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Across several weeks, intimidating communications persisted. Initially, supposedly from an ex-law enforcement official and a former defense officer, and then from law enforcement directly. Finally, Mohammad Khurshid Shaikh claims he was summoned to law enforcement headquarters and warned explicitly: remain silent or encounter real trouble.

The leather artisan is among those opposing a expensive redevelopment plan where this historic settlement – an iconic Mumbai neighborhood – is scheduled to be demolished and transformed by a multinational conglomerate.

"The culture of the slum is unparalleled in the planet," states Shaikh. "However the plan aims to eradicate our community and stop us speaking out."

Dual Worlds

The dank gullies of Dharavi sit in stark contrast to the towering buildings and Bollywood penthouses that loom over the neighborhood. Residences are assembled randomly and typically missing basic amenities, unregulated industries emit toxic smoke and the air is permeated by the suffocating smell of exposed drainage.

Among some individuals, the prospect of the slum's redevelopment into a glistening neighborhood of high-end towers, well-maintained green spaces, modern retail complexes and homes with proper sanitation is a hopeful vision come true.

"There's no proper healthcare, paved pathways or water management and we have no places for children to play," explains A Selvin Nadar, in his fifties, who migrated from southern India in that period. "The sole solution is to clear the area and provide modern residences."

Resident Opposition

However, some, like this protester, are resisting the plan.

All recognize that this community, historically ignored as unauthorized settlement, is in stark need economic input and modernization. However they fear that this plan – without resident participation – might turn a piece of prime Mumbai real estate into a playground for the rich, forcing out the marginalized, working-class residents who have lived there since generations ago.

It was these marginalized, displaced people who developed the vacant wetlands into an extensively researched phenomenon of local enterprise and business activity, whose output is valued at between one million dollars and $2m per year, making it one of the world's largest unregulated sectors.

Displacement Concerns

Of the roughly 1 million residents living in the dense 2.2 square kilometer neighborhood, fewer than half will be able for replacement housing in the redevelopment, which is expected to take a significant period to accomplish. The remainder will be relocated to barren areas and coastal regions on the distant periphery of the city, potentially divide a generations-old neighborhood. Some will not get homes at all.

Residents permitted to stay in Dharavi will be provided units in tower blocks, a major break from the evolved, collective approach of dwelling and laboring that has sustained the community for many years.

Commercial activities from clothing production to pottery and material recovery are expected to decrease in quantity and be transferred to a designated "industrial sector" far from homes.

Survival Challenge

For residents like this protester, a craftsman and third generation inhabitant to reside in this community, the project presents a survival challenge. His informal, multi-level operation creates apparel – sharp blazers, premium outerwear, decorated jackets – sold in premium stores in the city's affluent areas and abroad.

Relatives dwells in the accommodations below and employees and garment workers – workers from different regions – live in the same building, enabling him to manage costs. Beyond Dharavi's enclave, accommodation prices are typically tenfold as high for a single room.

Harassment and Intimidation

In the government offices in the vicinity, a conceptual model of the transformation initiative illustrates a contrasting vision for the future. Slickly dressed residents mill about on cycles and eco-friendly transport, buying continental baked goods and croissants and socializing on a terrace adjacent to Dharavi Cafe and treat station. This depicts a world away from the 20-rupee idli sambar breakfast and low-cost tea that supports local residents.

"This isn't progress for our community," explains the artisan. "This constitutes a huge property transaction that will render it impossible for our community to continue."

There is also concern of the business conglomerate. Headed by an influential industrialist – among the country's wealthiest and an associate of the Indian prime minister – the corporation has been subject to claims of preferential treatment and financial impropriety, which it denies.

Even as local authorities labels it a collaborative effort, the business group contributed nearly a billion dollars for its majority share. A lawsuit stating that the project was unfairly awarded to the corporation is pending in the top court.

Ongoing Pressure

After they started to vocally oppose the project, local opponents state they have been experienced ongoing efforts of pressure and threats – involving communications, explicit warnings and implications that opposing the development was comparable with speaking against the country – by figures they allege are associated with the business conglomerate.

Included in these accused of making intimidations is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c