Page 137 - Built Expressions - Online Construction Magazine - November 2014 Issue

Green Strokes Raj Ghat, Gandhi Nagar, between there is a close relationship between the landform Wazirabad and ITO, etc. and their and the river, which collecting the water from many development will bring people to tributaries and drains moves from the mountains to riverfront. The river landscape can be taken up in terraces by identifying the sea. Its maze-like structure refects and celebrates a inundation levels. This requires co- kinesthetic and topographic abstraction of space. ordination among different agencies involved in the management of the Yamuna, its drains, canals, water and generating the interest of the with, keeping in view its eco-sensitive treatment works and adjacent lands. citizens in the river and riverfront. The nature and within an overall policy Boating, maritime sports, aquatic enforcement strategy should strictly framework. sports, aquariums and development prevent and control unauthorized sand No development proposal, of pedestrian boulevards, landscape mining, water theft, appropriation of including roads and railways, should trails along the drains/canals and public/river land for illegal colonies, be taken up without a comprehensive bridges on Yamuna can be integral construction and encroachments Environment Management Plan and part of the landscape development. in the river zone. This requires an Landscape and Bio-diversity Plan. In Increased accessibility to the river effective and empowered institutional order to integrate the river within the and landscape development based structure, bringing various agencies on larger framework of the city and to bring on environmental and technical a common platform with a legal backup the river closer to the citizens, public norms will enliven the river front and a clear delineation and defnition activities with last mile connectivity is and improve its aesthetics. Thus the of various terms, such as water desirable. Strong emphasis needs to riverfront development can revive the course, embankment, food plain, be given to selection of plant material/ community life and a mark of pride for riverfront and river zone. To ensure greenery and design of landscape, them. Infrastructure and access are the conservation of the eco-sensitive signage system and outdoor furniture. critical for developing the riverfront. nature of the river zone and to take Outdoor publicity, hoardings, etc. It should provide easy and safe access up the removal of polluting and non- should be strictly prohibited in the to riverfront and connect people to the conforming activities from it, a legal riverfront and river zone. river. shield is a must. The agencies dealing The strategic phasing of the with the river, land, water, power, Riverfront Development in Delhi river project should start with the irrigation, drainage and sewerage A major concern of riverfront preparation of an overall watershed should work together to evolve development should be enhancing its development plan by participation of coordinated water supply-sewerage- walkability so that the public could all concerned agencies, government drainage and food control schemes, and approach and enjoy the riverfront. departments and the people. The preparation of integrated environment This would also generate public enforcement strategy should strictly management plans. The regularization participation and pressure to make prevent and control unauthorized sand of encroachments, religious structures, the river clean and sacred, and also mining, water theft, appropriation of industries, commercial activities and make the city more lively, healthy and public/river land for illegal colonies, unauthorized colonies in River Zone sustainable. Increased accessibility to construction and encroachments should be avoided and carefully dealt the river basin and areas lying behind in the river zone. This requires an effective and empowered institutional structure, bringing various agencies on a common platform with a legal proof.nationalgeographic.com defnition of various terms, such as backup and a clear delineation and water course, embankment, food plain, riverfront and river zone. To ensure the conservation of the eco-sensitive nature of the river zone and to take up the removal of polluting and non-conforming activities from it, a legal shield is a must. The agencies dealing with the river, land, water, power, irrigation, November 2014vember 2014 V Vol: 3 Issue: 11ol: 3 Issue: 11 No Built Expressions PG137