

Although the state government labels it a joint project, the developer contributed nearly a billion dollars for its majority share. A lawsuit claiming that the project was unfairly awarded to the business group is under review in the top court.

Continued Intimidation

From when they initiated to publicly resist the development, protesters and community members state they have been experienced an extended period of pressure and threats – comprising phone calls, direct threats and insinuations that speaking against the development was comparable with anti-national sentiment – by figures they allege are associated with the corporate group.

Among those accused of issuing the threats is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c