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Dharavi Contested Urbanism - BUDD09 - Low Res
Dharavi Contested Urbanism - BUDD09 - Low Res
May 2009
Students
01 Chapter
Introduction 006
04 Chapter
1.1 Locating Mumbai: A World Class City? Current Reality in Dharavi:
1.2 Dharavi: The Heart of Contested Urbanism Analysis and Emerging Issues 028
1.3 Terms of Reference
1.4 Theoretical Framework
4.1 Context, Scope and Framework for Analysis
1.5 Vision
4.2 Experienced Impact on Livelihoods: Bharat Janata
and Rajiv Indira
4.3 Urban Analysis of Chambra Baazar
02 Chapter 4.4 Anticipated Impact of In-Situ Redevelopment in
Methodology 013 Chambra Baazar
4.5 Summary of Analysis and Finding: Moving into the
Scenarios
2.1 The Process
2.2 Asumptions and Limitations
05 Chapter
03 Chapter Bridging the Gap :
Towards the Dharavi Redevelopment Rationale for the Scenarios 048
Project? 018
01 Chapter
1.1 map of Greater Mumbai
1.2 map of Dharavi
1.3 photo of DRP proposal sketch from Mumbai Mirror
1.4 images of negotiating the change from hutment dweller to tenement dweller
1.5 diagram of actor pressures (adapted from Pieterse 2003)
03 Chapter
3.1 figure of evolution of government approach to slums
3.2 photo of present Mumbai by Chirodeep Chaudhuri
3.3 photo of present Mumbai by Chirodeep Chaudhuri
3.4 images of DRP transformation in Dharavi
3.5 map of the 5 sectors by Mehta
3.6 image of DRP proposed podium typology from Mumbai Mirror
3.7 diagram of transformation process of Indian cities towards a world class city
04 Chapter
4.1 example analysis diagram- issue criteria vs core analytical concepts
4.2 Map showing Rajiv Indira location within Dharavi area
4.3 Map showing Bharat Janata location within Dharavi area
4.4 Images showing commercial activity scenes with current plan location and corresponding analytical
diagram
4.5 Images showing larger-scale home-based activities investigated and corresponding analytical diagram.
4.6 Images showing small-scale home-based activities investigated and corresponding analytical diagram.
4.7 Images showing the physical layout of interaction space in the previous and the current situation and corre-
sponding analytical diagram
4.8 Images showing the quality of communal space around the building (Bharat Janata) and corresponding an-
alytical diagram
4.9 Images showing the use of communal space around the building (Bharat Janata) with current plan l o c a t i o n
and corresponding analytical diagram
4.10 Images showing the use of communal space around the building (Rajiv Indira) with current plan location
and corresponding analytical diagram
4.11 Interview photos (with the community leader of Bharat Janata) and corresponding analytical diagram
surrounding the question of participation in design
4.12a map showing Dharavi development in 1933
4.12b map showing Dharavi development in 1969
4.12c map showing Dharavi development in 2008
4.13 major road linkages throughout Dharavi
4.14 land use distribution in Chambda Bazaar
4.15a photos showing use of open space
4.15b sketch illustrating activities around shared open space
4.16 diagram showing production chain at various geographical scales
4.17a photos showing various scales of commercial enterprise
4.17b analytical diagrams- experienced reality vs. anticipated impact (enterprise activity)
4.18a photo showing live/work space (migrant workers)
4.18b analytical diagrams- experienced reality vs. anticipated impact (live/work tenements)
4.19a photos of home-based activities (and their location) within Chambda Bazaar (map)
4.20a interview photos- different scale home-based commercial activities
4.20b analytical diagrams- experienced reality vs. anticipated impact (home-based work)
4.21a photos showing diversity of open space- commercial/residential
4.21b analytical diagrams- experienced reality vs. anticipated impact (diverse spatial use)
05 Chapter
5.1 diagram of setting the scenario
06 Chapter
6.1 Diagram showing the varying degrees of participation
6.2 Image illustrating the exclusionary nature of the DRP
6.3 Image illustrating means of design communication
6.4 Diagram showing mulit-actor participation
6.5 Image showing the proposed monolithic typology of the DRP
6.6 Photographs of livelihood profile in Rajiv Indira, Unit 005
6.7 Photographs of livelihood profile in Rajiv Indira, Unit 115
6.8 Photographs of livelihood profile in Rajiv Indira, Unit 415
6.9 Diagram showing possibility for expansion under the DRP
6.10 Diagram of options to purchase additional space
6.11 Diagram of enabling spatial proposals
6.12 Conceptual proposals map
6.13 Table of Development Strategy Schema
6.14 Diagram illustrating process of community involvement
6.15 Poster of layout options
6.16 Urban density map
6.17 Photograph of current situation (home-based units)
6.18 Diagram of proposed space-use arrangement
6.19 Place-Policy Matrix (home-based units)
6.20 Illustration of migrants’ use of space
6.21 Illustration of production networks
6.22 Diagram showing the separation of spatial uses
6.23 Place-Policy Matrix (work-based units)
6.24 Diagram of current situation
6.25 Diagram of proposed arrangement (rehabilitation high-rise)
6.26 Place-Policy Matrix (rehabilitation high-rise)
6.27 Photographs of current situation (Bandra-Kurla Complex)
6.28 Diagram of proposed arrangement (private sector high-rise)
6.29 Place-Policy Matrix (private sector high-rise)
ACRONYMS
We would like to thank many people that have Many thanks go to the women of Mahila Milan, es-
contributed and given invaluable support to this work. pecially Prema, our facilitators from SPARC, namely Lo-
First and foremost, we would like to thank the Society pez ,Lopez, Sharmila and Katia, and our KRVIA contacts,
for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres (SPARC) and specifically Neelima, Rutwick, Amruyta and Siddhartha,
the Kamala Raheja Vidhyanidhi Institute of Architecture as well as Rochit, who all went to great lengths to facili-
(KRVIA) for their constant guidance and hospitality dur- tate our fieldwork. Your help in navigating Dharavi was
ing our stay in Mumbai. The following people have been invaluable.
particularly supportive of this work: Mrs. Sheela Patel,
Director of SPARC; Mr. Sundar Burra, Advisor to SPARC; Additionally we would like to thank all our tutors
Aseena Viccajee, Systems Manager of SPARC and SSNS; at the Development Planning Unit, University College
Mr. Anirudh Paul, Director of KRVIA and Ms. Benita Me- London, for their guidance throughout this academic
nezes of KRVIA. year, with special reference to Dr. Camillo Boano, Direc-
tor of the MSc in Building and Urban Design in Develop-
Furthermore, we would like to thank several people ment course, for his constant encouragement, support
who contributed to this work through their presenta- and guidance. We would also like to thank the BUDD
tions and the meetings we had with them: Mr. A. Jockin, Course Coordinator Isis P Nunez Ferrera for her fruitful
President of National Slum Dwellers Federation (NSDF); discussions, suggestions and constructive critiques.
