‘City losing its character in process of urbanisation’

 

 

Urban sustainability has become an issue with regard to Nagpur’s current development scenario. With every step of development, citizens face new challenge. So, comes the question -- Does the city really need such development? Eminent architect of the city Pradyumna Sahasrabhojanee, in an interview with ‘The Hitavada’ offers in reply a deeper understanding of inter-connectednes of development, urban planning and design, livability, and interests of people. Sahasrabhojanee said that ensuring satisfaction and comfort of people held the key to a livable urban environment. Safeguarding the natural surroundings is central to this since Nature’s influence on well-being was direct. Also, neglecting the living conditions and lifestyle of the less privileged sections of society would undermine progress, he observed.

 

According to him, a thriving urban society should be democratic and considerate of all its inhabitants. Sahasrabhojanee highlighted that challenges affecting the city need not be physical. But, he added, excluding the interests of the people is a major concern. He questioned the legality of certain projects in Nagpur, and the lack of vision in current planning approaches. Nobody is there to question, he lamented. He felt that planning metro railway routes along the Ring Roads would have been a more logical choice, but said that metro railway connecting the industrial areas was benefitting the workers. Sahasrabhojanee said that the city grew organically during Bhosala rule, following principles that ensured survival of civilisation. He praised previous street planning in areas like Mahal. “The narrow streets between market area and residential zones were designed well then.

 

During summers, the streets provided a relief from heat to visitors,” he said. However, he rued, the city’s transformation had led to loss of its original character. In the process of urbanisation, the city’s unique identity and charm should not be compromised with, he stressed. Sahasrabhojanee said that flyovers might provide some relief from traffic congestion, but there were downsides too. Approach road to flyovers becomes saturated. Arrangements should be made at the approach road to reduce congestion. “The current situation is a consequence of town planners’ failure to foresee the challenges citizens might face,” he said.

 

Unhappy over the idea of monetisation of urban lands, he said that rules and regulations were often manipulated to suit the interests of those in power, rather than serving the greater good of the city. “The rules and regulations easily change according to their convenience”, he added with displeasure. Offering solutions, he underlined the need for sufficient spaces along highways for greenery, providing a pleasant environment while travelling. He lamented wanton felling of trees in the name of development, neglect of water-bodies and contamination of rivers with sewage. According to him, simply building a few parks within residential societies as compensation is inadequate. There is a need for better urban planning including green spaces in landscape. The solution lies in symbiotic relationship between people, environment, and development, he concluded.