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Across several weeks, threatening messages continued. Initially, supposedly from a retired cop and an ex-military commander, later from the police themselves. Finally, one resident states he was summoned to the local precinct and warned explicitly: remain silent or face serious consequences.

The leather artisan is part of a group opposing a multimillion-dollar initiative where this historic settlement – one of India’s largest and most storied slums – is scheduled to be bulldozed and redeveloped by a large business group.

"The distinctive community of the slum is unparalleled in the globe," states Shaikh. "But their intention is to dismantle our way of life and prevent our protests."

Contrasting Realities

The dank gullies of this community stand in sharp opposition to the towering buildings and luxury apartments that overshadow the area. Homes are constructed informally and often without proper sanitation, unregulated industries emit toxic smoke and the atmosphere is saturated with the overpowering odor of exposed drainage.

For certain residents, the prospect of Dharavi transformed into a modern district of luxury high-rises, organized recreational areas, modern retail complexes and homes with proper sanitation is an aspirational dream realized.

"There's no adequate medical facilities, paved pathways or water management and we have no places for children to play," states a chai seller, in his fifties, who moved from southern India in 1982. "The sole solution is to demolish everything and construct proper housing."

Resident Opposition

However, some, like the leather artisan, are resisting the project.

All recognize that the slum, historically ignored as an illegal encroachment, is urgently needing investment and development. However they are concerned that this initiative – absent of resident participation – could potentially turn premium city property into an elite enclave, forcing out the disadvantaged, immigrant populations who have resided there since generations ago.

It was these marginalized, relocated individuals who built up the uninhabited area into a widely studied marvel of self-reliance and economic productivity, whose economic value is worth between $1m and two million dollars a year, making it a major unofficial markets.

Displacement Concerns

Out of about 1 million residents living in the crowded 220-hectare neighborhood, fewer than half will be qualified for new homes in the redevelopment, which is expected to take seven years to complete. The remainder will be moved to wastelands and saline fields on the far outskirts of the metropolis, risking break up a historic community. Certain individuals will not get residences at all.

People eligible to stay in the neighborhood will be provided flats in high-rise buildings, a major break from the organic, collective approach of residing and operating that has sustained the community for generations.

Businesses from tailoring to ceramic crafts and material recovery are likely to shrink in number and be relocated to an allocated "industrial sector" far from residential areas.

Livelihood Crisis

For those such as Shaikh, a leather artisan and multi-generational resident to call home Dharavi, the plan presents a fundamental risk. His makeshift, three-storey workshop creates apparel – sharp blazers, luxury coats, studded bomber jackets – marketed in luxury boutiques in upscale neighborhoods and internationally.

Household members lives in the rooms below and employees and sewers – migrants from other states – live there, permitting him to manage costs. Outside this community, housing costs are frequently significantly costlier for minimal space.

Pressure and Coercion

In the administrative buildings close by, a conceptual model of the redevelopment plan depicts a very different outlook. Well-groomed people move around on two-wheelers and eco-friendly transport, purchasing international bread and pastries and enlisting beverages on a terrace near a restaurant and Ice-Cream. This depicts a complete departure from the 20-rupee idli sambar breakfast and low-cost tea that maintains the neighborhood.

"This isn't development for residents," explains the protester. "It's a massive property transaction that will render it impossible for residents to remain."

Additionally, there exists concern of the development company. Headed by an influential industrialist – one of India's most powerful and a close ally of the Indian prime minister – the conglomerate has been subject to claims of crony capitalism and questionable practices, which it rejects.

While administrative bodies labels it a partnership, the developer contributed a significant amount for its majority share. Legal proceedings claiming that the project was unfairly awarded to the developer is pending in India's supreme court.

Sustained Harassment

From when they initiated to vocally oppose the redevelopment, Shaikh and other residents state they have been subjected to ongoing efforts of pressure and threats – including messages, direct threats and suggestions that speaking against the project was comparable with speaking against the country – by people they claim work for the business conglomerate.

Part of the group alleged to have making intimidations is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c