Mr. Gautam Chatterjee, Vice President and Chief Execu-
tive Officer of MHADA, and Officer on Special Duty for Finally, we would like to express our deep grati-
the Dharavi Redevelopment Project; Mr. Milind Mhaiskar, tude to the people of Dharavi, who were always eager
Project Director (MUTP) and Metropolitan Commission- to open their houses and shops, sharing with us their
er of MMRDA; Mr. U.P.S. Madan, Project Manager of the aspirations and demonstrating the strength of their
Mumbai Transformation Support Unit; Mr. S.K. Joshi Ad- community.
visor to SPARC; Ms. Kalpana Sharma, author and jour-
nalist; Ms. Neera Adarkar, architect and activist and P.K.
Das, architect and activist.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This case of contested urbanism highlights land values and built densities at the core of the
argument over Mumbai’s future, accentuating inequalities and driving the contest over space.
The ingrained behaviour of the actors involved and their inter-relationships accentuate this
conflictive nature.
1.1 Locating Mumbai: a World Class City?
Mumbai is a locus of economic activity that attracts
both an influx of global capital as well as migrants
drawn from across the country in search of opportunity.
While the former forges avenues connecting Mumbai
into the global network of ‘world-class’ cities, the latter
Mumbai
are forced to negotiate a complex spatial-political
landscape where they lack adequate avenues of
representation and influence. At a spatial level migrants
are further challenged by the physical reality of the city: Dharavi
DHARAVI a acase
DHARAVI caseofof contested
contestedurbanism 009
urbanism 006
1.3 Terms of Reference fragmented and unevenly distributed power prioritises
The terms of reference for the work in Dharavi are as the vision of some actors over others. Transformation
follows: is thus understood as a process that occurs as dominant
and resistant forces converge within a context of
1. To conduct an urban analysis of Chambda Bazaar, cooperative conflict. This fundamentally alters the
aiming to explore its spatial integration in the wider production of space and policy, thus enabling the
context, taking into consideration the strengths and enhancement of livelihoods through time. The concept
weaknesses of the proposed plans alongside assets and of livelihoods is understood as people, their capacity
livelihoods and means of living, demonstrated by the confluence
of five distinct types of capital: human, social, physical,
2. To explore the experienced impact on livelihoods financial, and natural (Chambers and Conway, 1991).
in two in-situ development projects – Bharat Janata and The production of space and policy is thus deemed
Rajiv Indira – coordinated by Mumbai-based NGO, SPARC, to be appropriate and relevant when the criteria of
and the anticipated impact on livelihoods of the in-situ diversity, adaptability, flexibility, and multiplicity are
development in Chambda Bazaar. Focus is specifically on present, and the critical integration of these criteria is
the spatial implications both for commercial structures a prerequisite for sustaining a transformative process.
and home-based economic activities, namely exploring Within Dharavi, a linked spatial-political landscape,
the relationship between transformation needs to elevate the negative notion of
a.Livelihoods and design for commercial hutment dwellers to recognised citizens as tenement
structures dwellers, and be facilitated by appropriate and relevant
b.Livelihoods and design for home-based participatory processes.
economic activities infrastructure Cooperative conflict is a situation where the
inherent reality of conflict is recognised and all parties
3. To explore with the different actors involved work together in this contested context to reach an
(household members and community groups, NGOs, and agreed point that is constantly reconstructed and
relevant government and private sector organizations) renegotiated (Levy, 2007: 6). Currently a multiplicity of
proposals which will strengthen the in-situ development conflicting forces, visions, identities and power relations
in Dharavi in the future in a manner which will contribute exist within Dharavi, where urban change is driven
to their transformative intentions by central dominant forces (DRP, MHADA, etc.) and
countered by peripheral resistant forces (the citizens of
1.4 Theoretical Framework Dharavi, SPARC, NSDF, etc.) that struggle for inclusion in
In the context of these terms of reference, it is critical to the process, with the latter’s claims negotiated by the
clarify the entry point into the case, our understanding of Expert Advisory Panel to the DRP. Some actors have
the concept of transformation, and the criteria by which adopted strategies for inclusion and influence in this
we judge the success of the Dharavi Redevelopment process by acting as a collective, as is the case with the
Project’s (DRP) transformative intentions. This clarification Alliance of SPARC, NSDF and Mahila Milan, the first two
positions our outlook on the situation in relation to that represented on the Expert Advisory Panel. An identified
of established actors and guides our proposals aimed at platform for congruence is the productive capacity of
achieving such transformation. Dharavi, providing an opportunity for cooperation
Dharavi is located in a web of contested urbanism within this contested environment. The desired result is
through a perception of the production of space as an that the aspirations and assets of the citizens of Dharavi
inherently conflictual process, where various forms of become valued and included as integral parts of the
injustice are not only manifested, but produced and urban network at multiple scales. ‘Citizen’ is explicitly
reproduced (Dikeç, 2001: 1788). used here as a political term to acknowledge a political
Power in the redevelopment process is seen, through community, as well as the rights, obligations and claims
a Foucaultian lens, as underlying all social relations, to which the state must be accountable (Friedmann and
being fluid in nature and having multiple sources. This Douglass, 1998: 1).
Friedmann J., Douglass M., 1998: Cities for Citizens: Planning and the Rise
of Civil Society in a Global Age. Wiley, New York.
Levy Caren, 2007. Defining collective strategic action led by civil society
organisations: the case of CLIFF, India. 8th N-AERUS conference held on
the 6 September in London.
Patel S., D’Cruz C., Burra S., 2003. Beyond evictions in a global city: people-
managed resettlement in Mumbai. Environment and Urbanization, vol
14, no 1, April 2002.
Livelihood profiles and network patterns would become a key theme throughout our research, informing our
conceptual framework and analysis, and subsequently laying the foundation for our scenario proposals.
2.1 Process social, physical, financial, and natural. Questions in these
Due to the shifting location of our work, the semi-structured interviews were generally grouped
methodology used in this case evolved through time. into broad categories of history, process and space, and
Introduced on 16 January, 2009, the pre-trip research were formulated for use in the rehabilitation buildings
began in London on 23 January, 2009. A series of in Bharat Janata, then for home-based activities, for
lectures and presentations was complemented with a manufacturing and retail in Chambda Baazar. These
vast literature review from books, academic journals questionnaires can be found in Appendix 1.
and websites. Information was then triangulated to For our own reflective practice, a blog was created
account for the various perspectives and potential biases to document and share our learning and challenges.
of authors’ in order to provide a clearer foundation for Individuals were open to express their reflections
mapping key actors involved in the case, as presented through writing, photography or video, unpacking their
for critical feedback in London in February 2009. The next experience in a specific moment, day or of the entire
step, sustained until we left for the field in early May, was process and their role within it. The blog can be visited
the development of our diagnosis and strategies, which at http://buddsinmumbai.blogspot.com/.
