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Across several weeks, intimidating phone calls recurred. Initially, supposedly from a retired cop and a retired army general, subsequently from the police themselves. Ultimately, a local artisan states he was ordered to law enforcement headquarters and instructed bluntly: stop speaking out or face serious consequences.

Shaikh is one of many opposing a expensive redevelopment plan where one of India's largest slums – a massive informal community with rich history – faces razed and redeveloped by a large business group.

"The unique ecosystem of the slum is exceptional in the world," states the resident. "But their intention is to destroy our social fabric and prevent our protests."

Opposing Environments

The cramped lanes of the slum stand in sharp opposition to the high-rise structures and elite residences that loom over the neighborhood. Dwellings are constructed informally and often lacking adequate facilities, unregulated industries emit toxic smoke and the air is filled with the overpowering odor of open sewers.

Among some individuals, the vision of the slum's redevelopment into a glistening neighborhood of luxury high-rises, well-maintained green spaces, contemporary malls and apartments with proper sanitation is an aspirational dream realized.

"We lack proper healthcare, paved pathways or water management and we have no places for children to play," explains a tea vendor, in his fifties, who moved from southern India in that period. "The only way is to demolish everything and construct proper housing."

Resident Opposition

But others, including this protester, are resisting the plan.

All recognize that Dharavi, historically ignored as an illegal encroachment, is in stark need investment and development. Yet they worry that this project – lacking resident participation – could potentially convert a piece of prime Mumbai real estate into an elite enclave, forcing out the disadvantaged, immigrant populations who have resided there since the late 1800s.

It was these excluded, displaced people who established the uninhabited area into a widely studied marvel of local enterprise and commercial output, whose economic value is estimated at between a significant amount and $2m a year, making it one of the world's largest unregulated sectors.

Displacement Concerns

Among approximately a million residents living in the crowded sprawling zone, fewer than half will be eligible for alternative accommodation in the development, which is estimated to take seven years to complete. Others will be moved to wastelands and saline fields on the far outskirts of the metropolis, threatening to divide a generations-old social network. Some will be denied housing at all.

Residents permitted to stay in the neighborhood will be given units in high-rise buildings, a major break from the natural, shared lifestyle of dwelling and laboring that has supported Dharavi for many years.

Businesses from clothing production to ceramic crafts and material recovery are likely to decrease in quantity and be relocated to a designated "business area" distant from residential areas.

Existential Threat

For those such as the leather artisan, a leather artisan and long-time inhabitant to live in this community, the redevelopment presents a fundamental risk. His informal, three-floor operation creates garments – formal jackets, premium outerwear, studded bomber jackets – marketed in high-end shops in upscale neighborhoods and overseas.

Household members dwells in the rooms underneath and laborers and sewers – workers from north India – live there, enabling him to manage costs. Outside this community, Mumbai rents are frequently tenfold more expensive for basic accommodation.

Pressure and Coercion

Within the administrative buildings close by, an illustrated mock-up of the Dharavi project depicts a contrasting outlook. Well-groomed people mill about on two-wheelers and eco-friendly transport, acquiring western-style baguettes and pastries and having coffee on a patio near a coffee shop and dessert parlor. This depicts a complete departure from the affordable idli sambar breakfast and 5-rupee chai that sustains the neighborhood.

"This represents no improvement for residents," says Shaikh. "This constitutes a massive real estate deal that will price people out for our community to continue."

Additionally, there exists skepticism of the corporate group. Run by a powerful tycoon – among the country's wealthiest and a supporter of the government head – the conglomerate has faced accusations of favoritism and ethical concerns, which it denies.

Although local authorities labels it a collaborative effort, the developer invested nearly a billion dollars for its majority share. A lawsuit alleging that the initiative was questionably assigned to the developer is being considered in the nation's highest judicial body.

Continued Intimidation

After they started to publicly resist the development, Shaikh and other residents assert they have been experienced an extended period of coercion and warning – comprising messages, explicit warnings and insinuations that speaking against the project was equivalent to speaking against the country – by individuals they allege represent the business conglomerate.

Among those suspected of making intimidations is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c