Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 5:30am
At a recent Interdisciplinary Group Meeting, I gave a presentation on the path that planners, engineers and designers in the government should/ could take to achieve the World Class City goals of Delhi. It was a technical presentation on how a Vision and Methodology for change needs to be prepared collectively - to achieve these dreams for Delhi.
Although I have spent several years in the US and China and also traveled in Europe & Russia - I am generally extremely careful about the recommendations I make from international sources. My general preference is to find benchmarks for Delhi - first in Bombay (community spirit, great public spaces); then China (organized, comfortable & enjoyable chaos); and then the US (which is also trying to mend some of the same mistakes Delhi has made in the last 60 years i.e. car oriented growth and design).
In other words, I generally talk after a lot of thought, research and reflection...
After the presentation, which was highly appreciated by most Senior people in the room, a gentleman commented - "We are Indians. We should not try to make India into Europe, US or China. What works there will not work here. Our 'situation' is unique and we have to work within that."
This is not something I was hearing for the first time, but nevertheless, my blood boils every time I do hear it.
Luckily before me... the Chairman of the meeting, a very senior IAS officer responded first - "We are aspiring to become a 'world class city'. So we cannot say that - we are Indians and we will remain like this only.... We have to ADAPT, not Compromise."
I thought that was a fantastic answer.... but I proceeded to add some thoughts:
Delhi males have the primary occupation of eve-teasing and harassing women on the street. Spitting and urinating at every available location is a national pastime. People are being killed every day under blueline buses or just while commuting on the street. Most people who are even in the middle income groups - treat lower income people like shit! We don't even know the names of our drivers and peons.... leave alone thank them occasionally.
Is this India?? Is this the Delhi we want to preserve and be proud of?
After this discussion, I now recommend a new Mantra for all decision makers - When faced with a dilemma on what choices or decisions to make - just go for the one that makes you feel proud of the outcome.
MY DEFINITION OF A 'WORLD CLASS DELHI':
1. SAFE DELHI:
- A woman can walk safely after 7 pm.
- A poor car-less man can feel proud and safe walking on the street or taking public transit.
2. WELL CONNECTED DELHI:
- It is Fast, safe, easy and comfortable to move around for the 80% non-car owners of Delhi.
- Emphasis is on moving people, not private vehicles.
- Walking + public transit is made the preferred choice.
3. CLEAN & GREEN DELHI - THAT IS USABLE & ACCESSIBLE:
- All public spaces and green areas/parks are made accessible, 'usable' and safe for the young, old, rich & poor of the city.
- Landscapes are made to "work a double shift" as Storm Water Treatment machines.
- Eliminate the concept of Waste. Recycle and Reuse to the maximum...
- Reduce Emissions from Transportation and Buildings.
4. DELHI THAT ALL CITIZENS ARE PROUD OF:
- Rich and poor have ‘equal access’ to transit and public amenities.
- Poor and rich ‘coexist’ symbiotically – benefiting each other.
- All citizens feel pride and a sense of ownership for the city due to active involvement in its decision making process.
----
In my PPT presentation which I have been sharing with leaders, bureaucrats and one & all in Delhi - I have demonstrated some ideas and methodologies we need to adapt (from a planning, engineering and design standpoint) - to achieve the above goals.
I have also now been given a chance to implement some of these goals. But its difficult to do this alone... we need help and support. And people who can work with dedication and produce these outcomes.... And there are VERY FEW capable brains and hands currently within the govt. organizations....
I hope my energies last.... and help arrives... :)
In my PPT presentation which I have been sharing with leaders, bureaucrats and one & all in Delhi - I have demonstrated some ideas and methodologies we need to adapt (from a planning, engineering and design standpoint) - to achieve the above goals.
Source: Flickr.com/ mybandra.com
Public spaces must be common and accessible to all age and income groups... and NOT ticketed!!
"Carter Road Promenade: developed by the Bandra West Residents Association (BWRA) - a common public space used by people of all age groups and income levels…."