again were provoked and challenged through feedback
in early May. 2.2 Assumptions and Limitations
During our work in Mumbai, from 5 to 25 May, 2009, As with any research project there exist various
the established methods of data collection continued to assumptions and limitations. In this case they positioned
expand and diversify alongside our perceptions of the the work within a reality yielding conscious recognition
situation. Regular morning lectures from individuals and of shortcomings and biases. The key limitation was the
representatives of the various actors were supplemented restricted time we had in the field, where one and a half
with afternoon sessions on site in Dharavi, facilitated by afternoons were spent in Rajiv Indira, three and a half
SPARC, KRVIA and Mahila Milan. Our fieldwork in Chambda in Bharat Janata, and seven afternoons in Chambda
Bazaar, Rajiv Indira and Bharat Janata consisted of field Bazaar. Our time in Dharavi on these days were limited
observations and both semi-structured and informal from 15h00 to 18h00, meaning that we were unable to
interviews with residents, with the goal of bridging witness, for example, changes in spatial use at different
information gaps in the relationships between spatial times of the day, or to speak with a broader diversity of
design, policy and livelihoods. Five interviews were individuals that may have not been present or visible
conducted with residents of Rajiv Indira, fourteen in Bharat at this time of the day. The time constraints intensified
Janata, and around 50 interviews in Chambda Baazar, the selective, strategic decisions made in the field with
with these including informal discussions alongside regards to the interviews conducted and the areas
more formal in-depth semi-structured interviews. Key prioritised for mapping.
highlights from 24 of the in-depth interviews can be
found in Appendix 2. Mapping of urban form, economic In order to gather a sufficient representation of the
networks and livelihood patterns was also conducted in diversity within Dharavi, we set out to conduct as many
Chambda Bazaar to link together spatial layout at the scale interviews as time constraints allowed. While attempts
of the individual nagar (neighborhood) with the whole of were made to ensure that the vast diversity of people
Dharavi through extensive networks of production. and place was uncovered in all three research sites, it is
Livelihood profiles, as highlighted opposite, upper recognised that our findings must be contextualised in
right hand side and in Appendix 2, and network patterns this limited timeframe and constraints we faced. Thus
became a key theme throughout our research, informing our success cannot be fully comprehended without a
our conceptual framework and analysis, and subsequently larger sample size of interviews and data collection. For
laying the foundation for our scenario proposals. The the purpose of this research, assumptions were made
first took shape through the semi-structured in-depth that a sufficient and somewhat representative amount
interviews, where questions sought to understand of the huge diversity of people of Dharavi was captured,
people’s capacities and means of living, specifically thus meaning that our results and proposals are realistic
drawing out the five forms of assets or capital: human, and plausible, responding to the requirements and
Several policies shape the influence of the DRP, which have been created for various reasons
and have varying impacts on the residents of Dharavi. Using these policies as a starting point,
it is then possible to imagine the physical territories they will chart. They have the potential to
either further embed existing inequalities, or to chart new territory toward overcoming them.
3.1 Government Policy Evolution Towards Slums projects, and a census (1976) of slum dwellers living on
Public land encroachment in Indian cities is neither government land.
a minor nor a new problem. Central, state and local In the second half of the ‘80s the Bombay Urban
government have engaged the issue since the 1950s Development Project ran two programmes (Slum
with very different approaches. While the latter have Upgrading and Low-income Group Shelter Programme)
a much greater relevance on housing matters, central that although did not gave exceptional practical results,
government is “the largest single owner of urban land in have the merit of introducing the issue of land tenure
India” (Burra, 2005: 68) (Figure 3.1). and the idea of financing housing for LIG through the
After India’s independence in 1947, the first sale of properties to middle and upper income groups.
government approach to the issue of slums has been In the ‘90s the idea of cross-subsided projects for LIG
a harsh policy of clearance; slums were systematically was consolidated, and due to World Bank pressure, the
demolished without any consideration for the families Government of Maharashtra included resettlement and
living on them. rehabilitation has an integral part of every project. The
The radical policy of slum clearance lasted more than Government aims were to minimize resettlements in
two decades, until in the ‘70s the evidence of the method favour of in-situ rehabilitation, to carry out the project
failure in addition to practical considerations called for a with a more participative approach and to maintain the
change. The government perception of slums changed existing social networks.
from being a problem to a possible solution to the problem An important step towards the recognition of slum
itself. The main achievements of this decade have been dwellers’ rights was made in 1995 with the approval
policies for the provision to slums of basic amenities of the Slum Rehabilitation Act; this act protects from
such as water and sanitation, the recognition of the eviction every citizen that can prove they have been
need to relocate slum dwellers affected by government living in Mumbai since 1st January 1995 (subsequently
modified to 1st of January 2000). In 2001 the Slum (Figure 3.5). While the DRP process claims that it seeks to
Rehabilitation Act was amended and it was added that if treat Dharavi residents as partners in the project and to
demolition was unavoidable in order to clear land, some ensure that livelihood issues are adequately addressed in
alternative accommodation must be provided for the planning and implementation (ibid.), there is at present
affected people. no clear path or method for either to occur. Since the main
parts of the DRP are based on the Slum Redevelopment
3.2 Enter the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Act, private developers are required to contribute to
Under conditions of global neoliberalism that have improve infrastructure. Under the Slum Rehabilitation
characterised urban India from 1991 onwards, Mumbai Scheme (SRS), adopted in 1995, private developers build
has around 13 million citizens, with an additional social housing for the inhabitants on the site and in turn
7 million in the suburbs and increasing numbers benefit from additional for-sale buildings to generate
migrating from all parts of India over the past decades. profits. However, these rules have been modified for the
While Mumbai became India’s financial capital in this area of Dharavi in the DRP.
period, at the same time over half the city’s residents live
in informal settlements. One of Mumbai’s main goals is 3.3 Policy Comparison and Critique
the transformation into a world-class city by shifting Several policies shape the influence of the DRP, which
its image from the location of Asia’s biggest slum to a have been created for various reasons and have varying
model of redevelopment (Mhaiskar lecture, 12 May impacts on the residents of Dharavi. Using these policies
2009). In order to become a city comparable to Shanghai, as a starting point, it is then possible to imagine the
politicians intended to replace informal settlements physical territories they will chart. They have the potential
with high-rise developments. (Figure 3.2 and 3.3) to either further embed existing inequalities, or to chart
Due to its strategic geographical location and new territory toward overcoming them.
pressures on the island city, as explained in section
1.2, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) was One Single Solution
introduced as an integrated special planning area in According to the Maharashtra State Housing Policy
2004 and it was declared as a crucial public project by for slum rehabilitation, the in-situ redevelopment can
the government of Maharashtra in 2007. The DRP has be implemented through a menu of options such as
been developed by the architect Mukesh Mehta to the clusters, townships, and others. On the contrary, the
present. Dharavi Redevelopment Project carries out in-situ
Declared as a special planning area in 2004, the redevelopment through the implementation of a single
Dharavi redevelopment Project (DRP) divides the area solution for the whole of Dharavi. This shows that the
into five sectors for development by five private sector DRP does not refer to the unique characteristics of place,
developers, to be selected through a transparent with over 80 different nagars in Dharavi whose diversity
bidding process (Chatterjee lecture, 8 May 2009). It cannot be sustained through a single alternative. In order
envisions a spatial transformation from horizontal, low- to sustain this variety, the DRP needs to be changed into
rise ‘slums’ to a high-rise podium style typology (Figure a more comprehensive plan, focusing on citizens’ wide-
3.4); yet how will this change be manifested in reality ranging needs and aspirations.
