Dharavi, Slum in Mumbai, India
This densely populated neighborhood in the heart of Mumbai extends across an area where residential buildings press against workshops and narrow alleys form a sprawling network. The structures are mostly single or two-story, with corrugated metal roofs and tight passageways that create an intense sense of proximity.
Originally this area in the late 19th century consisted of a settlement for fishermen and potters who established themselves on the city outskirts. Over time, factories moved here from the center, and more and more workers arrived from different parts of India to settle here.
People from different regions of India work side by side in small workshops, where craftsmen pass skills to apprentices and shared courtyards serve as meeting places. In the alleys you hear a mix of languages, and women prepare meals on shared terraces while children play between the housing blocks.
Access is from several main roads, but the alleys inside are very narrow, and visitors should be aware that some areas can be difficult for outsiders to navigate. It is best to visit this area with someone familiar to maintain respect for the privacy of residents.
Every day plastic waste from across the city is sorted here and turned into pellets that are then processed into new products. Old oil drums are also cleaned and repainted before being sold to companies throughout India.
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