Proposals to improve Rajkot's urban form discussed at a conference at Cept University in Ahmedabad.
Can Aji river of Rajkot have a riverfront similar to Sabarmati? Can the city's heritage be revived? Is there possibility to increase pedestrian space in the city? These proposals were discussed at a conference titled '2012: Sustainable Urban Form for Indian Cities' in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Organised by CityForm-India, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Centre for Environmental Planning and technology (Cept) and School of Planning and Architecture, the conference concentrated on developing an appropriate urban form for Indian cities. A case study of Rajkot city was taken up for the talk.
"Since Rajkot is one of the developing cities, it is important to understand the present urban form of the city and make amendments to give it a suitable urban form with proper infrastructure," said Prof Utpal Sharma of Cept as he presented the case and focused on proposals to develop the city in a sustainable way. "One possible intervention, considering the presence of heritage structures and temples, is the riverfront.
Pedestrianisation of local markets, introduction of bus route, utilisation of existing public domain and upgradation of open spaces can be considered." He further said that one of the strengths of Rajkot was its high density and compact urban form.
However, the city also faces threats like high commercialisation, increasing traffic congestion and outward migration of people.
"We want to improve the quality of life and prevent degeneration of the area with minimum intervention. For this, a proper public transport should be developed along with efforts to improve pedestrian network," said Sharma.
Another proposal crucial for the city is improvement of open spaces and slum revitalization. "Presently, 1/6th of the population lives in slums and constitutes the informal sector. There are people residing in the slums for more than 10 years. Basic infrastructure and affordable housing should be provided to them," said Sharma.
Also, looking at the inappropriate location of commercial development and ghettoisation, there should be proper integration of sustainable and intensive use of land with better transport strategies.
"Due to lack of integrated informal activity and informal settlements, there is need for EWS housing and proper use of land resource." He further said that mixed land use should be promoted, both vertically and horizontally. The city development plans should also include slum-free plans and focus on
reducing urban poverty.
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