Mumbai India’s Famous Dharavi Slum
The Dharavi Slum is located in central Mumbai, India and is famous as one of the largest slums in the world. It is estimated to have a population of over 1 million people in an area just over 2 square kilometers. Whatever notions people may have about this place, they’re probably mostly wrong.
many reports, the people of Dharavi are not squatters or beggars but actually have title to the land and work in remarkably industrious shops. Surprisingly, the slum is home to a huge and thriving economy.
Recycling is the major business along with textile dyeing, sewing, leather working and small scale manufacturing. The largest recycling is in plastics. Operators sort plastics from city trash into categories based on the types of plastic and colors. Its washed, shredded or chipped and sealed in bags. A manufacturing company can come to shops in Dharavi and buy specific weights and colors of the plastic they need cheaper than formulating the resins from scratch.
Smaller shops tan hides and turn the leathers into copies of expensive skins like alligator and snake. Many shops produce high quality, handmade luggage and handbags while others are famous for pottery and ceramics. It is estimated that the economic turnover of the accumulated businesses in Dharavi is above one billion US Dollars a year.
Dharavi was originally a marshy area that was used as a dumping ground for the city of Mumbai. In the 19th century, it became home to a large number of migrants from rural areas who migrated to Bombay to work in the city’s thriving textile mills.
The residents are noted for working together to overcome the challenges of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of access to basic services. It is a vibrant community with a strong sense of identity. The residents have organized and run upwards of 250 schools for the children, adopt rules for the use of resources and contribute to operate clinics and public safety organizations.
When visiting Mumbai there are a number of tours that can be organized to visit Dharavi and most will explain that there are certain rules you will need to observed. Do not point cameras or cell phones at the people, they are not an attraction and find that offensive. Also compared to the streets of Mumbai, Dharavi is surprisingly safe but do not wander off on your own. The two acres of Dharavi is a compact maze and it is very easy to get completely lost.
During our visit the children were remarkable. Most between the ages of 4 and 6 would run up to us and want to fist bump. It became a game after which they would ask our names and country and then run away laughing and singing our names. It was good “old fashioned” fun. No cell phones or electronic devices anywhere!
Through a contact before we left for Mumbai we were given information on a guide to get in touch with. We contacted Ahad and used him and his associates for a number of tours and couldn’t have been more pleased. You can reach him at:
Ahad Sayed <sayedahad02@gmail.com> Phone: +919867722048
Please mention The Intentional Travelers if you contact him. We receive no commission or other consideration should you use Ahad.
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