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Over an extended period, threatening phone calls recurred. Initially, allegedly from a retired cop and an ex-military commander, later from law enforcement directly. Ultimately, Mohammad Khurshid Shaikh asserts he was called to law enforcement headquarters and instructed bluntly: keep quiet or encounter real trouble.

The leather artisan is among those fighting a expensive redevelopment plan where Dharavi – a massive informal community with rich history – will be razed and transformed by a large business group.

"The unique ecosystem of the slum is unparalleled in the globe," states the resident. "Yet the plan aims to eradicate our community and stop us speaking out."

Dual Worlds

The cramped lanes of Dharavi stand in sharp opposition to the soaring skyscrapers and Bollywood penthouses that loom over the neighborhood. Residences are assembled randomly and frequently without proper sanitation, informal businesses emit toxic smoke and the atmosphere is permeated by the unpleasant stench of open sewers.

Among some individuals, the vision of the slum's redevelopment into a developed area of premium apartments, well-maintained green spaces, modern retail complexes and homes with multiple bathrooms is a hopeful vision realized.

"We lack proper healthcare, roads or sewage systems and we have no places for youth to recreate," explains A Selvin Nadar, fifty-six, who moved from Tamil Nadu in the early eighties. "The only way is to demolish everything and build us new homes."

Community Resistance

But others, like Shaikh, are opposing the plan.

None deny that this community, historically ignored as an illegal encroachment, is in stark need economic input and modernization. But they fear that this plan – lacking public consultation – could potentially transform valuable urban land into an elite enclave, displacing the disadvantaged, immigrant populations who have lived there since the late 1800s.

This involved these excluded, migrant workers who built up the vacant wetlands into an extensively researched phenomenon of local enterprise and business activity, whose economic value is valued at between a significant amount and two million dollars a year, making it a major informal economies.

Relocation Worries

Of the roughly 1 million people living in the crowded sprawling zone, fewer than half will be qualified for replacement housing in the redevelopment, which is estimated to take seven years to accomplish. Others will be relocated to wastelands and coastal regions on the remote edges of the city, risking break up a historic neighborhood. Some will not get housing at all.

Residents permitted to remain in the neighborhood will be allocated flats in high-rise buildings, a major break from the evolved, communal way of dwelling and laboring that has supported the community for many years.

Businesses from tailoring to pottery and material recovery are expected to shrink in number and be transferred to a specific "commercial zone" distant from residential areas.

Livelihood Crisis

In the case of the leather artisan, a leather artisan and third generation inhabitant to reside in the slum, the redevelopment presents an existential threat. His rickety, three-floor workshop creates garments – formal jackets, suede trenches, decorated jackets – marketed in luxury boutiques in the city's affluent areas and overseas.

Relatives dwells in the accommodations downstairs and laborers and sewers – workers from north India – live on-site, permitting him to afford their labour. Beyond Dharavi's enclave, accommodation prices are frequently significantly as high for a single room.

Pressure and Coercion

In the administrative buildings in the vicinity, an illustrated mock-up of the Dharavi project illustrates a very different outlook. Slickly dressed people mill about on cycles and electric vehicles, purchasing international baguettes and breakfast items and socializing on an outdoor area adjacent to Dharavi Cafe and treat station. This depicts a complete departure from the affordable idli sambar morning meal and 5-rupee chai that sustains Dharavi's community.

"This represents no improvement for us," says Shaikh. "It represents a massive land development that will price people out for our community to continue."

Additionally, there exists skepticism of the development company. Run by a powerful tycoon – among the country's wealthiest and a supporter of the Indian prime minister – the corporation has faced accusations of crony capitalism and questionable practices, which it rejects.

While the state government calls it a joint project, the developer paid $950m for its controlling interest. A case stating that the initiative was improperly granted to the developer is pending in the top court.

Sustained Harassment

From when they initiated to vocally oppose the development, local opponents assert they have been faced an extended period of harassment and intimidation – including communications, clear intimidation and suggestions that opposing the project was comparable with opposing national interests – by figures they allege work for the business conglomerate.

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