Life In Dharavi: How Business Is Suffering During The Lockdown | Mumbai Live |

The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in some severe restrictions across India. While it is a difficult time for the world at large, certain sections of society are particularly hit hard. Dharavi in Mumbai is Asia's largest slum with close to 15 lakh people living in just 2.1 square kilometers. With a population density of over 700,000 per square kilometer, Dharavi is a super sensitive zone during the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing is practically impossible and authorities have kept a close eye on developments here.

Tightly packed shanties, extremely poor sanitation, food shortage and a hard clampdown on movement adds to the misery of those living here. Dharavi is not only famous for being one of the biggest slums in the world. The narrow alleys of Dharavi are home to thousands of small scale businesses that contribute in the billions to the economy. 'Working from home' is not an option for these daily wage earners and as a result business owners and laborers are suffering.

One such example is the 100-year old pottery industry in Dharavi's Kumbhar Wada with 1500-2000 families dependent on it. People here believe that there should have been a few days notice about the lockdown so they could return home as a large number of them come from across India. Now, laborers who survive on daily wages are left stranded without work and are confined to the small rooms of their workshops. There's no way for them to socially distance or self isolate. Some people have complained about a lack of essential supplies too.

The State Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tope has taken note of the situation and is acting on the current drawbacks. The Police too is taking strict measures to make sure people don't roam the streets, although it is a tough ask in these areas. There seems to be a strong resolve in the people here who are supporting each other. The business owners and workers are not abandoning each other in these tough times. While most of us can still access basic needs, practice social distancing and not worry about our next meal, the people of Dharavi have troubled days ahead but are doing their best to keep their spirits up.

To follow the in-depth new coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic visit https://www.mumbailive.com/en/liveupd...

Senior Reporter - Suraj Sawant
Cinematographer - Vinit Pednekar
Editing and Color Correction - Kushang Dholakia

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