In Dharavi, one of the most fascinating aspects of the community is its plastic recycling industry. Every day, tons of discarded plastic from across Mumbai arrive here to be given a new life. The process is highly organized: first, workers carefully sort the plastic by type and color, then it is cleaned, shredded into small flakes, and melted down. Finally, the recycled material is transformed into tiny plastic pellets, which are later used to manufacture everyday products like buckets, toys, and packaging.

What makes it remarkable is that these small, modest workshops are part of a huge informal economy that helps Mumbai manage its waste. It’s a place where ingenuity, hard work, and sustainability come together, turning waste into something useful while providing livelihoods for thousands of families.

Among the many hidden industries of Dharavi, the soap-making units are a fascinating example of small-scale production with big impact. These factories often operate in compact spaces, yet they manage to produce soaps, detergents, and washing powders that are supplied to local markets and even sold across different parts of Mumbai.

The process is mostly manual — workers heat raw materials like caustic soda, mix oils and fragrances, and then mold the mixture into bars. Once cooled, the soaps are cut, packed, and made ready for sale. What makes it remarkable is the resourcefulness: with limited machinery and modest facilities, the workers create products that serve thousands of households every day.

Visiting these factories gives you a real sense of Dharavi’s entrepreneurial spirit — where nothing is wasted, and everything is turned into an opportunity for livelihood. The soap industry here reflects the community’s resilience and innovation, turning simple ingredients into essential products that keep the city clean.

The garment making units in Dharavi are one of the most vibrant parts of its small-scale industries. Here, tiny workshops and home-based units are packed with skilled tailors and workers who cut, stitch, and finish clothes for both local markets and international export. Despite operating in modest spaces, these units produce a wide variety of garments such as jeans, shirts, jackets, and traditional Indian wear.

The process usually begins with fabric cutting, followed by stitching on industrial sewing machines, and finally ironing and packing. Many families are involved, with men handling cutting and sewing, while women often assist in finishing work like buttoning, hemming, or embroidery.

This industry not only supports thousands of families but also contributes significantly to Mumbai’s fashion supply chain. The energy, speed, and craftsmanship seen in these workshops highlight Dharavi’s spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience.

The residential parts of Dharavi are a maze of narrow lanes, small houses, and close-knit communities. Homes here are typically very compact, often just one or two rooms, but they serve multiple purposes—living space, workspace, and sometimes even small shops. Despite the limited space, people make the most of what they have, with creative use of rooftops, lofts, and shared areas.

Families from different parts of India—Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and more—live side by side, creating a vibrant cultural mix. You will notice temples, mosques, and churches nestled within the neighborhoods, reflecting the strong sense of religious diversity.

Life in Dharavi’s residential areas is lively and social. Children play in the alleys, neighbors share food, and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Though the houses may seem modest, the spirit of community is very strong, and many residents take pride in keeping their small homes neat and welcoming.

Dharavi is home to one of Mumbai’s most thriving leather industries, where traditional craftsmanship blends with modern techniques. Inside the leather factories, you’ll see skilled artisans engaged in every stage of production — from treating raw hides to crafting high-quality leather goods. The factories are often small-scale yet highly productive, supplying products not only to local markets but also to international brands.

The workers handcraft a wide range of items including jackets, handbags, wallets, belts, and shoes. What makes Dharavi’s leather industry unique is the meticulous attention to detail despite limited resources, and the ability to produce premium products at affordable costs. Walking through the factory, you’ll experience the raw energy of labor, the earthy smell of processed leather, and the dedication of artisans who have mastered this craft through generations.

The leather industry is one of Dharavi’s most prominent export sectors, giving the community global recognition. Many travelers visiting these factories are surprised to learn that such world-class craftsmanship emerges from one of Asia’s largest informal settlements.

The market of Dharavi is one of the most vibrant and bustling areas of the settlement, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the community. Narrow lanes are lined with countless small shops, stalls, and workshops where everything from garments, leather goods, and bags to pottery, plastic items, and metal works are made and sold. It is not just a local marketplace but also a hub where products manufactured in Dharavi are supplied to different parts of Mumbai, across India, and even exported abroad.

The market is always alive with activity – shopkeepers calling out to customers, workers transporting goods, and locals bargaining for daily necessities. The mix of colors, sounds, and aromas creates an atmosphere that is both chaotic and fascinating. From street food stalls serving traditional snacks to wholesale outlets offering bulk materials, the market offers a glimpse into Dharavi’s thriving informal economy.

What makes the Dharavi market unique is its combination of production and retail in the same space. Many shops are attached to small-scale industries such as textiles, pottery, and leather, allowing visitors to see how products are crafted before they reach the shelves. This market is not only a place of commerce but also a living example of resilience, resourcefulness, and community-driven enterprise.

Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, is densely populated and primarily known for its small-scale industries and community life. Despite its challenges, education is an essential part of the community, and several schools operate in the area to serve local children.

Types of Schools:

1. Government Schools: These are run by the Maharashtra state government and offer free or low-cost education. Classes typically follow the state curriculum, and schools often provide mid-day meals to encourage attendance.

2. Private Schools: Some low-cost private schools exist in Dharavi, charging minimal fees. They often aim to provide better infrastructure and English-medium instruction compared to government schools.

3. NGO-run Schools and Learning Centers: Several NGOs focus on education in Dharavi, offering supplementary learning, vocational training, and informal education for children who cannot attend regular schools.

Challenges Faced:

Overcrowding: Classrooms often have large numbers of students, making individual attention difficult.

Limited Infrastructure: Many schools have small buildings, limited classrooms, and inadequate sanitation facilities.

Dropout Rates: Economic pressure on families sometimes forces children to leave school early and work in local industries like recycling, pottery, or garment manufacturing.

Dharavi, being one of the largest slums in Asia, has a mix of small clinics, nursing homes, and a few government healthcare facilities that cater to its dense population. The area faces challenges due to overcrowding, sanitation issues, and limited healthcare infrastructure, but several establishments serve the community efficiently.

1. Government Hospitals and Health Centers:

Dharavi has a few municipal health centers run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

These centers provide basic healthcare services, immunizations, maternal and child health care, general outpatient treatment, and some diagnostic services.

They are generally affordable or free for residents.

2. Private Clinics and Nursing Homes:

Numerous small private clinics and dispensaries operate throughout Dharavi, offering general medicine, pediatrics, and minor treatments.

Some clinics specialize in dental care, eye care, or gynecology, often run by local practitioners.

These clinics are convenient and accessible for daily health needs but may have limited facilities for serious conditions.