This settlement existed even before 1974, surrounded by grassland, jungle and quicksand, and all kinds of insects and reptiles, people lived here in constant fear and around danger. The homes around the settlement were made of aluminium sheet and roofs made of plastic sheets. Some homes were made of bamboo too. Initially, residents from Tamil Nadu migrated here and built slums over as much land as they could reclaim. Toddy making was a big business over here. Prominent religions in Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar are Hindus and Muslims. Castes like Marathas, Kunbis, North Indians (from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) reside here.
Men of this area work as BMC workers, drivers, some work in private firms while women work in small scale industries around Dharavi.
Residents celebrate all the traditional Indian festivals with equal fervor and gaiety. Prominent festivals are Diwali, Dassera, Holi, Gudi Padwa, Navratri, Eid.
