In the second part of this series, we explore two leather workshops near the 90 feet road in Dharavi, to understand where and how all processes in the creation of leather products are carried out.

Koliwada Charcha is a week-long event with an interactive exhibition format, residents who visit will give feedback and comments about the 4 interventions planned for their neighbourhood. These interventions were identified by speaking with various stakeholder groups from Dharavi Koliwada, including the Dharavi Koli Jamat. The projects act as triggers to start thinking and strategising about an alternative development model for Koliwada, as part of the Action Based Comprehensive Development plan for Koliwada, or the ABCD. 

A new book by urbz co-founders, Matias Echanove and Rahul Srivastava, drawing on their learning from Mumbai, Tokyo and other cities where they have been active for over 15 years. 

The Homegrown Street exhibition opened on 23rd September, bringing together years of work. Residents of Sangam Gully in Dharavi imagined their future homes, local contractors designed them, and artisans from across Mumbai built 17 models in leather, brass, steel, embroidery, clay and more. This article follows the builders and craftspeople at the opening as they see their skills celebrated, many for the first time. Open daily until 27th September, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

A prize winning proposal to recycle plastic waste along Mumbai's coastal village of Versova, uses fishing nets and the involvement of the local fishing community.

Where affordable housing is scarce but people have tweaked the system and the land to achieve the best possible results in the given circumstances. 

Walking on Mahatma Gandhi Road seemed like being part of a big never ending real time movie.

"I was fortunate enough to be a part of the urbz network through my internship with them in Mumbai. I then travelled to Bogotá, Colombia as part of their network. Having lived in Mumbai, combined with my experience of life in Bogotá, naturally led me to compare the two cities; their multiple similarities and not so many differences". 

We are excited to present the first issue of a graphic novel about the Vithal- Bhaskar Chawl in Dharavi Koliwada. This issue sets the historical context for the issues to follow - where we draw and tell you more about the participatory redevelopment project initiated by the residents.