Dharavi, in the heart of Mumbai, is one of the most incredible and contradictory places in India. Often called "Asia's largest slum," it's actually a city within a city: a labyrinth of alleys, tin roofs, and workshops where nearly a million people live in less than two square kilometers.
Here, every meter counts. The streets are narrow, and from every window comes the sound of someone working. Dharavi is poor, yes, but also full of energy. It's a gigantic economic engine hidden behind appearances: leather, textile, ceramic, and recycled plastic workshops, small factories that export throughout India and beyond. It's estimated to generate hundreds of millions of dollars a year, even though almost all of it remains in the informal economy.
Living conditions are harsh: open sewers, limited water, overcrowding. But despite the degradation, Dharavi is a symbol of resilience. People don't give up: they work, they create, they invent.
Alongside this vitality, there's also a dark side. Small local gangs and criminal networks operate in the poorest areas, controlling illegal trafficking or extortion. It's not the big mafia, but an underworld of groups that profit from the chaos and poverty.
Today, Dharavi is at the center of an urban redevelopment project. The government wants to transform it into a modern neighborhood, with new buildings and infrastructure. But many residents fear losing their homes and jobs, and with them the soul of the neighborhood.
Because Dharavi isn't just poverty: it's ingenuity, hard work, and survival. It's the beating heart of Mumbai, a place where degradation and hope coexist every day, illustrating the strength and contradictions of today's India.
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ATTENTION:
These videos are filmed with respect for the local population.
From behind the camera, I constantly communicate non-verbally with people. The camera is not hidden, and if I notice any discomfort, I apologize and leave.
Except for a few involuntary mistakes (sorry), I only film in public places where ANYONE could be at the time. You will never see footage secretly filmed inside people's private homes.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE for those who criticize me while I film my videos:
I do not create pollution, flooding, or poverty. I do not have these skills.
I have always taken care of taking my trash with me and have helped countless people in need with food and money.
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INSIDE THE MOST EXTREME AND DEGRADED SLUM OF INDIA | Mumbai Walking Tour 4K
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