Figure 3.5 negotiating the change from hutment deweller to tenement deweller
008
DHARAVI a acase
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3.4 Physical Proposals and Critiques
Five Sectors
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) proposes
several physical alterations for Dharavi. The first and most
crucial point, in terms of spatial planning, is regarding
the division of Dharavi into five sectors. (Figure 3.7 and
3.8) These five sectors do not correspond to existing
community boundaries and social nagars in Dharavi. The
proposed division is made mainly by preserving partially
the existing road network and by considering the physical
layout of the road grid without understanding the social
and cultural complexities within that network. According
to this specific division, five different developers will Figure 3.7 original Dharavi’s division in 85 nagars
Floor Space Index of 4 podium typology (Figure 5.6). This image published in
Another important element of the DRP is the increase the Mumbai Mirror newspaper illustrates quite clearly
of the Floor Space Index (FSI) from 2.5 to 4. This increase the transformative intentions of the project. We can
is applied only to Dharavi. Moreover, the rehabilitation see how Dharavi changes from a horizontal, low-rise
units will not exceed the height of eight storeys (G+8) typology to a vertical, high-rise one. As seen from the
but in some cases, depending on the regulations, the image the residential units will be placed on the top
number of floors will be increased to ten (G+10). The size floors of the buildings, while the commercial units will
of the rehabilitation units provided for free to the eligible be located at the ground and first floor. The parking
slum dwellers will be 300 sq. ft., which can be raised to area will be on the third floor, just below the pedestrian
400 sq. ft. with the payment of an extra construction only podium level. An emergent issue from this is how
cost. This again raises questions the inclusiveness of the a monolithic typology can accommodate the daily
project, since not everyone will able to meet the specific needs of people and their aspirations for future. Will the
requirements of DRP. Furthermore, the increased FSI will proposed podium typology be able to accommodate
contribute to higher urban densities, having massive the current functioning of multi-scaled enterprises?
impacts not only on the physical layout but also on the
social and economic life of Dharavi. 3.5 Conflicting Visions of the DRP
Government Vision
Podium Typology “The project’s objective is their [Dharavi residents’]
The third key element of the DRP is the proposed mass economic upliftment by providing better
Mehta Mukesh, 2007. Asia’s biggest slum set to turn into India’s Madison
Avenue. Published in City Scape and Newsbytes on the 7th of August.
[http://propertybytes.indiaproperty.com/?p=1323]
Pande Hari, 2009. “Redeveloping Dharavi is not viable for us: HDIL”. Article
appeared in Rediff online on the 10th of March. [http://www.rediff.com/
money/2009/mar/10redeveloping-dharavi-is-not-viable-for-us-hdil.html]
Patel Sheela, 2005. Inside the slums. Published on the Economist the 27th
of January 2005. [http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_
id=3599622]
The overall aspiration of the people toward policy is to facilitate a transformation that benefits future generations.
Spatial environment, though important was a secondary concern behind maintaining
DHARAVI a livelihoods and promoting
case of contested urbanism 02
better educational prospects.
4.1 Context, scope and framework for analysis The information collected from interviews and
observations at the given sites were filtered through
Transformation is a dynamic process that is not the analytical concepts of policy, livelihoods and
new to Dharavi. Slum rehabilitation projects in the space and the four criteria – diversity, adaptability,
area first began in 1985 under the Prime Ministers flexibility and multiplicity – that form the theoretical
Grant Project, housed within the Maharastra Housing framework.
and Area Development Authority (MHADA), where As illustrated in Figure 4.1, in each section of the
redevelopment was intended for Dharavi by providing analysis the findings are located at the appropriate in-
new infrastructure, reconstructing cooperatively tersection, with three circles used to illustrate the link
owned housing for its inhabitants and relocating of an issue to the framework. A solid circle indicates
20,000 families within the rest of the city (Mukhija, a positive outcome or a strong relationship, a white
2003: 42-45). In direct response to the concerns arising circle illustrates a negative outcome or weak relation-
especially from the latter, NGOs such as SPARC, who ship, and a striped circle shows partially positive and
had recently formed an Alliance with the NSDF, began negative outcomes or strong and weak relationships.
to work in Dharavi with the initial intention to stop all The figures in each subsection of Section 4.2 analyse
evictions (ibid.). SPARC’s role in the Alliance evolved the experienced impact on livelihoods in Bharat Jana-
over the next decade, alongside policy changes to the ta and Rajiv Indira, while figures in subsections of 4.4
Slum Rehabilitation Act (SRA) in 1995, into one of a use the framework to analyse both the experienced
non-profit developer Cooperative Housing Societies. reality (i.e. what was observed in the field) alongside
The analysis seeks to understand the experienced im- the anticipated impacts of in-situ redevelopment in
pact on livelihoods of these two rehabilitation projects Chambda Baazar.
under the SRA policy (Bharat Janata and Rajiv Indira),
to outline the results of the urban analysis of Dharavi’s
Chambda Bazaar area and to identify the anticipated
impact of potential developments in the latter.
Figure 4.1 Example analysis diagram- issue criteria vs core analytical concepts
Figure 4.10 The use of communal space around the building (Rajiv Indira) with current plan location and corresponding analytical diagram
The tanned leather Final product of leather The tanned leather Customer networks
from Chennai is processed ( leather jackets) is sold from Chennai is processed throughout India
within Dharavi. Outside of Dharavi within Dharavi.
Many home based commercial activities are one step in a larger network
of production. In many cases the materials, are taken from and returned
to the same workshop.
Mr Fakir Ahmed Azaad’s runs a thriving tabla making business. Each tabla takes 3 days to make and sells for Rs. 3000-4000. Mr. Azaad’s children work
as his apprentices will inherit it in the future. Mrs. Bilkis’s embroidery work is mainly done to supplement the main income of the household and she
earns Rs. 2 per finished piece that she brings from the workshop.
Multiplicity of Spaces
EXPERIENCED REALITY
Residential and commercial tenements are often
very small and have a multiplicity of co-existing uses,
for example as a shop, for daily living, as a work space
and storage space, meaning that many activities are
extended into open space outside the main structure.
While the existing hutments provide relatively easy
access to communal spaces, and people have adapted to
ANTICIPATED IMPACT
such practices, the situation is far from convenient. The
variations of activities in single spaces gives open spaces
Figure 4.20 Different scale home-based commercial
a diverse character as demonstrated by Figure 4.21. The
multiplicity of use of space highlights the adaptation that
has taken place in response to the lack of space as well
as infrastructure. While younger people find communal
spaces to be enjoyable and colorful and providing an
opportunity to socialise, older people find it difficult to
climb up and down very steep stairs many times a day
Larger scale traditional home-based businesses run in order to do daily chores. Currently, the low-rise homes
by entire families that can be comparable to a medium allow residents to adapt their homes to the needs of their
scale commercial enterprise also exist in Chambda family. Marriages result in more family members and it is
Bazaar. Working from home, families can capitalise on common to extend the current house by building another
the contribution of all family members; this adaptation room on top or adjacent to it. Such options will not exist
to maximise human resources is critical for successfully in high-rise dwellings and families could potentially get
sustaining larger scale home-based activities, as fragmented, as members of the same family will have to
illustrated by the stories in (Figure 4.20). find alternate housing options.
Extention of households chores into open spaces Residents have easy access to groud floor and open spaces
Figure 4.21b analytical diagrams- experienced reality vs. anticipated impact (diverse spatial use)
Residential and commercial tenements are often very small and are used for shops, daily living, work space and storage at the same time,
extending many activities like to the outside of the main structure.
