Dharavi, the slum is the most populated area of Mumbai. It is considered to be one of the world’s most populated slum, covering around 520 acres of land. It is surrounded by west Bandra, Mahim, Mithi river in the north, Matunga in east and Sion in the south. Founded in 1883 during British colonial are, Dharavi was first inhabited by the fishermen. Maybe the lands of Dharavi is owned by the government but the houses are maintained by the individuals who reside in Dharavi.
This 520 acres of land is not like any other slum. It is a place which defines unity of diversity precisely. This multi-ethnic slum residing lakhs of people is not only a place of residing but is also a tourist destination. Yes, isn’t it a surprising fact?
This is not enough, there are other interesting and amazing facts like this that you are unaware of. So let’s dig it into!
Populated City
Dharavi is also known as “city within a city” due to its population. With the land of 520 acres, Dharavi incorporates around 600,000 residents. It is a multi-ethnic slum because this small piece of the area consists of people around the country. Here, people live with unity and prosperity. It is found that there is an average of 1 toilet for every 1,450 people inhabiting in this slum.
The look is a myth
A slum is a place where poor lives. Well, it is a myth in Dharavi. Dharavi is for people who have determination and dedication to achieve something in their life. It is for those who have high hopes and dreams for a better life. It doesn’t incorporate poor people but people with low finance but high dedication towards work and passion. So, the place may seem very dirty and unhygienic but people living within are not.
Safest Slum
As we all know about the crimes that take place in a slum area mainly, it gives us creep. A slum is considered to be the place of crime and unhappening. But the Harvard economist Edward Glaeser pretense that Dharavi is the safest slums around the world. The reason for this is considered to be the people. People look out for each other which results in less crime as compared to others.
Industrial and Residential
On the contrary to the above-mentioned facts, Dharavi has two parts. First, the industrial unit and second is the residential unit. Dharavi has around 500 industrial units which are indulged in manufacturing garments, pottery, textiles. It is found that Dharavi consists of 500 businesses and 15,000 single-room factories. The major industry for Dharavi is recycling. It is reported that this neighborhood employs 250,000 people for recycling itself.
A famous film set
Yes, Dharavi is a famous film set that the film industry chose to shoot movies. The whole movie “Slumdog Millionaire”, which has won many awards was shot in Dharavi itself in 2008. Dharavi debuts itself in Deewar (1975). Other than that Djharavi has portrayed itself in Nayakan, Salaam Bombay!, Parinda, Dharavi, Bombay, Indian Gangster Trilogy by Ram Gopal Verma, Sarkar series, Footpath, Black Friday, No Smoking, Traffic Signal, Aamir, Mankatha, Thuppakki, Thalaivaa, Bhoothnath Returns, Kaala and Gully Boy.
Talented riser
Not only it has acquired a place in the industrial revolution, but also Dharavi has few talented people showcasing their talent in different fields like dancing, acting, singing and many more. Prior to which, it is found that a large number of junior artists in the film industry comes from Dharavi. Also, a junk band named “DHARAVI ROCKS” of 12-13 members who comes from an underprivileged background mesmerizes the residents with extremely enjoyable performances
Lead Females
Dharavi is proud of those 12-13 years old girls who have successfully invented Android apps making remarkable success. These girls designed a learning app named as “Padhai hai Mera hak” which has subjects like Maths, Hindi, and English. They also invented an app for the safety of women called “Women Fight Back” and designed “Paani Hai Jeevan” which will notify the people about the availability of water in the community taps to control the rush and fights around the taps.
Art Festival
DHARAVI BIENNALE or “ALLEY GALLI BIENNALE” is an art festival organized by the NGO SNEHA. SNEHA is a non-profit organization based in Mumbai works for the people of Dharavi that aids dwellers of the slums, especially children. This 3-day art festival is an event which is a combination of art and science. It aims to highlight the economic and cultural life of India’s largest slum by enlightening their contribution. It also focuses on spreading awareness about urban health.