Equitable Cities:
Can Chennai Lead?
Can Chennai Lead?
by Mr. DURGANAND BALSAVAR,
ARCHITECT, CHENNAI
ARCHITECT, CHENNAI
The Chennai city needs to evolve a new paradigm
of inclusive growth
There is much discussion on smart cities,
carbon-free cities & cities as engines of economic growth.
I do not think anyone really disputes these
grandiose schemes. But, beneath these layers another aspiration often goes
unnoticed -an invisible city of migrants.
Even as our cities grow with migrant populations,
urban planners rarely recognise their presence.
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| Mr. DURGANAND BALSAVAR, ARCHITECT, CHENNAI |
In a recent exercise with architecture students,
explorations in housing indicated that if synergised with large infrastructure
projects, it is possible to create affordable housing.
It would also be possible to extend quality
healthcare and education to all sections of society. This requires a change in
mindset as well as fundamental policy.
When over thousands of crores are allocated for
infrastructure, it should be possible to apportion a small percentage for the
housing needs of the workforce that makes it possible.
A range of cost-effective, sustainable housing
solutions are feasible, from pre-fab to
incremental housing at affordable
costs.
Bio-gas & waste recycling can generate a
steady revenue for the community. Organic waste could spur urban agriculture
& water could be recycled.
The Corporation of Chennai has a daily battle
with the huge amount of garbage and organic waste the city generates.
If larger housing colonies could recycle
vegetable waste and generate compost, the Corporation would be relieved of
almost 40% of their disposal management.
A concerted effort from civic society to reclaim
public spaces for communion and recreation, would transform and restore city
life.
Over the last few years, NGOs in Chennai have
undertaken the arduous task of mapping the city's public spaces & its
natural resources.
The tree count of Chennai needs to increase
double-fold. It would consequently reduce the carbon dioxide pollution. Of
course, smart technology can create a greater efficiency of urban services.
Technologies are outdated in a few months. Would
this mean that smart cities would be at the mercy of costly technological upgrades.
The larger question is if the cost of these upgrades could ever justify the
slow improvement in quality of life.
For long, cities have been consumers of energy,
with scant regard for the environment.
Across the planet, a new optimism is however emerging
to clean up urban-rivers. Each city will have to evolve its own unique process.
Eventually, the most reliable indicator of an
equitable city is efficient public transport.
Consolidating seamless travel between metro, sub
- urban rail, buses and feeder net works
could reduce congestion on the streets.
About the author..!
Mr. DURGANAND BALSAVAR is ARCHITECT at CHENNAI.
Mr. Durganand Balsavar founded Artes human settlements research collaborative. After graduation from CEPT Ahmedabad in 1990 & ETH Zurich (exchange) he apprenticed in Paris & with Dr.B.V.doshi . Balsawar has been part of several national & international juries.
Based in Chennai Artes has been engaged in urban and rural development housing rehabilitation war refugees, disaster mitigation & educational institutions. The post tsunami projects designed by Artes have featured in Domus & new directions in sustainable design by Routledge press.
Artes Human Seclements Development Collaborave
33, Dr. Guruswamy Road
Chetpet, Chennai - 600 031
E -mail id : artesindia@gmail.com
https://in.linkedin.com/pub/durganand-balsavar/24/151/35a
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