At the critical point of defining the conceptual approach of our proposals, based on our analysis,
findings and vision, a significant disparity became evident in the choice of where these should
be focused. Finding a balance between the DRP vision and the Alternative Visions was obviously
critical but this was primarily constrained by the fact that the DRP vision is currently in the
process of being implemented.
The analysis and findings, based on our field expe- such as political interest, real estate markets and global
rience in Dharavi and our parallel engagement with the financial markets. Under the unification of the DRP all
various actors through presentations and discussions, these dominant forces act holistically towards imple-
provided an adequate platform to identify key areas for menting transformation. On the opposite end of the
conceptualising potential interventions. These key areas DRP is what we term Alternative Visions, the resistant
include the need to increase community participation forces representing the multiplicity of interests includ-
at multiple levels of the transformation process, and to ing NGOs, research institutions as well as the enormous
recognise the divergent spatial and policy needs to ac- diversity of the citizens of Dharavi, including established
commodate livelihoods alongside a wider range of flex- communities, landlords, local businessmen, residents,
ible and adaptive spatial typologies based on the diverse migrant workers and religious groups, to name a few.
needs and capacities of Dharavi’s citizens. Of critical significance is the fragmented nature of these
visions in comparison to the unified front presented by
At the critical point of defining the conceptual ap- the DRP.
proach of our proposals, based on our analysis, findings
and vision, a significant disparity became evident in the Finding a balance between the DRP vision and the
choice of where these should be focused. As illustrated in Alternative Visions was obviously critical but this was
Figure 5.1, conceptually we identified two polarised ex- primarily constrained by the fact that the DRP vision
tents of Dharavi’s contestation, the first represented by is currently in the process of being implemented. We
the DRP vision. This vision is influenced by diverse forces found that many of our conceptual proposals required a
The primary argument behind our alternative vision challenges the singularity of the urban and
architectural form proposed, whilst the secondary argument comes as a direct response to the
policies of exclusion of the DRP. As we argue for policies to be informed by the reality of specific
places, we propose a progressive approach to transformation that is directly linked with the
context, and that prioritises the community before other stakeholders.
06Scenario
Chapter 01
The Adjusted Dharavi Redevelopment Project
Towards Citizen Participation in the DRP
Spatial Transformation in the DRP:
Beyond Provision, Towards Adaption & Enablement
their role of the participatory rocesses proposed for the the aim is to address a reasonable quantity of people in
DRP. While these ‘eligible’ and ‘ineligible’ statuses, as an environment intimate enough to encourage people
depicted in Figure 6.2, may technically be the case, we to voice their concerns and openly ask questions. It is
strongly believe that those who are ineligible to receive also critical that the information is stated in a way that
housing at no cost under the scheme should also be part is understandable to those attending the meetings, thus
of the information session. Such individuals represent an use of pamphlets and architectural models can be useful
important segment of the population that will continue tools (Figure 6.3).
to be part of Dharavi after the implementation of the Citizens can be made aware of these meetings
scheme, and in this sense, are stakeholders that need to through different media. In the context of Dharavi, orally
be included. communicating the details of these meeting can provide
an inexpensive and effective way to create awareness. In
Step 1: Informing citizens about the DRP addition, informative posters outlining the topic, date and
The first step towards citizen participation in the DRP location of meetings can also be useful to inform people
must be information provision. Our interviews in the of these meetings. Pamphlets can be passed around to
field illustrated that residents either had a partial idea, share the basic information about the DRP, to stimulate
were misinformed or had no basic conception of the further discussion during meetings.
DRP intentions. The most basic form of informing would An important challenge to overcome when engaging
not necessitate personable consulting forums but be with the citizens of Dharavi pertains to the question
through official posters and pamphlets can be made of accurate representation. Such elements must be
available to keep the public abreast of what is occurring delicately determined as it is crucial to ensure that a
in the DRP process. Once architectural typologies have representative amount of interest groups are met.
been in effect designed, drawings, models and even
mocked out tenements can be placed for public display Step 2: From Informing towards Consulting and
in locations in each sector. This would build awareness Involving Dharavi’s citizen groups
and also balance expectation of what is to be provided The ability to move up the stairs of citizen participation
under the DRP. towards consulting involves engagement and
If the DRP is willing to scale up the level of informing, consultation with resident representative groups. Given
it could decide to engage in appropriately sized public the constrains that exist within the DRP with recognition
presentations and forums. A potential way to inform a of citizen rights and representation making this step up
wide audience is by organising informal group meetings is obviously challenging. We have however identified
for various citizen interest groups, a crucial step to one area where such a step would be plausible. Working
bring clarity and understanding as well as transparency within this scenario’s stated remit of staying within the
to the process. Finding an appropriate size for the DRP framework, we realise that it is unlikely that the DRP
audience of such information sessions is important as would want to initiate the formation of citizen groups
Figure 6..4 multi-actor participation diagram The conceptual basis of the policy defines the status
of eligible residents in the DRP by the typology of their
abode, where the DRP’s spatial change is predicated on
a transformation from ‘hutments’ to ‘tenements.’ This
spurred reflection on the question of what occurs when
a ‘Hutment Dweller’ becomes a ‘Tenement Dweller’?
Figure 6.5 proposed monolithic typology of the DRP When viewing the illustration of transformation
forseen by the DRP in the Mumbai Mirror (Figure 6.5) one
realises that a precedent for analysing transformation
DHARAVI aacase
058 DHARAVI caseof
of contested
contestedurbanism
urbanism
through the future typology is already evident in Case Study 1: Mr Hariharan
Dharavi, as its spatial fabric is scattered with many high Mr Hariharan (Figure 6.6) represents a large range of
rise buildings, some older chawl buildings but also families interviewed in Rajiv Indira. He is very appreciative
many recent SRA constructed high-rise blocks. Hence of the positive impact that the transformation from
the unpacking of this transformation based on typology hutment to tenement has had on himself and his family’s
can be informed significantly by our fieldwork analysis lives, the most significant benefit being the improvement
in Bharat Janata and Rajiv Indira Housing Cooperative of sanitation and the provision of running water in the
Societies. home. The space he was provided in his tenement,
The following three case studies highlight key although limiting in some ways to his family’s long
findings. term growth aspirations, is adequate for their current
requirements. As a vegetable vendor at the local market,
he does not rely on his residence for livelihood activities
and the provision of a 225 square foot tenement has
sufficiently served his needs and capacities.
While the DRP intention of increasing unit sizes to In a conversation with a senior DRP official, such
269 square feet internally and providing a balcony of 30 a solution was deemed a ‘win-win situation’because
square feet is a step in the right direction, this one size if people paid for the building that cost it would not
will still never adhere to the diverse long terms spatial be need to be recouped by the developer, hence the
needs of the majority of affected families. amount of FSI granted to offset building costs would be
somewhat curtailed. He also stated that the additional
Options for growth floor space could be provided at a subsidised rate of Rs.
The DRP induced constraint for individual units to have 300 per square foot. For the purposes of our proposal
ceilings not higher than 8 feet means that this scenario we have increased this figure to Rs. 400 per. This equates
investigates only lateral growth options (Figure 6.9). The to a cost of Rs. 40 000 and Rs. 80 000 for 100 square feet
premise of the proposal is to provide the provisional 300 and 200 square feet respectively.
