From the ground level the compound does not appear aesthetically different from other slum neighborhoods in Mumbai, but this government-planned “site and services” scheme actually follows a rigid grid layout. Small plots of land serviced by trunk infrastructures, such as shared water taps, public toilets and sewer lines, were provided by the state to residents with the expectation that residents would construct their own homes. Initially residents were only allowed to construct one to two floors, but over time homes have expanded up to four floors to accommodate growing families and provide extra residential and commercial rental income. The site had very poor drainage and sanitation, with wet streets, open sewers and extensive piles of trash around the periphery of the community and filling the banks of stagnant grey waterways. However, the streets were packed with activity and commerce, lined by a diverse range of well-established businesses. A walled-off green space included a outdoor meeting place, public toilets and vegetable gardens.
Photos: Kate Cahill