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Over an extended period, coercive communications recurred. Originally, reportedly from an ex-law enforcement official and an ex-military commander, and then from the police themselves. Ultimately, one resident asserts he was called to law enforcement headquarters and instructed bluntly: remain silent or experience severe repercussions.

The leather artisan is one of many resisting a high-value redevelopment plan where Dharavi – an iconic Mumbai neighborhood – faces bulldozed and redeveloped by a corporate giant.

"The culture of this area is unparalleled in the globe," says the resident. "However they want to dismantle our social fabric and prevent our protests."

Dual Worlds

The dank gullies of the slum sit in stark contrast to the towering buildings and elite residences that loom over the area. Dwellings are assembled randomly and typically missing basic amenities, small-scale operations emit toxic smoke and the atmosphere is filled with the overpowering odor of uncovered waste channels.

To some, the prospect of Dharavi transformed into a modern district of luxury high-rises, well-maintained green spaces, modern retail complexes and residences with two toilets is a hopeful vision come true.

"There's no proper healthcare, roads or drainage and we have no places for youth to recreate," says A Selvin Nadar, in his fifties, who relocated from southern India in the early eighties. "The single option is to clear the area and build us new homes."

Resident Opposition

However, some, including this protester, are opposing the project.

Everyone acknowledges that this community, long neglected as unauthorized settlement, is in stark need investment and development. But they worry that this project – without public consultation – could potentially transform a piece of prime Mumbai real estate into a luxury development, evicting the marginalized, migrant communities who have been there since the late 1800s.

These were these marginalized, migrant workers who developed the vacant wetlands into an extensively researched phenomenon of local enterprise and commercial output, whose economic value is valued at between $1m and two million dollars a year, making it among the globe's biggest informal economies.

Resettlement Issues

Of the roughly a million inhabitants living in the dense sprawling zone, a minority will be qualified for new homes in the development, which is expected to take seven years to complete. Additional residents will be relocated to wastelands and coastal regions on the far outskirts of the metropolis, potentially divide a long-established neighborhood. Certain individuals will be denied homes at all.

Residents permitted to stay in the area will be allocated units in tower blocks, a significant rupture from the natural, shared lifestyle of living and working that has supported this area for so long.

Businesses from clothing production to clay work and waste processing are projected to shrink in number and be relocated to a specific "commercial zone" distant from homes.

Existential Threat

In the case of Shaikh, a craftsman and long-time resident to reside in the slum, the redevelopment presents an existential threat. His rickety, three-storey facility makes garments – tailored coats, luxury coats, studded bomber jackets – sold in high-end shops in upscale neighborhoods and internationally.

His family dwells in the spaces downstairs and employees and tailors – migrants from other states – reside in the same building, allowing him to sustain operations. Away from this community, Mumbai rents are frequently significantly as high for basic accommodation.

Threats and Warning

Within the government offices in the vicinity, an illustrated mock-up of the redevelopment plan shows an alternative vision for the future. Slickly dressed people gather on bicycles and e-vehicles, buying continental baguettes and croissants and enlisting beverages on a patio near a coffee shop and Ice-Cream. This depicts a complete departure from the 20-rupee idli sambar first meal and budget beverage that maintains the neighborhood.

"This represents no improvement for our community," says Shaikh. "It's a huge land development that will render it impossible for residents to remain."

Furthermore, there's concern of the business conglomerate. Managed by a prominent businessman – one of India's most powerful and a supporter of the national leader – the conglomerate has been subject to claims of crony capitalism and financial impropriety, which it disputes.

Even as local authorities calls it a partnership, the developer invested $950m for its 80% stake. A lawsuit stating that the redevelopment was unfairly awarded to the corporation is pending in the top court.

Ongoing Pressure

After they started to actively protest the project, Shaikh and other residents claim they have been faced a long-running campaign of pressure and threats – including phone calls, clear intimidation and suggestions that speaking against the project was equivalent to anti-national sentiment – by individuals they allege work for the developer.

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