Dharavi: Is it a Slum?

    Dharavi is proclaimed as the biggest slum in Asia of “the largest slum in the world.” These theories aren’t true as there is many more slums around the world. The area that’s the Dharavi people live is very crowed and cramped. The economic position that Dharavi currently has is in jeopardy. Dharavi is in trouble when all the Dharavians come to find that a man call Mukesh Mehta wants to change the way the people live. Out of all the possible ups and downs, the benefits outweighs the negatives. Hygiene is important for everyone and with the plan, personal hygiene will become more available. Living conditions will be more and the economy will begin to rise so they have a better chance of competing with China.

    Hygiene is a very important factor that all Dharavians should take into consideration. In Dharavi there is approximately only one toilet for every three thousand people.  While there is a limit for how many people can use the restroom people are forced to use the creek, which is the public water supply.  A littered water supply makes people ill because people consume the water, feed it to pets or animals, or agricultural uses. This leads to disease and gastro intestinal trauma. Dharavians may become deathly ill which could lead to lose of population. With better hygiene and Mehta’s plan to include indoor plumbing the amount of toilets, privacy and clean water should increase.  Better hygiene will lead to healthier citizens of Dharavi.

    Better living conditions are necessary for the city of Dharavi. Overcrowding is an issue of the citizens. For example, there are approximately fifteen people per square foot or two hundred twenty five square feet per family. Mehta’s plan will give each family, or more specifically, each person, more room to live. Approximately 57,000 Dharavi families will be resettled into high rise housing close to their current residence, which also could be sold at high market rates. Each apartment will include a toilet and indoor plumbing, therefore decreasing public urination and increasing health levels. The housing are completely free of costs which could help many of the poor citizens get back on their feet. These housing complexes will help Dharavi citizens immensely and they definitely should contemplate this situation.

    The economy of the Dharavi will benefit with Mehta’s plan. More attractions will invite tourists to come to Dharavi to spend their money and possibly bring in outside money from private investors. With venues such as cricket stadiums and golfing fields people will decide to come watch a game or play a round of golf. More jobs will become available in construction for the new buildings or cricket stadiums, landscaping of the new golf courses, retail, maintenance and even janitors for the housing high rises. Mehta’s plan will ensure a better economy because with more jobs people will be better able to take care of themselves.

    In conclusion, Mehta’s plan will really affect the way Dharavi people live either for the best or the worst. The benefits definitely out weigh the negative effects that are bound to happen and this is what every citizen of Dharavi should keep there eyes on. The changes of the best was better hygiene, more living space and better living conditions, and finally the economy will become more sustainable. Mehta’s plan is something that needs to go in law for Dharavi if they really care for their city.