In spite of the all the grunginess and squalor, Dharavi is the most bustling and economically proficient part of Mumbai. With thousands of small scale industries thriving in the area, Dharavi generates revenue of a staggering billion US Dollars annually.
An erstwhile marshy fishing village, Dharavi creek dried up when a dam was built in the neighbouring area. This gave way for the migration of potters from Surashtra, Tanners of Tamil Nadu and Artisans of Uttar Pradesh to practise their art and run their business, while setting up homes in Dharavi. As years rolled on, communities thrived economically, which is seen even today in the labyrinth of Leather Goods, Embroidered Dresses and Clay pots of various designs, among others cottage industries. Apart from the mentioned industries, you will also tour the cardboard industries, recycle industry and the Poppaddam industry, to understand the indispensable contribution of Dharavi to Mumbai’s well-being.
Dharavi nurtures a thousand migrant dreams, making it possibly the only slum in the world where people come in vast numbers to make a living. Exploring this part of Mumbai gives insight in the industrious nature of the people, and zeal for life coupled with a hope for a better future.
Your co-explorers, who are natives of Dharavi, are educated, employed, speak impeccable English and more importantly, are very happy.
We assure you, after the tour, you won’t call Dharavi a ‘slum’, but a land of opportunity.