Second stage
III. Third Stage:
In the last stage of this process of citizen involvement,
the preferences of the people will be compiled. With this
information, the designers (architects + planners) will
develop a plan for Dharavi that accommodates the needs
and choices of citizens. The proportion of each typology
and layout to be built will be directly informed by the
previous stage.
Third stage
A. Home-Based Units
Description
This is a low-density typology, with buildings ranging
from G+3 to G+5. They are located in inner areas of
Dharavi in order to preserve the existing streetscape.
The typology focuses on households with home-based
businesses, and is concentrated in the southern area of
Chambda Bazaar.
Current Situation
The proposal keeps the ground floor as retail use. It Figure 6.17 current situation
Concept
The fundamental concept of this typology is to
separate the working space from the living space (Figure
6.18). However, instead of dividing the working space Figure 6.18 proposed space-use arrangement
and living space into two units, a vertical separation is
proposed to keep the two spaces within one unit.
Currently, many people live within a crowded house
along with their products and materials. The same space
can be used for many purposes. This means that when
some family members are working, others cannot sleep
or be involved in other family activities. The mezzanine
floor is proposed to create a vertical separation while
providing privacy to some of the family members. The
household can use the mezzanine as working space with
the first floor as living space or vice versa. Figure 6.19 Place policy matrix
B. Work-Based Units
Figure 6.20 migrant’s use of space
Description sale
Current Situation
Dharavi’s economy is fuelled by small and medium
industries, which often process goods from raw Figure 6.22 separation of spatial use
materials to the final product. Often owned by local
residents, these industries mainly employ migrants
who come to Mumbai for work to earn money then
sent back to their villages. More often then not, these
migrants readapt the workspace at night to use as a
living/sleeping space. They often work, sleep and eat
in the same interior space, as illustrated in Figure 6.20
These industries are often grouped by phases of the
commercial process (production, resale, retail, etc.), but
not by types of goods sold/produced. Therefore this
has additional transportation needs (and costs) since
the materials are transported between clusters as they Figure 6.23 Place policy matrix
progress from raw materials to end products ready to
Policy
In terms of policy, this rehabilitation typology is in line
with the DRP. The only variation is the abandonment of
the above ground podium (Figure 6.26). The residential
units are built directly on the ground floor instead of
the raised podium level. Like the other typologies, the Figure 6.24 current situation
Description
Understanding the need for cross-subsidised Figure 6.25 proposed arrangement
development, we believe that the presence of high-rise
buildings in Dharavi is a symbiotic alternative that serves
the private market as well as the citizens of Dharavi.
Such a typology is quite disruptive to the organic way
in which Dharavi has been developed, with heights of
G+15 to G+30 and residential units ranging from 500 -
700 square Feet. Therefore, it is to be implemented only
on the periphery of Dharavi. These peripheral zones have
been identified based on their unique advantages, such
as their proximity to railway stations and main roads.
This will help to integrate part of Dharavi to the greater
urban fabric while protecting and providing continuity
to the activities currently inherent in its centre.
Current Situation
An idea has emerged to attract a new flow of high
income groups currently living and working in different
sectors of the city with the new offices and commercial
activities to be supplied. Dharavi would help to release
pressure in the busy southern area of Mumbai while
Figure 6.26 Place policy matrix
including itself in the wider urban fabric through the
facilitation of a “growth centre” that the city demands
(Figure 6.27).
Policy
The ground level podium proposed in the DRP as the
new public surface for the whole area of Dharavi is wholly
rejected in this vision (Figure 6.29). Alternatively, we
suggest the integration of more human scale podiums
that enrich the spaces at ground level of particular
individual buildings. In this way the new vertical clusters
will offer different alternatives that will help to reinforce
the character of each place.
P RP
DR
D RP rom D RP rom D
h t f to f
wit en on tion
n line ju stm dditi e t rac
I Ad A R
Home-base economies
REFERENCES
Sharma R.N. & Sita K., 2000. Cities, Slums and Government. Economic and
Political Weekly, Vol. 35, No. 42 (Oct. 14-20), pp. 3733-3735. Economic and
Political Weekly. [http://www.jstor.org/stable/4409859]
As the DRP takes a lead role in the transformation of Dharavi, are the correct priorities being set in place regarding
the diversity of citizens and livelihoods? Do the policy processes that regulate social transition and physical
manifestation allow for flexibility and adaptation over time? Does the ‘world class city’ vision align with historical
trends, current realities, and future predictions?
As illustrated in the analysis and scenarios, SPARC, our facilitator and liaison, was paramount in
the situation in Mumbai, and specifically connecting us with Mr. Chatterjee as well as other key
actors, thus becoming in many ways a lens through
Dharavi, is rife with conflicting voices, visions which the situation manifested itself. A slightly
and concerns of an indeterminate future. conflictive element lies in the fact that SPARC has a
Operating within this contested scene, significant presence within this context, requiring that
their existence receive the same critical attention given
under the premise of offering practical and
to another. What became important for our work was the
alternative proposals for redevelopment, balancing of our own evolving perceptions as outsiders
provided great challenges not only in regards and temporary ‘partners’ alongside their experienced
to our daily production, but also our own position - working through known compromises and
levels of bureaucratic rigidity in order to achieve a
perceptions of what it means to engage in such
holistic view.
environments as a practitioner, two concepts
that will be discussed herein, followed by A major element in reaching the latter resides in
a conceptualisation of present and future recognising the various degrees by which people and
organisations measure success. Resulting from our case
Mumbai. Addressing these challenges amidst study research of the in-situ redevelopment projects
exposed realities and notions of a context we acknowledge our own critical gauge of the level of
existing in a constant state of flux yielded a their success. Did they appropriately address the needs
continuous reassessment of methodologies and desires of individuals as transition took place?
This opinion, much like our independent perceptions,
and aproach. Our adaptability in response to contrasts with that of SPARC, coming to light during
reality checks and surprises thus emerged as our conversations with Sheela Patel, whose stated self-
an essential element throughout the process. designated capacities attempted to offer explanations
in regard to decisions, outcomes, and future plans.
