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Across several weeks, intimidating messages continued. Originally, supposedly from an ex-law enforcement official and an ex-military commander, later from the authorities. Ultimately, one resident states he was called to law enforcement headquarters and told clearly: remain silent or face serious consequences.

Shaikh is part of a group opposing a expensive project where this historic settlement – one of India’s largest and most storied slums – is scheduled to be demolished and transformed by a large business group.

"The unique ecosystem of the slum is like nowhere else in the globe," states the resident. "But the plan aims to dismantle our way of life and silence our voices."

Contrasting Realities

The dank gullies of the slum sit in stark contrast to the high-rise structures and elite residences that overshadow the neighborhood. Residences are built haphazardly and often lacking adequate facilities, small-scale operations release harmful emissions and the air is saturated with the unpleasant stench of uncovered waste channels.

For certain residents, the prospect of Dharavi transformed into a developed area of premium apartments, well-maintained green spaces, modern retail complexes and residences with two toilets is a hopeful vision achieved.

"We lack proper healthcare, roads or drainage and there are no spaces for kids to enjoy," explains a tea vendor, 56, who moved from his home state in 1982. "The single option is to demolish everything and provide modern residences."

Local Protest

However, some, such as Shaikh, are resisting the redevelopment.

All recognize that the slum, historically ignored as an illegal encroachment, is in stark need investment and development. Yet they are concerned that this project – lacking resident participation – is one that will convert a piece of prime Mumbai real estate into a luxury development, evicting the marginalized, migrant communities who have resided there since generations ago.

It was these shunned, migrant workers who built up the empty marshland into an extensively researched phenomenon of self-reliance and commercial output, whose economic value is valued at between a significant amount and $2m annually, making it a major informal economies.

Relocation Worries

Out of about a million people living in the dense 2.2 square kilometer zone, a minority will be eligible for replacement housing in the development, which is expected to take seven years to complete. The remainder will be transferred to barren areas and salt plains on the far outskirts of the city, potentially divide a long-established neighborhood. A portion will be denied residences at all.

Residents permitted to continue living in the neighborhood will be allocated apartments in tower blocks, a significant rupture from the natural, shared lifestyle of residing and operating that has supported the community for many years.

Businesses from garment work to pottery and material recovery are projected to shrink in number and be moved to a specific "industrial sector" far from residential areas.

Survival Challenge

For residents like the leather artisan, a leather artisan and multi-generational resident to call home the slum, the redevelopment presents a fundamental risk. His informal, three-floor facility makes apparel – sharp blazers, luxury coats, studded bomber jackets – marketed in high-end shops in the city's affluent areas and abroad.

Household members dwells in the spaces below and employees and sewers – workers from north India – live there, permitting him to afford their labour. Away from the slum, Mumbai rents are frequently 10 times more expensive for a single room.

Harassment and Intimidation

Within the government offices nearby, an illustrated mock-up of the Dharavi project shows a very different perspective. Slickly dressed people gather on two-wheelers and electric vehicles, acquiring continental baked goods and croissants and socializing on a terrace near a restaurant and treat station. This represents a world away from the affordable idli sambar first meal and budget beverage that sustains the neighborhood.

"This isn't improvement for residents," explains Shaikh. "It's a huge property transaction that will render it impossible for us to survive."

Furthermore, there's concern of the development company. Headed by a powerful tycoon – among the country's wealthiest and an associate of the national leader – the business group has been subject to claims of preferential treatment and questionable practices, which it denies.

Although the state government labels it a joint project, the corporation contributed nearly a billion dollars for its majority share. A case alleging that the redevelopment was unfairly awarded to the developer is under review in the nation's highest judicial body.

Sustained Harassment

After they started to actively protest the redevelopment, protesters and community members state they have been experienced an extended period of coercion and warning – involving messages, clear intimidation and implications that opposing the initiative was tantamount to speaking against the country – by people they allege work for the corporate group.

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