SocialDocumentary.net | Nitya Rao | Dharavi: Five-star ghetto

Photographer: Nitya Rao

Title: Dharavi: Five-star ghetto

Location: India

Thumbnails & Caption
Exhibit Abstract

Thumbnails & Caption
Exhibit Abstract

Thumbnails & Caption
Exhibit Abstract

An aerial view of Dharavi, central Mumbai. Large parts of Dharavi are illegal settlements, which become legalized over time. Where a legal settlement ends and an illegal one begins is often impossible to distinguish. Looking at this tapestry of rooftops, it is hard to believe that in the 1930’s, this was an open, swampy, fishing village, on the outskirts of Mumbai.

This project is about life in Dharavi, one of the world’s largest slums, wedged into the heart of Mumbai, India. Approximately one million people live in Dharavi, packed into its one square mile area. Dharavi’s people are some of India’s most economic active agents - its population of one million and counting, contribute $1 billion to the national economy each year.

Leather goods, earthenware, electronics, food, gold, plastic, textiles – name the product and you will find someone who manufactures it here. Nothing is ever discarded. Everything that is thrown away in Mumbai finds its way here and takes on a new avataar.

My purpose in making these pictures was simply to show the way of life in Dharavi - the regular humdrum. This might seem mundane to some, but I found it to be delightfully educational and instructive. Why do people migrate to Dharavi? Is it everything they imagined it would be? Why do they choose to remain here? How do they cope with their daily challenges?