Dharavi was first declared officially by the government as a slum in 1976. The “Nagars” were not named by the government but the inhabitants. 400-500 families that live together could declare themselves as a Nagar.
Social Nagar started at 1978. The earliest inhabitants were social outcasts like drunkards and gamblers. The inhabitants named their community “Social Nagar” because “Social” suggest progression. They are hoping for a progressive community in Dharavi.
The early inhabitants of Social Nagar started constructing their houses in mud on simply living in tents. Gradually they go for more long – lasting materials like wood. Then, sturdy blocks of asbestos and cement appears in the 80´s. corrugated metal sheets that are used for roofing are made partitions. The settlements evolved into brick houses. All of them have electric connections. Some of them even have air - conditioning systems installed.
The earliest industry in Social Nagar was leather. It begins at 1982 and is still one of the most important industries in Social Nagar. In the early 90´s, the banana industry starts to bloom. Banana market in Social Nagar in the cheapest in Mumbai. However, there is a transition of economy from banana to garment industry from 1995 onwards. In fact, garment shops started to grow in Social Nagar in the beginning of 90´s and the growth reaches its peak in 1995. They bloom in Dharavi, especially in Social Nagar because of the cheap rent. Some garment shop owners even took over the ownership of land by buying. This forces the banana industry to move to the suburbs.
Even though politically, the Social Nagar is bounded by the 90 Ft Road, the rail and a minor road at the south, this area is further segregated from within. Currently, the area between 90 Ft Road and MG Road is 90% Muslim while the sector between MG Road and the rail is meanly Hindi in population. The segregation of population is a result of the religious riot in 1992 and 93. Before that the inhabitants of Social Nagar lived together regardless of their religion. However, despite the religious boundary (in MG Road) between the Muslims and Hindus, it is interesting to note that people of different religion work together outside their community. It is common to find workers of different religions in a factory.
Very often there is a misconception that the segregation of Social Nagar into smaller communities is a result of the riot in 1992-93. This is not the case, in fact, the segregation started in 1996 because of purely logistic reasons, for easier deliverance of postal items. The population just shift into different small communities after they have been established, not the other way around.
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