Architects, urban planners ask Gujarat authorities not to repeat Sabarmati riverfront "model" in Vadodara

By Our Representative
Expressing serious concern over the proposed Vishwamitri Riverfront Development Project (VRDP) in Vadodara, Gujarat’s cultural capital, on lines of the Sabarmati riverfront project in Ahmedabad, showcased as urban model for other states to follow, prominent citizens of the city have come together to demand “a thorough and immediate re-look” into it and “reconceptualize” it. “A major problem with the proposed plans and designs is that they fail to recognize that Vishwamitri river is not like the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, or Tapi in Surat”, they say.
Pointing out that Vadodara’s “physical and cultural characteristics, socio-economic constraints and opportunities, and ecological values are very different and unique”, the citizens say, “What is done for the Sabarmati Riverfront Development (SRDP) should not and must not be repeated for VRDP. We do not want our river to be treated in a piecemeal manner and only for its selected ‘front’, the same way as the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad is treated”. The reference was to Sabarmati riverfront’s beautification for just 10 km stretch; on the downstream for the next 100 km it turns into gutter.
Among those who have drafted the statement – called “petition” – on Vishwamitri include Dr Shishir R Raval, landscape architect and natural resources manager; Sailesh Nair, president, Indian Institute of Architects; Punita Mehta, architect and urban designer; Sanjeev Joshi, architect, urbanist, co-convener of INTACH, Gujarat State; Trupti Shah, economist and activist with Sahiyar, Sonia Nair, landscape architect, Shreya Dalwadi, urban planner; Neha Sarvate, urban planner; Kareena Kochery, architect; and Dhara Patel, architect.
The petition has been submitted to Vadodara municipal commissioner Manoj Bharadwaj, and copy has been sent to chief minister Anandiben Patel.
The citizens underline, “We want our river’s environs to be far less engineered and far more natural while allowing for suitable and compatible development along its corridor”, adding, a problems with the proposed VRDP plans and designs is that “they fail to see the waterfront in the larger systematic / watershed level and they do not take into account progressive international case studies and examples where canalized rivers are turned back into more natural profiles while also accruing more socio-economic and ecological benefits for the entire city and its eco-region.”
Demanding a “wider range of participation from other relevant and needed voices from the city and its eco-region is crucial”, the citizens says, “Genuine and continuous participation from our city’s and eco-region’s academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, private sectors, and common citizens is missing. Such participation must be assured by all levels of government authorities for all stages of development decisions.”
Also taking exception to the Sursagar Development Project (SDP), the citizens says, “For this SDP too, our concerns are based on the information found in the local media and personal networks among the anxious citizens. The description of the project talks about the proposed gateways, fountains, gardens, “Ganesh visarjan areas”, boating, etc.”
However, the project seems “like a disjointed effort at mere beautification. It is not concerned with its ecological, urban design, architectural, or socio-economic and cultural forces or opportunities associated with this historical water body and its link to Vishwamitri river.”
Pointing out these projects should be looked at in a larger context, the citizens say, “Under the various Central and State Governments’ programmes and schemes (such as, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Golden Jubilee Chief Minister Urban Development Scheme) our city, Vadodara, and its eco-region are going to get crores of rupees of investment and, thereby, experience tremendous spurt of planned development as well as ad hoc growth.”
They add, “All such development projects are affecting and will continue to affect even more aspects of our city and its eco-region. Major aspects include natural and cultural heritage, ecological patterns and processes, socio-economic opportunities, urban and regional character, experiential quality, and quality of life for all. We must also ensure that these programs and schemes are more inclusive and progressive and result in more desirable outcomes, in the short and the long term.”

Comments

Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan raises concerns over Jharkhand Adivasis' plight in Assam, BJP policies

By Our Representative The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan (Save Democracy Campaign) has issued a pressing call to protect Adivasi rights in Jharkhand, highlighting serious concerns over the treatment of Jharkhandi Adivasis in Assam. During a press conference in Ranchi on November 9, representatives from Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh criticized the current approach of BJP-led governments in these states, arguing it has exacerbated Adivasi struggles for rights, land, and cultural preservation.

Promoting love or instilling hate and fear: Why is RSS seeking a meeting with Rahul Gandhi?

By Ram Puniyani* India's anti-colonial struggle was marked by a diverse range of social movements, one of the most significant being Hindu-Muslim unity and the emergence of a unified Indian identity among people of all religions. The nationalist, anti-colonial movement championed this unity, best embodied by Mahatma Gandhi, who ultimately gave his life for this cause. Gandhi once wrote, “The union that we want is not a patched-up thing but a union of hearts... Swaraj (self-rule) for India must be an impossible dream without an indissoluble union between the Hindus and Muslims of India. It must not be a mere truce... It must be a partnership between equals, each respecting the religion of the other.”

Right-arm fast bowler who helped West Indies shape arguably greatest Test team in cricket history

By Harsh Thakor* Malcolm Marshall redefined what it meant to be a right-arm fast bowler, challenging the traditional laws of biomechanics with his unique skill. As we remember his 25th death anniversary on November 4th, we reflect on the legacy he left behind after his untimely death from colon cancer. For a significant part of his career, Marshall was considered one of the fastest and most formidable bowlers in the world, helping to shape the West Indies into arguably the greatest Test team in cricket history.

Andhra team joins Gandhians to protest against 'bulldozer action' in Varanasi

By Rosamma Thomas* November 1 marked the 52nd day of the 100-day relay fast at the satyagraha site of Rajghat in Varanasi, seeking the restoration of the 12 acres of land to the Sarva Seva Sangh, the Gandhian organization that was evicted from the banks of the river. Twelve buildings were demolished as the site was abruptly taken over by the government after “bulldozer” action in August 2023, even as the matter was pending in court.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual.

Will Left victory in Sri Lanka deliver economic sovereignty plan, go beyond 'tired' IMF agenda?

By Atul Chandra, Vijay Prashad* On September 22, 2024, the Sri Lankan election authority announced that Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won the presidential election. Dissanayake, who has been the leader of the left-wing JVP since 2014, defeated 37 other candidates, including the incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe of the United National Party (UNP) and his closest challenger Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Will Bangladesh go Egypt way, where military ruler is in power for a decade?

By Vijay Prashad* The day after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka, I was on the phone with a friend who had spent some time on the streets that day. He told me about the atmosphere in Dhaka, how people with little previous political experience had joined in the large protests alongside the students—who seemed to be leading the agitation. I asked him about the political infrastructure of the students and about their political orientation. He said that the protests seemed well-organized and that the students had escalated their demands from an end to certain quotas for government jobs to an end to the government of Sheikh Hasina. Even hours before she left the country, it did not seem that this would be the outcome.

A Marxist intellectual who dwelt into complex areas of the Indian socio-political landscape

By Harsh Thakor* Professor Manoranjan Mohanty has been a dedicated advocate for human rights over five decades. His work as a scholar and activist has supported revolutionary democratic movements, navigating complex areas of the Indian socio-political landscape. His balanced, non-partisan approach to human rights and social justice has made his books essential resources for advocates of democracy.

Tributes paid to pioneer of Naxalism in Punjab, who 'dodged' police for 60 yrs

By Harsh Thakor* Jagjit Singh Sohal, known as Comrade Sharma, a pioneer of Naxalism in Punjab, passed away on October 20 at the age of 96. Committed to the Naxalite cause and a prominent Maoist leader, Sohal, who succeeded Charu Majumdar, played hide and seek with the police for almost six decades. He was cremated in Patiala.

Search This Blog