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Across several weeks, coercive messages persisted. Originally, supposedly from a former police officer and an ex-military commander, subsequently from law enforcement directly. Finally, one resident states he was ordered to law enforcement headquarters and warned explicitly: remain silent or encounter real trouble.

This third-generation resident is among those fighting a multimillion-dollar initiative where this historic settlement – a massive informal community with rich history – is scheduled to be demolished and transformed by a large business group.

"The distinctive community of this area is exceptional in the planet," says Shaikh. "However the plan aims to dismantle our social fabric and prevent our protests."

Opposing Environments

The dank gullies of the slum sit in stark contrast to the towering buildings and luxury apartments that dominate the settlement. Dwellings are built haphazardly and frequently without proper sanitation, small-scale operations produce dangerous fumes and the air is permeated by the overpowering odor of uncovered waste channels.

To some, the prospect of the slum's redevelopment into a developed area of luxury high-rises, well-maintained green spaces, contemporary malls and apartments with proper sanitation is an optimistic future realized.

"There's no proper healthcare, roads or sewage systems and we have no places for children to play," states A Selvin Nadar, fifty-six, who moved from southern India in the early eighties. "The only way is to demolish everything and provide modern residences."

Community Resistance

However, some, such as Shaikh, are fighting against the project.

None deny that this community, historically ignored as an illegal encroachment, is urgently needing financial support and improvement. But they are concerned that this project – lacking public consultation – is one that will turn a piece of prime Mumbai real estate into a playground for the rich, displacing the disadvantaged, migrant communities who have been there since generations ago.

This involved these marginalized, migrant workers who built up the vacant wetlands into a widely studied marvel of local enterprise and commercial output, whose economic value is estimated at between a significant amount 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 crowded 220-hectare area, a minority will be able for alternative accommodation in the project, which is projected to take an extended timeframe to finish. Additional residents will be relocated to barren areas and coastal regions on the far outskirts of the city, potentially fragment a historic community. Some will receive no residences at all.

Those allowed to stay in the area will be provided apartments in multi-story structures, a substantial change from the evolved, collective approach of living and working that has sustained this area for many years.

Industries from tailoring to ceramic crafts and material recovery are likely to shrink in number and be transferred to an allocated "industrial sector" distant from homes.

Existential Threat

For those such as the leather artisan, a workshop owner and third generation inhabitant to call home this community, the redevelopment presents a survival challenge. His rickety, three-floor workshop makes garments – formal jackets, premium outerwear, fashionable garments – sold in premium stores in south Mumbai and overseas.

Relatives dwells in the accommodations below and his workers and sewers – migrants from other states – reside on-site, permitting him to afford their labour. Beyond Dharavi's enclave, housing costs are frequently significantly more expensive for minimal space.

Pressure and Coercion

In the administrative buildings close by, an illustrated mock-up of the redevelopment plan shows a contrasting perspective. Fashionable inhabitants move around on bicycles and electric vehicles, purchasing western-style baked goods and croissants and enlisting beverages on an outdoor area near a coffee shop and Ice-Cream. This represents a world away from the 20-rupee idli sambar morning meal and budget beverage that sustains the neighborhood.

"This represents no development for our community," says Shaikh. "This constitutes an enormous real estate deal that will price people out for our community to continue."

Furthermore, there's concern of the business conglomerate. Run by a powerful tycoon – among the country's wealthiest and a close ally of the national leader – the conglomerate has been subject to claims of crony capitalism and questionable practices, which it denies.

Even as local authorities labels it a collaborative effort, the developer invested nearly a billion dollars for its 80% stake. A lawsuit alleging that the initiative was improperly granted to the business group is pending in the top court.

Continued Intimidation

From when they initiated to vocally oppose the development, protesters and community members assert they have been subjected to an extended period of pressure and threats – comprising phone calls, clear intimidation and suggestions that criticizing the project was tantamount to anti-national sentiment – by people they allege are associated with the developer.

Among those alleged to have making intimidations is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c