Indian's Dharavi, One Of The World's Largest Slums

September 19, 2016

Introduction

DHARAVI slum is one of the most well-known slums in the world. Dharavi-Asia's largest slum as well as largest small scale industries zone. Asia's largest slum, Dharavi slum lies on prime property right in the middle of India's financial capital, Mumbai(Bombay).

It is home to more than a million people. Many are second generation residents, whose parents moved in years ago. It was the slum depicted in Danny Boyle "Slumdog Millionaire".

History

It is said that Dharavi slum was an island in the 18th century with predominantly mangrove swamp. Daravi is a historical spelling of the area. It was a sparsely populated village before the late 19th century, inhabited by koli fisherman. Dharavi slum was then referred to as the village of koliwadas.

Location and Characteristics

Dharavi slum is located between Mumbai's two main suburban rail lines(the western & central railways), most of the people find it useful for work, it is located 12 km south-east of Juhu. To the west of slum are mahim and Bandra and to the north lies the mithi river. Due to its location and poor sewage and drainage systems, the slum particularly becomes vulnerable to floods during the wet season.

Dharavi slum is considered as one of the largest slums in the world. Due to low rise building style and narrow street structure, this slum is very cramped and confined. Mumbai is a city where house rents are among the highest in the world. This Dharavi slum provides a cheap and affordable option to those who move to Mumbai to earn their living. Here the home rents can be as low as 185-500 rupees per month.

Sanitation Issues

Dharavi slum has severe problems with public health. The open sewers in the city drain causing a spike in water pollutants, septic conditions and foul odors. Due to the air pollutants diseases such as lung cancer, tuberculosis and asthma are common. Over 15000 people use the same toilet everyday with no sewage systems!!!!

Life Style

Even in the smallest of rooms, there is usually a cooking gas stove and continuous electricity. Although, it is very noisy and about 10 to 15 people live in the same house!!!!

Many residents have a small colour television with a cable connection that ensures they can catch up with their favourite soaps. Some of the them even have a video player.

Economy

Dharavi slum also has a large number of thriving small-scale industries. These industries produces embroidered garments, exports quality leather goods, pottery and plastic. Most of these products are made in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum and are sold in domestic as well as international markets.

The annual turn over of business here is estimated to be more than $650 m a year.

Government Plans

The state government has plans to redevelop Dharavi slum and transform it into a modern township, complete with proper housing and shopping complexes, hospitals and schools.

It is estimated that the project will cost $2.1 b n.