Source: http://philip9876.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/delhi-metro1.jpg
Delhi Metro: One of the few new "Prides of Delhi"
At a recent Interdisciplinary Group Meeting, I gave a presentation on the path that planners, engineers and designers in the government should/ could take to achieve the World Class City goals of Delhi. It was a technical presentation on how a Vision and Methodology for change needs to be prepared collectively - to achieve these dreams for Delhi.
Although I have spent several years in the US and China and also traveled in Europe & Russia - I am generally extremely careful about the recommendations I make from international sources. My general preference is to find benchmarks for Delhi - first in Bombay (community spirit, great public spaces); then China (organized, comfortable & enjoyable chaos); and then the US (which is also trying to mend some of the same mistakes Delhi has made in the last 60 years i.e. car oriented growth and design).
In other words, I generally talk after a lot of thought, research and reflection...
After the presentation, which was highly appreciated by most Senior people in the room, a gentleman commented - "We are Indians. We should not try to make India into Europe, US or China. What works there will not work here. Our 'situation' is unique and we have to work within that."
This is not something I was hearing for the first time, but nevertheless, my blood boils every time I do hear it.
Luckily before me... the Chairman of the meeting, a very senior IAS officer responded first - "We are aspiring to become a 'world class city'. So we cannot say that - we are Indians and we will remain like this only.... We have to ADAPT, not Compromise."
I thought that was a fantastic answer.... but I proceeded to add some thoughts:
Delhi males have the primary occupation of eve-teasing and harassing women on the street. Spitting and urinating at every available location is a national pastime. People are being killed every day under blueline buses or just while commuting on the street. Most people who are even in the middle income groups - treat lower income people like shit! We don't even know the names of our drivers and peons.... leave alone thank them occasionally.
Is this India?? Is this the Delhi we want to preserve and be proud of?
After this discussion, I now recommend a new Mantra for all decision makers - When faced with a dilemma on what choices or decisions to make - just go for the one that makes you feel proud of the outcome.
MY DEFINITION OF A 'WORLD CLASS DELHI':
1. SAFE DELHI:
- A woman can walk safely after 7 pm.
- A poor car-less man can feel proud and safe walking on the street or taking public transit.
2. WELL CONNECTED DELHI:
- It is Fast, safe, easy and comfortable to move around for the 80% non-car owners of Delhi.
- Emphasis is on moving people, not private vehicles.
- Walking + public transit is made the preferred choice.
3. CLEAN & GREEN DELHI - THAT IS USABLE & ACCESSIBLE:
- All public spaces and green areas/parks are made accessible, 'usable' and safe for the young, old, rich & poor of the city.
- Landscapes are made to "work a double shift" as Storm Water Treatment machines.
- Eliminate the concept of Waste. Recycle and Reuse to the maximum...
- Reduce Emissions from Transportation and Buildings.
4. DELHI THAT ALL CITIZENS ARE PROUD OF:
- Rich and poor have ‘equal access’ to transit and public amenities.
- Poor and rich ‘coexist’ symbiotically – benefiting each other.
- All citizens feel pride and a sense of ownership for the city due to active involvement in its decision making process.
----
In my PPT presentation which I have been sharing with leaders, bureaucrats and one & all in Delhi - I have demonstrated some ideas and methodologies we need to adapt (from a planning, engineering and design standpoint) - to achieve the above goals.
I have also now been given a chance to implement some of these goals. But its difficult to do this alone... we need help and support. And people who can work with dedication and produce these outcomes.... And there are VERY FEW capable brains and hands currently within the govt. organizations....
I hope my energies last.... and help arrives... :)
In my PPT presentation which I have been sharing with leaders, bureaucrats and one & all in Delhi - I have demonstrated some ideas and methodologies we need to adapt (from a planning, engineering and design standpoint) - to achieve the above goals.
Source: Flickr.com/ mybandra.comPublic spaces must be common and accessible to all age and income groups... and NOT ticketed!!
"Carter Road Promenade: developed by the Bandra West Residents Association (BWRA) - a common public space used by people of all age groups and income levels…."
Delhi Metro: One of the few new "Prides of Delhi"
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