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For months, intimidating communications continued. Initially, allegedly from an ex-law enforcement official and an ex-military commander, and then from the authorities. Ultimately, one resident claims he was called to the local precinct and instructed bluntly: stop speaking out or face serious consequences.

Shaikh is part of a group opposing a high-value redevelopment plan where one of India's largest slums – a massive informal community with rich history – will be razed and transformed by a corporate giant.

"The unique ecosystem of Dharavi is like nowhere else in the planet," says the protester. "But 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 elite residences that loom over the neighborhood. Homes are built haphazardly and frequently missing basic amenities, small-scale operations release harmful emissions and the atmosphere is filled with the unpleasant stench of open sewers.

Among some individuals, the promise of the slum's redevelopment into a modern district of luxury high-rises, organized recreational areas, shiny shopping centers and residences with two toilets is an aspirational dream realized.

"We don't have adequate medical facilities, proper streets or sewage systems and there are no spaces for kids to enjoy," explains A Selvin Nadar, in his fifties, who relocated from southern India in 1982. "The only way is to tear it all down and provide modern residences."

Resident Opposition

However, some, like this protester, are fighting against the project.

All recognize that Dharavi, consistently overlooked as unauthorized settlement, is in stark need financial support and improvement. Yet they are concerned that this project – lacking community input – might convert valuable urban land into an elite enclave, forcing out the lower-caste, migrant communities who have resided there since the late 1800s.

It was these marginalized, displaced people who established the empty marshland into a widely studied marvel of local enterprise and business activity, whose economic value is worth between $1m and a substantial sum per year, making it one of the world's largest unregulated sectors.

Resettlement Issues

Out of about a million residents living in the dense sprawling zone, a minority will be eligible for new homes in the development, which is estimated to take a significant period to complete. Additional residents will be relocated to undeveloped zones and salt plains on the far outskirts of the city, potentially fragment a historic neighborhood. Certain individuals will receive no residences at all.

Residents permitted to continue living in the area will be provided units in tower blocks, a major break from the evolved, collective approach of dwelling and laboring that has sustained this area for generations.

Industries from clothing production to ceramic crafts and material recovery are projected to shrink in number and be moved to a designated "industrial sector" far from residential areas.

Existential Threat

For residents like this protester, a craftsman and third generation resident to reside in this community, the redevelopment presents an existential threat. His rickety, multi-level operation creates apparel – formal jackets, luxury coats, studded bomber jackets – marketed in high-end shops in south Mumbai and overseas.

Household members dwells in the accommodations below and laborers and tailors – laborers from north India – live in the same building, allowing him to sustain operations. Beyond the slum, housing costs are typically 10 times costlier for basic accommodation.

Harassment and Intimidation

In the official facilities in the vicinity, an illustrated mock-up of the transformation initiative illustrates an alternative outlook. Well-groomed inhabitants mill about on cycles and e-vehicles, acquiring western-style bread and pastries and enlisting beverages on a patio adjacent to Dharavi Cafe and Ice-Cream. This depicts a world away from the affordable idli sambar morning meal and budget beverage that maintains Dharavi's community.

"This represents no improvement for our community," states the artisan. "It's an enormous real estate deal that will price people out for our community to continue."

Additionally, there exists concern of the development company. Headed by a powerful tycoon – one of India's most powerful and a supporter of the government head – the corporation has faced accusations of favoritism and questionable practices, which it rejects.

While the state government labels it a joint project, the corporation paid a significant amount for its majority share. Legal proceedings stating that the project was unfairly awarded to the business group is being considered in the nation's highest judicial body.

Ongoing Pressure

Since they began to vocally oppose the redevelopment, protesters and community members claim they have been faced a long-running campaign of coercion and warning – including phone calls, clear intimidation and insinuations that criticizing the initiative was tantamount to opposing national interests – by people they allege are associated with the business conglomerate.

Part of the group suspected of delivering warnings is {a retired police officer|a former law enforcement official|an ex-c