An insight inside Dharavi Slum, one of the biggest indian slum with a population estimated between 600.000 and 1.000.000 people, situated in the economical heart of the sub-continent, Mumbai. Once know as Bombay, today this megalopolis count over 12 millions inhabitants most of whom still have to fight for their daily survival in poor hygienic conditions, in big contrast with the rich and healthy part of the society. Being available only 1 toilet every 1.500 people, the local river is used for going to the "bathroom".
World famous thanks to the popular movie "Slumdog Millioner" that was set and shoot here, today is place of an alternative tourisme and guided tour. Let's discover it with Davide, roaming alone around this "dangerous" place.
My visit to Darhavi Slum through photos
The entrance to Dharavi slum, is through a bridge overpassing the railway tracks.
In a place where space and light is of limited access, the rails are used as a comfortable living room.
Life on the busy streets of Darhavi slum: a high percentage of the people living here are of muslim religion.
The slum is divided into two sectors, the productive and the residential areas: space is limited and over exploited.
Textile business is one of the main activities held at Darhavi slum in Mumbai.
Also recycling is becoming more and more profitable and diffused. Women are working in the workshops as well as men.
Everything can be recycled in Darhavi slum: here another workshop is recycling oil cans.
Skins of goat are unloaded and broght inside the workshop. The tanning industry is one of the oldest in Darhavi slum.
Lack of air and space is a leitmotiv in Darhavi slum. Workers have to share narrow spaces.
Life is going on and kids gather and play where there is an opening of space and light. Girls comb each other's hair, a common habit in India.
Despite being warned to pay attention because the slum is a dangerous place, all the people showed to be very nice and friendly.
On the residantial sector a kid is trying to do his homework on the steps of his house, probably for the absence of light inside. The slum are so crowded that there is no space for windows and light. Often also the roads are really narrow, and the light is barely reaching the ground.
While some kids are studying, lots of them are working to help economically their families. Cost of living in Mumbai is quite high compared to the rest of India.
Even when exploited and in an unconfortable condition, kids never miss the chance for a smile. A ray of light in this darkness.
As everywhere in India, there isn't much support for disabled people. A man unable to walk is crawling in the asphalt.
A barber shop in Darhavi slum: not only here, but everywhere in Mumbai and in India, a chair and a mirror are enough to open an activity.
Davide Vadalà
