Dharavi Slum, Mumbai

 

                                 Dharavi Slum, Mumbai

          In the financial and commercial capital of India, Mumbai a big chunk of densely populated residential area situated in the heart of the city is called Dharavi slum. It is one of the world largest slums, where various small scale industries including recycling, leather, potteries and textiles in unorganized sector are produced. Rural people from all religions and from all over India came and settled here. There is lot of Mosques, Temples, and Churches and worshipping places of others religious faith are situated. People involved in all kind of activities in crammed spaces but the life is a continuous social affair and the people have very strong sense of community and due to this camaraderie’s there is very less crime. With the literacy rate of 69% Dharavi is considered as greatest entrepreneurship that’s why people have about 5000 business properties as well as 15,000 single in house industries.

            The workers don’t have any rights of leaves and other service related benefits; they have to work in risky and dangerous situation. They are also not tax payers with minimum salaries. Mostly rag pickers, to dismantle electrical home appliances, to recycle garbage, to make earthen pots and sell on the roads. With the population of about 1,000,000 in the density of 418,410/ km square is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, between Mumbai’s two main suburban railway lines, the Western and Central Railways and adjacent to Mumbai International airport. The uniqueness of the area generate curiosity and tourists from all over world throng to visit this place, so there are some guides available to help the tourists to move and see around this place. There are some dos and don’ts for the visitor’s like-

1.     Never venture in this area in shorts due to some religious believes,

2.     Never  venture in this area in long trousers and cloths as the area is not so clean.

3.     Don’t argue with someone or the shopkeepers while shopping.

4.     Don’t eat anything from eateries which are unhygienic

5.     Don’t take pictures without permission of anybody, you are unnecessary peeping into their life and may antagonize them.

6.     Don’t venture in the slum without proper guide.

7.     Don’t venture in the slum in the night and deserted areas.

8.     Don’t move into the area with valuable items, although there is strong deployment of police but some unpleasent incidence may happen.

9.     Don’t laugh on anyone unnecessary it may generate anger and you may face some adverse situation.

10.                         Always maintain a good gesture with everyone in return you will also get respect.

Whoever flown into Mumbai will find sprawling areas of Dharavi slum while his aircraft is descending to land. I also got chance of flowing into Mumbai several times and got few telling shots of the area through my beloved camera.

Text and Photo by- Ashok Karan,

Ashokkaran.blogspot.com,

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