Simultaneously, we realised the contrasting measure of
success as gauged by MHADA and MCGM. Coming to
7.1 Critical Perceptions terms with these differing opinions in our own minds, we
Recognising that our introduction and research into formed a critical view towards a need to redefine means
the case of Dharavi was initiated remotely in London, of success in relation to an actor’s future capacity.
heavily based on literature reviews, lectures and media
presentations, the idea of questioning critical perceptions
carries a two-fold nature. First, the stereotypical images 7.2 Balancing the Real and Academic
and definitions used to represent ‘slums’ are, at best, Our presence in Mumbai was one of evolving
criminally one-sided, making it very difficult to actually duality. There we found ourselves thrust into what we
comprehend the essence of an area under question have referred to as a conflictive environment, which is
without setting foot on the ground. While the expected shockingly real and heavily debated the world over, but
squalor, sub-standard infrastructure conditions and also magnified on the ground within Dharavi. Like two
overcrowding exists, also revealed is a lively, adaptive, sides of a coin we were both an academic institution
resilient community driven by fruitful assets of human and bringing with it strong concepts of theoretical study,
economic capital. Thus our conceptual understanding of and in an instance, professionals with expected
‘slum’ is/was called into evolving question. capacity to envision change. The exposure to realities
of sacrificial negotiation compounded as we attempted
Equally fundamental in terms of general perception to deliver a ‘real’, practical solution within a determined
lay the character and relationship dynamics between key policy and typological framework. As seen in Scenario
actors. In this case, pre-trip actor mapping was carried 1, we conceded to the guidelines of the DRP, while
out to provide a basis for our understanding of the asserting critical responsive alternatives in regards to
context. While the initial links and ideals of the individual the transformation of social well-being and livelihoods.
actors remained relatively consistent, the revelations Relating directly to our analysis, we questioned the
uncovered during our meetings in terms of divergent scenario largely based on a planning driven initiative for
visions, motivations and concerns had a significant the whole of Dharavi. Working with certain established
effect on our daily reflections and understandings. The policy provisions, this scenario departed dramatically
influence that an individual can have on the institution or from the current DRP, especially in terms of physical
organisation they represent, and thus on the subsequent typology and the five sector parcel zoning. It also
unfolding of a situation, an important variable to be critically addressed policy guidelines and strategic
acknowledged. For example, Gautam Chatterjee’s reign processes of participation under the same vision as
at the helm of MHADA has seen the appointment of Scenario 1. The basis for working through this second
an Expert Advisory Panel to the DRP, illustrating some
degree of desire for inclusive representation in discussing
B
Appendix
interview templates
BHARAT JANATA
Rajiv Indira & Bharat Janata
Questionnaires
How long have you lived in Dharavi? (Before moving
to new tenement)
What is the size of the family living together in this
household?
Tell us about your typical day.
Where did you live originally in Dharavi?
How long did you live in transit camp? What was it
like living in transit camp?
Have you kept relationship with previous neighbours
after rehabilitation? And with the broader community
of Dharavi?
What do you like most about living here? What do you
like the least?
What do you do now? Who supports the household?
Has the move affected this?
RAJIV INDIRA
Ground floor, flat #3
Photos
HARIHARAN
Approximate age: 35-40 years old
Household size: 5 (Hariharan, wife and three kids)
Years in Dharavi: 20
Work activities: vegetable seller in Neta Nagar,
Design involvement
No, 11 people (members of the society committee)
made the decisions, they had 4 meetings to discuss the
building. Hariharan knew they would get 10x12 feet
space, didn’t feel right to ask for more, felt they were
getting a lot.
Sketches
Community relationship
No change. More space before for kids to play before –
not much open space in Rajiv Indira. Now play in open
space nearby or at school.
RAJIV INDIRA
First floor, flat #102
Photos
Design involvement
Design plans were prepared, society members did
not have to provide their opinions. Builder promised
to remove the slums, they did this. They showed the
Sketches
community the plans, the community didn’t have input,
they were happy with what they were getting.
Community relationship
Not much change. Still well connected, when people
have problems they all come together.
RAJIV INDIRA
MR. SUBIAH
Approximate age: 40s
Household size: 5 (Wife, two sons, one daughter)
Years in Dharavi: 40, before came from Tamil Nadu
Work activities: home based potato vadha makers
Design involvement
Family was one of 20 project affected peoples relocated
to Rajiv Indira.
They were not involved in the building design.
Sketches
Community relationship
No problems with neigh-bours. Nothing changed. No
communal space, always working, do not meet with
others in building.
RAJIV INDIRA
Photos
Design involvement
Husband spoke with the community leader, Veni does
not know about this. They had little involvement in the
process, they were only entitled to a flat.
Community relationship
The house is better but the community life is totally
different than before. The relationship between us was
much easier, people’s doors were always open and we
saw each other every day. Now doors locked, people
live more in their own houses.
RAJIV INDIRA
First floor, flat #109
Photos
MRS. PERMATA
Approximate age: mid 20s
Household size: 4 (husband, daughter, in-law’s child)
Years in Dharavi: 20+, originally from Tamil Nadu
Work activities: husband is a baggage handler at aeroport
Design involvement
Mostly men doing this, husband told her about what
was discussed: size of flats and 14 ft ceilings. Given
plan, shown drawings, didn’t find any issues of concern.
Meetings were held on Sundays so men ended up going
to them.
Sketches
Community relationship
Has maintained contact with friends / neighbours.
Normal gathering space they have is not enough when
it is time for festivals and celebrations. Go to temples
instead when they need a big space, but would prefer
to have space in Rajiv Indira.
BHARAT JANATA
Mrs Devi
Approximate age: early 20s
Household size: 6 (mother, 3 brothers, sister-in-law, son)
Years in Dharavi: 15 years
Work activities: making plastic bags, husband loads leather
on/off trucks in Dharavi, mother packages school bags, one
brother works at a bank
Design involvement
Mother used to go to the meetings discussing the Bharat
Janata housing. She had the option to either accept
the flat free of cost, or alternately, accept a financial
compensation.
Community relationship
Likes living in the huts more than the building; they
had more freedom before. For example, kids could
play anywhere and the space outside was part of their
homes. As the brother lost contact with all his friends
from the huts, he also feels like it was better before
when they wre all together.
BHARAT JANATA
flat 206
Photos
Design involvement
Francis is part of cooperative society commitee. He saw
the plan, agreed to 225 ft2. Did not talk to architect.
“Community should tell builder what they want but the
community needs to be strong (organised)” Francis
Community relationship
Francis. They kept good relations.
Bastime has an appointment with the other women
living in the building at 6 o’clock everyday on the ground
floor to meet and chat.
Children play in the ground floor.
BHARAT JANATA
Photos
flat 206
Mrs PANWASI
Approximate age: early 40s
Household size: 5 (mother, father, 1 son, 2 daughters)
Years in Dharavi: 28 years
Work activities: Husband, building watchman in Mahim
Mrs Panwasi + daughter, production small
plastic bags and harinets.
Design involvement
Husband/father told them about the BJ buildings. Not
really involved in the process. Took a long time, 12 years
ago they started talking about it.
Community relationship
Punuwasi and childrens meets friends downstairs, on
ground floor.
They have friends also around Dharavi. They meet at
people’s houses/huts.
BHARAT JANATA
Photos
flat 405
Design involvement
Before society was founded, didn’t have a role to play.
Mostly Razia’s father-in-law and husband were involved
in the BJ building process. She didn’t go to any meetings
and never saw the plans. Razia knew there was only 225
square feet so she was not expecting anything more.
Community relationship
Relationships haven’t changed much. Friends come
to their home as there is no specific public/open space
that they can use.
Kids play in corridor with the neighbouring kids.
flat 402
Photos
Mrs SHANAM
Approximate age: early 40s
Household size: 3 (1 daughter, 23 yrs old, 1 son, 17 yrs old)
Years in Dharavi: 30 years
Work activities: Daughter used to work in a courier office, since
father died, 10 months ago, she has stopped working Father
used to work in railways.
Design involvement
Husband was a member of the society committee,
Shanam got informed on the process through him.
