Dharavi

Dharavi is the biggest slum in India, it is located in India’s commercial capital, Mumbai. The estimated population is 1.5 million who live together in an area no larger than two square kilometers.

The families often consist of many children, residents live in close prolixity and in extremely limited space. The slum is known for having an exuberant working life which keeps the economy going – Dharavi is renowned for supplying a large part of India’s clothing and leather production.

There are currently (April 20th) 168 cases of infected Covid-19 patients in Dharavi. 11 of which have lost their lives due to the virus. Fear which first began within the community has now spread to the rest of Mumbai. Due to population density, it is physically impossible for residents to keep to the government’s recommended safe distance. It is feared that the virus will spread uncontrollably in the slum area and from there develop at a rapid speed to the rest of Mumbai.

These images are from a previous project. Please click this link if you want to support the work of Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke helping out in the slums around the world.