It is 2002 and the Dharavi slum in Mumbai, India, is in a pivotal moment of its existence. It lies in the heart of Mumbai on a slice of prime real estate, yet it remains undeveloped. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority in partnership with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority is now prepared to develop the slum so that it is properly integrated into Mumbai’s landscape and economy. However, Dharavi isn’t a normal slum. It’s also a workplace that creates valuable export goods for the city and country. People in Dharavi feel a connection to the culture of their home and place of employment. Unfortunately, as much as they would like to have a say in Dharavi’s future, the residents don’t have legal avenues to pursue solutions. They could face evictions with little notice, but the government wants rapid development. The future of one million slum dwellers is at hand in this committee that asks - what is development?
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