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Over an extended period, threatening messages recurred. Originally, reportedly from a former police officer and an ex-military commander, and then from the police themselves. Ultimately, Mohammad Khurshid Shaikh claims he was summoned to the local precinct and told clearly: stop speaking out or face serious consequences.

Shaikh is among those resisting a expensive redevelopment plan where one of India's largest slums – a massive informal community with rich history – will be bulldozed and redeveloped by a large business group.

"The culture of Dharavi is like nowhere else in the world," explains the resident. "Yet they want to destroy our social fabric and silence our voices."

Dual Worlds

The narrow alleys of the slum sit in stark contrast to the high-rise structures and Bollywood penthouses that dominate the neighborhood. Dwellings are assembled randomly and typically lacking adequate facilities, informal businesses release harmful emissions and the air is permeated by the overpowering odor of uncovered waste channels.

To some, the prospect of a renewed Dharavi into a glistening neighborhood of luxury high-rises, well-maintained green spaces, modern retail complexes and residences with proper sanitation is an aspirational dream realized.

"There's no sufficient health services, roads or water management and there are no spaces for kids to enjoy," states a chai seller, 56, who moved from Tamil Nadu in the early eighties. "The sole solution is to tear it all down and construct proper housing."

Community Resistance

But others, such as this protester, are fighting against the plan.

All recognize that Dharavi, historically ignored as informal housing, is urgently needing economic input and modernization. But they are concerned that this initiative – absent of public consultation – might turn premium city property into a playground for the rich, displacing the disadvantaged, migrant communities who have lived there since the nineteenth century.

These were these excluded, displaced people who developed the empty marshland into a widely studied marvel of local enterprise and business activity, whose economic value is worth between one million dollars and $2m a year, making it among the globe's biggest unofficial markets.

Displacement Concerns

Among approximately one million residents living in the crowded sprawling zone, less than 50% will be eligible for alternative accommodation in the development, which is expected to take seven years to finish. The remainder will be transferred to barren areas and coastal regions on the far outskirts of Mumbai, potentially divide a generations-old social network. A portion will be denied homes at all.

Those allowed to remain in Dharavi will be allocated units in tower blocks, a significant rupture from the organic, collective approach of dwelling and laboring that has sustained this area for many years.

Businesses from clothing production to pottery and waste processing are likely to reduce in scale and be moved to an allocated "commercial zone" far from homes.

Survival Challenge

For those such as the leather artisan, a leather artisan and multi-generational inhabitant to live in this community, the redevelopment presents a fundamental risk. His informal, three-floor facility makes apparel – sharp blazers, luxury coats, studded bomber jackets – distributed in high-end shops in south Mumbai and internationally.

Relatives resides in the rooms underneath and his workers and garment workers – workers from north India – reside in the same building, enabling him to afford their labour. Away from Dharavi's enclave, Mumbai rents are often tenfold as high for basic accommodation.

Pressure and Coercion

At the government offices nearby, an illustrated mock-up of the redevelopment plan depicts a very different perspective. Well-groomed inhabitants mill about on bicycles and eco-friendly transport, purchasing international baguettes and breakfast items and having coffee on an outdoor area adjacent to a restaurant and treat station. This depicts a stark contrast from the inexpensive idli sambar first meal and low-cost tea that maintains local residents.

"This is not progress for us," says Shaikh. "It represents an enormous real estate deal that will price people out for our community to continue."

There is also concern of the development company. Headed by a powerful tycoon – a leading figure and a supporter of the government head – the corporation has faced accusations of crony capitalism and ethical concerns, which it rejects.

While administrative bodies labels it a joint project, the business group contributed $950m for its majority share. A lawsuit stating that the project was questionably assigned to the corporation is being considered in India's supreme court.

Ongoing Pressure

From when they initiated to actively protest the project, Shaikh and other residents state they have been subjected to ongoing efforts of pressure and threats – comprising messages, direct threats and implications that criticizing the development was tantamount to anti-national sentiment – by figures they allege are associated with the business conglomerate.

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