Urban Typhoon Koliwada-Dharavi /Mumbai
March 2008
Nearly 100 people from Koliwada, Dharavi, Mumbai, India and other countries participated to a multidisciplinary workshop that documented the unique character of Koliwada and produced alternative visions for its future. This happened at a time the Government is planning a massive redevelopment of Dharavi, a large informal settlement where anything between 500,000 and 1 million people live. The 2.2 km2 area defined as Dharavi is worth billions of dollars, due to its proximity to the new central business district of Mumbai.
Koliwada is approximately 40,000 m2 with an adult population of around 15,000 people. The population is in majority Hindu with a large Catholic community. This former fishermen village is one of oldest parts of Dharavi, with historical records pre-dating the existence of Mumbai. Many original residents are property owner and claim their right to develop the land themselves, refusing to be included in the redevelopment project of the Government.
The workshop itself was a joyous and participatory takeover of the neighbourhood. It combined the city’s historic spirit of activism with the celebratory, independent and culturally dynamic traditions that the Kolis of Mumbai have always demonstrated. The workshop builds on these impulses in the best traditions of a festive exchange with visitors, guests, strangers and locals of all shades and hues.