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Across several weeks, coercive phone calls persisted. Originally, supposedly from an ex-law enforcement official and a former defense officer, and then from law enforcement directly. Finally, a local artisan states he was summoned to law enforcement headquarters and warned explicitly: keep quiet or face serious consequences.

The leather artisan is part of a group opposing a high-value initiative where this historic settlement – 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 unparalleled in the planet," says Shaikh. "Yet the plan aims to dismantle our way of life and prevent our protests."

Contrasting Realities

The cramped lanes of Dharavi sit in stark contrast to the towering buildings and Bollywood penthouses that overshadow the settlement. Residences are constructed informally and frequently missing basic amenities, unregulated industries release harmful emissions and the environment is permeated by the unpleasant stench of open sewers.

To some, the promise of Dharavi transformed into a modern district of high-end towers, well-maintained green spaces, contemporary malls and residences with multiple bathrooms is an optimistic future come true.

"There's no adequate medical facilities, roads or drainage and there's nowhere for kids to enjoy," says A Selvin Nadar, 56, who moved from his home state in the early eighties. "The only way is to tear it all down and provide modern residences."

Community Resistance

Yet certain residents, such as the leather artisan, are fighting against the project.

None deny that Dharavi, consistently overlooked as informal housing, is desperately requiring economic input and modernization. But they fear that this project – without public consultation – might turn valuable urban land into a luxury development, evicting the lower-caste, immigrant populations who have lived there since generations ago.

It was these shunned, relocated individuals who built up the empty marshland into a frequently examined example of self-reliance and economic productivity, whose economic value is valued at between a significant amount and two million dollars annually, making it one of the world's largest unofficial markets.

Relocation Worries

Out of about 1 million residents living in the dense 220-hectare zone, a minority will be eligible for replacement housing in the redevelopment, which is projected to take seven years to finish. Others will be relocated to wastelands and saline fields on the far outskirts of the metropolis, threatening to divide a long-established social network. Certain individuals will be denied homes at all.

People eligible to stay in Dharavi will be allocated apartments in multi-story structures, a substantial change from the evolved, collective approach of residing and operating that has maintained this area for so long.

Commercial activities from garment work to clay work and recycling are likely to decrease in quantity and be moved to a specific "industrial sector" distant from homes.

Livelihood Crisis

For residents like Shaikh, a leather artisan and multi-generational of his family to live in this community, the redevelopment presents a survival challenge. His informal, three-storey workshop produces garments – formal jackets, luxury coats, studded bomber jackets – marketed in premium stores in south Mumbai and internationally.

Household members resides in the spaces underneath and laborers and sewers – laborers from other states – live on-site, permitting him to afford their labour. Outside Dharavi's enclave, accommodation prices are typically tenfold more expensive for minimal space.

Harassment and Intimidation

In the official facilities close by, an illustrated mock-up of the redevelopment plan shows a very different perspective. Well-groomed residents mill about on bicycles and electric vehicles, buying international baked goods and pastries and having coffee on a patio adjacent to a restaurant and Ice-Cream. This represents a stark contrast from the 20-rupee idli sambar first meal and budget beverage that supports local residents.

"This is not improvement for residents," states the protester. "It represents a huge land development that will price people out for us to survive."

There is also 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 favoritism and financial impropriety, which it rejects.

Even as the state government calls it a partnership, the developer invested a significant amount for its 80% stake. A lawsuit stating that the redevelopment was questionably assigned to the business group is pending in the nation's highest judicial body.

Sustained Harassment

Since they began to vocally oppose the development, local opponents claim they have been faced an extended period of coercion and warning – comprising communications, clear intimidation and insinuations that speaking against the development was tantamount to opposing national interests – by individuals they claim work for the corporate group.

Among those suspected of making intimidations is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c