Building was due to be built almost 15 years back. They
were shown the plans but did not direclty participate to
the design process. Promised a marriage hall, different
spaces for religious activities, other spaces for specific
functions – none of this was manifested in the final Sketches
product.
Community relationship
Daughter: Liked living in transit camp as there was a
sense of community there. In BJ, society rule disallows
religious practice outside the home; they were given the
building and house, but not their vital social network.
Before, living in the huts, they had more open and
communal spaces.
Every evening around 6pm Shanam goes downstairs,
to ground floor of BJ, where she gathers with the other
women to socialize.
Interview profile 11
BHARAT JANATA
flat 302
Photos
SAMSUDDIN
Approximate age: MID 40s
Household size: 56 people liv and work in flat
Years in Dharavi: 28 years
Work activities: home based activity (textile design; handiwork
embroidery
Design involvement
Not involved in design.
Community relationship
Relationship change: people who used to live
immediately around Samsuddin in the huts have been
relocated throughout the city. Social relations have
been affected; his neighbours are not people he knew
before. If has time to socialize, he goes to his friend’s
houses whom are involved with the same type of work
as he is.
BHARAT JANATA
6th floor
Photos
Design involvement
Not involved in the design. When they were living in the
hut, they felt like moving to a building was going to be
a great improvement.
Community relationship
Prior to the move, they had been together for a long time,
and were happy with their relation with neighbours.
Now in BJ, no one asks what is happening, people live
inside their house, they keep doors closed.
Home-based Activities
Questionnaires
What would you change about your house to help Interview Interview
your business?
Photos
Space
His house was a double-height space (one room)
He needs more space, and wants a separate workshop
space. He would add another floor but he has no
permission to do that existing propositions for the site
Livelihoods
The drum-making requires great skill
All members of the family help with the business
It takes 3-4 days to make a drum
He gets Rs. 3,000 for one drum
He sells the drums all across the coast of India but he
doesn’t have a license to so this himself Sketches
400-500 pieces per month is the maximum production
(depending on the order)
About DRP
If he moves, he thinks his business will stop and he will
lose his network of customers
He has a sense of place and belonging here, he was
quite emotional about the DRP and moving
Interview profile 14
Photos
Space
Room was used as restaurant seating area and cooking
place and storage and in the night everyone slept
there.
Livelihoods
He sells food to the residents live in the community.
He also sets up his stall outside the room and sells the
food.
The other renters work in Dharavi and also outside.
About DRP
He told us DRP will not affect him because he is renting.
Seemed indiffrent.
Interview profile 15
Photos
Space
Prefer to meet friends inside house Outside is used for
dishwashing and laundry
Could make great use of a second small room, for work
Livelihoods
Small beads on bottom of pajama pants
Receive pants already made. Add beads. Returns the
pants with the beads on.
- 2rs per piece
- 20 pieces per day Sketches
Need very minimal space to do this. Mainly done by
hand stitching
About DRP
Prefer house to high rise.
Seems to be because they are so strongly anchored in
their community.
Interview profile 16
Photos
Space
She seemed to have quite a large house with
refrigerator, freezer, computer and other amenities.
Outside space is not used.
Livelihoods
She teaches in Hindi & English.
She has 25-30 kids that she watches.
Her husband is a taxi driver.
About DRP
She thinks a high-rise is better.
She would keep her daycare since she had it for 20
years.
Chambda Bazaar
Manufacturing
Questionnaires
Bakery [manager]
Networks Photos
Different traders within Dharavi. He contacts several
manufactures to bring the material from different
states.
One state is at the centre of Dharavi. The oil comes from
Gujarat (West).
About DRP
He doesn’t want to leave from Chambra Bazaar
Sketches
Interview profile 18
Photos
Networks
Retail shops in Dharavi as part of Mumbai, whole sale
throughout Maharashtra state and beyond. (local, state,
nation).
About DRP
Self-designated cluster unit plan, 1998
Reject the DRP
Have held talks, shown proposals for own (self )
redevelopment in terms of livelihoods etc.
Interview profile 19
Photos
Networks
No network - individual
Material: from Dharavi
Products go to central Mumbai and then to suburb
area
About DRP
The owner has his own tenure so he can get one store
and his aspiration is on ground floor shop and upper Sketches
floor residence.
Interview profile 20
Photos
Leather industry
[owner]
Networks
Total 5 – 6 leather industries in Dharavi.
Deliver to different places (Kolkata, Chennai).
Products: Nothing stays in Dharavi (industrial safety
belts, military shoes). They export mostly in Europe.
The buffalo comes from Western Maharastra (Deonar)
No federation. No network.
The tanning in Chennai. Tracks are coming from Chennai.
In Dharavi the materials are ready.
It’s a fashion industry business which exports nationally
and internationally (British, Germany, Emirates).
About DRP
“I will be very happy for the redevelopment plan. If
I have a good place for my business I want to stay.
Change has to come. But here people are attached
emotionally with each other. They don’t want to
leave. They have everything here and their happy. But
change must happen. The airport is very close, the
road. For me it’s the best place to work but if I cannot
stay I’m willing to negotiate for a good place. We are
preparing for this. We have to train the people. To make
them have skills”.
Chambda Bazaar
Retail activities
Questionnaires
Photos
Jewellery
[President of Dharavi Gold Association]
Networks
Depends on local network to buy and sell gold
President of Dharavi Gold Association
Labour
3 – 6 male workers. Sketches
Owners
Owner of the shop since 1990
All Shopkeepers Associations did not protect them from
the dispute thus starting the Dharavi Gold Association
Problem with the authenticity of the gold leading to
police disputes.
Meets 2-3 times every year.
7 member committee reporting to him.
Part of the Save Dharavi Movement.
Interview profile 22
Photos
Embroidery Shop
[Owner]
Networks
Supplies to Dadar Market in Mumbai by train or taxi
twice a month
Labour
Peak season 25 workers; off peak 6 works.
Sleeps in the same workshop
Takes 5 hours to make one piece
Sketches
Owners
Came to Dharavi 10 months ago
In a rented workshop of the first floor of the building
Do not belong to any union
Wife and kids lived in Dharavi for 2 months. Could not
adapt so they moved back.
Interview profile 23
Photos
Bakery
[Owner]
Networks
Biscuits exported outside of Dharavi
Sold locally. Biscuits transported by bikes then trucks
would then take them all over India.
Raw materials delivered once a month from various
parts of India (flour from Goregeon).
Labour
Migrant workers lives in the dormitory space within the
bakery cluster. Works there for 8-10 months, goes back
to the village for 2 months, then comes back works in 2
shifts (day and night shift). More people in the day shift
than the night shift. Factory runs for 24 hours. Sketches
Owners
Initially more than 1 bakery but has to sell them off
Sold them off for the leather and garment business
Son joined his business.
Interview profile 24
Photos
Seamstress
[Owner]
Networks
Clients in Dharavi.
Does not need more enough clients as is.
Part of a SRA group who meets 3-4 times.
Labour
Works on her own. A home base economic activity.
Sketches
Owners
Only does women’s clothing
Does beading/ stitching as well.
Beading needs special device.
Stitched before marriage.
Lived in a village before coming to Pune.
Husband is a cobbler.
Not aware of the DRP.
Would like the main road to be developed.
Not worried because she will get ground commercial
space since she got license
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