3.1.2 Post-Independence

Figure 3 8 Timeline of Dharavi(Rani Day, India and India, 2010)

After India's independence (1947), development and urbanisation started rapidly in the country. Mumbai started to grow fast, and workers arrived in the city from all corners of the country while the government's responsibility became to provide sufficient shelter and occupation to residents of Dharavi as well as newcomers. Later, when the condition of Dharavi became a concern for the government and people, a significant decision was made by the authorities, the first development project of Dharavi in 1972. According to the Maharashtra Slum Areas Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment Act, Dharavi has also declared a slum in 1971. This project did not achieve the target entirely but, it provided taps, toilets and electrical connections and other facilities. Also, sixty and ninety-foot roads were constructed to connect Sion and Mahim (towns in Mumbai) roads and build a sewer and water line alongside. In addition, transit camps were built along the railway line to relocate the residents whose homes came in the way of the newly proposed railway line (Rani Day et al., 2014).