Slum tourism has been a lot in the news in recent times and has been portrayed in both positive and negative lights. Many heated debates on the fine line between voyeurism and tourism have been going on. The obviously welcome economic benefits can not be ignored. Many people have admitted that slum tourism, while not perceived by many in the best taste, can be used as a medium by which awareness of the abject poverty and the problems faced by the slum dwellers can be spread and the economic status of the slum inhabitants can be improved. The biased view that many people have about slum areas can also be eradicated with slum tours.
Dharavi, Mumbai
Dharavi is a 175 hectare area sprawling slum area in Mumbai. It is one of the largest slums in Asia. It is spread over the Mumbai suburbs Sion, Bandra, Kurla and Kalina. Dharavi is populated by over 1 million people.
The 530 acre land was once a marshy area and dumping ground, but now above 1 million people have their shanty homes here, along with markets, small scale industries, places of worship, entertainment hubs and schools.
There are a wide variety of industries going on in Dharavi. Dharavi exports goods all over the world and the estimated annual turnover is between 500 million and 600 million U S dollars.
The People
Dharavi is inhabited by a large and diverse population including people from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Many of these are craftsmen, and work in the various industries.
Tours
A typical sight seeing trip to Dharavi involves a tour of the dwellings, the industries and an opportunity to interact with the people. An experienced guide will accompany you and give explanations and stories.
A trip to where the people stay promotes an understanding of the underlying unity that exists among extreme diversity. The people here have a strong spirit of love and brotherhood and a strong sense of community. The narrow alley ways twist and turn for miles and are reminiscent of catacombs.
It is not true that Dharavi is infested only by criminals; a vast majority of the residents are hard working people who are in a struggle to win their livelihood.
The tour in involves a glimpse into the daily livelihood activities of the people. The people here earn their daily bread working from small enclosed spaces in industries like leather tanning, recycling, soap making, pottery, papad making, baking and so on.
The guides are helpful and are fluent in English. They have an extensive knowledge of the area, the people and the issues they face.
Many companies offer tours to this region. The tours last from one two hours upto half a day, according to preference. The costs will be dependant on the number of people in a group.
All in all, a tour of the slums could teach you something about resilience, and surviving in the midst of hardship. It could be a life lesson. Dharavi is filled with people who are powered by an iron will to sustain, and their sweat is mixed with the soil of the area.
Thu, Aug 26, 2010
Bizarre Destinations