Mumbai, India was originally a series of fishing villages that grew into a major port due to its access to the sea on both sides and its proximity to the Indian subcontinent, making it the gateway for European travelers. It struggled to manage rapid urbanization as thousands migrated to the city each year, becoming overcrowded as its growth was restricted by being located at the end of a peninsula. This led to high real estate prices and the formation of Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums housing 600,000 residents in just 2 square kilometers, located in northern Mumbai across commuter routes into the city.

1. Where is this?

2. Why was it chosen as a site?
• Originally was a series of fishing villages.
• Growth of a port -concentrated at end of
the peninsula – access to sea on both
sides.
• British colonial admin developed the port,
as It was the closest port of entry to the
subcontinent for European travellers.
• It was called the ‘Gateway to India’.

3. Problems of the site
• City developers struggled to keep pace
with rapid growth caused by rural to urban
migration.10,000s move in every year.
• Developing at the end of a peninsula
restricts growth & it is now desperately
overcrowded.
• The price of land in the CBD has rocketed,
making it one of the most expensive in the
world.

6. Dharavi – ‘biggest slum in Asia’
• Home to 600,000 people.
• Size 2km²
• Cottage industries estimated to generate
US$40mn each year.
• Found just north of central Mumbai, growth
restricted.
• Lies at narrow part of peninsula & across routes
that bring 100,000s of commuters into the city
• Inevitable it will be redeveloped.