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Across several weeks, coercive phone calls continued. At first, reportedly from a former police officer and a former defense officer, later from the police themselves. Ultimately, one resident states he was ordered to the local precinct and warned explicitly: remain silent or face serious consequences.

The leather artisan is among those resisting a multimillion-dollar initiative where this historic settlement – an iconic Mumbai neighborhood – faces demolished and transformed by a multinational conglomerate.

"The unique ecosystem of this area is exceptional in the globe," says the resident. "But the plan aims to destroy our community and stop us speaking out."

Opposing Environments

The cramped lanes of Dharavi sit in stark contrast to the high-rise structures and Bollywood penthouses that overshadow the area. Homes are built haphazardly and often missing basic amenities, small-scale operations release harmful emissions and the atmosphere is permeated by the unpleasant stench of open sewers.

For certain residents, the prospect of Dharavi transformed into a modern district of premium apartments, organized recreational areas, contemporary malls and homes with proper sanitation is an aspirational dream come true.

"We don't have sufficient health services, roads or water management and there's nowhere for children to play," states a chai seller, fifty-six, who moved from southern India in that period. "The only way is to tear it all down and provide modern residences."

Community Resistance

Yet certain residents, including Shaikh, are fighting against the redevelopment.

None deny that this community, consistently overlooked as an illegal encroachment, is in stark need investment and development. Yet they fear that this initiative – without community input – could potentially transform premium city property into a playground for the rich, forcing out the marginalized, working-class residents who have resided there since generations ago.

These were these marginalized, migrant workers who established the vacant wetlands into an extensively researched phenomenon of community resilience and business activity, whose economic value is worth between $1m and two million dollars per year, making it one of the world's largest informal economies.

Resettlement Issues

Out of about a million inhabitants living in the dense sprawling neighborhood, fewer than half will be qualified for replacement housing in the redevelopment, which is expected to take seven years to complete. Others will be moved to wastelands and saline fields on the far outskirts of the metropolis, risking divide a long-established community. Some will not get homes at all.

Those allowed to stay in Dharavi will be given flats in high-rise buildings, a significant rupture from the evolved, communal way of residing and operating that has maintained this area for many years.

Commercial activities from garment work to pottery and waste processing are likely to decrease in quantity and be moved to a specific "industrial sector" separated from residential areas.

Livelihood Crisis

For residents like this protester, a workshop owner and multi-generational resident to call home this community, the project presents an existential threat. His informal, multi-level workshop produces garments – tailored coats, luxury coats, decorated jackets – marketed in premium stores in upscale neighborhoods and internationally.

Relatives dwells in the rooms downstairs and his workers and tailors – migrants from different regions – also sleep there, permitting him to sustain operations. Away from Dharavi's enclave, accommodation prices are typically tenfold more expensive for basic accommodation.

Threats and Warning

At the government offices in the vicinity, an illustrated mock-up of the transformation initiative depicts an alternative perspective. Well-groomed people mill about on cycles and eco-friendly transport, buying continental baguettes and pastries and enlisting beverages on a terrace outside a coffee shop and treat station. It is a stark contrast from the inexpensive idli sambar first meal and low-cost tea that sustains Dharavi's community.

"This is not improvement for residents," explains the protester. "It's a huge real estate deal that will render it impossible for our community to continue."

There is also distrust of the corporate group. Managed by a prominent businessman – a leading figure and an associate of the Indian prime minister – the conglomerate has been subject to claims of favoritism and financial impropriety, which it disputes.

Although the state government calls it a collaborative effort, the corporation paid a significant amount for its controlling interest. A case alleging that the project was improperly granted to the developer is pending in the top court.

Continued Intimidation

Since they began to vocally oppose the redevelopment, protesters and community members assert they have been experienced an extended period of coercion and warning – involving phone calls, explicit warnings and suggestions that criticizing the project was equivalent to speaking against the country – by people they assert represent the corporate group.

Part of the group suspected of issuing the threats is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c