Chapter 8. Summary and Conclusions
8.1 Summary
8.1.1 Proposed Built Environment and Design Decisions
For integrating the built forms in the urban fabric, particularly in an environmentally sensitive area like Deepor Beel, both universal and local planning and design factors were considered and addressed in the proposed design.
8.1.1.1 Universal Factors
Use of handbooks and guidelines from international and national organizations for Environment Protection, Wetland Conservation and Management in planning and design are examples of universal factors considered. The check list for formulation of Management action plan by the Conservation division of Ministry of External Affairs (MOEF), Government of India was used to analyze the proposal by GMDA for Conservation and Management of this wetland.
With the guidelines of Ramsar provisions of planning recreational tourism (handbook 4), activities like Flower Museum, Interpretation Center and Aquarium were planned with interpretation as a tool to enhance visitors’ experiences and provide them with a better appreciation to value protected areas. Similarly, for visual appropriateness and increased utility, the proposed design interventions were influenced and characterized by linear planning to orient views towards water. Advantage of the shape / slope of the site was utilized and provided for promenades and edges with elevation planning to obtain maximum viewing angles. Two wide viewing decks are provided in single level elevation but cantilevered towards water near Mikirpara Chakordeo village in Pamohi road situated in close proximity to the wetland. At present, these spots are frequented by many visitors, but without any facilities for the public or protection for both visitors and the wetland. Stepped promenades were proposed along the edges of the water bodies and constructed wetlands at some locations in node 3 as per the functions and accessibility, for sitting and enjoying the natural vista. . Even the riparian buffer edges along the two rivers can be enjoyed for their natural beauty through the walking pathways provided beyond the slopped and vegetated buffers of 25m on either sides.
8.1.1.2 Local Factors
Detailed analysis on communities, Urban Growth Pattern, proposed DPR by GMDA on Conservation and Management and socio-cultural values were employed to create a baseline for planning and designing the built environment: the proposed recreation and eco-tourism site covers a total area of 1.61 sq.km, divided into three nodes (161 Hectare/397.8 acres). The planning concept originated from general model, green model and cost model. The green model integrated the highest level of sustainability, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation. Design research was conducted to explore strategies to speed up implementation and to find a tangible
solution for the conservation of urban wetlands like Deepor Beel. The design concept was to integrate nature, human, water and the built-environment with target indices as below.
Simplicity to match the urban fabric around
Aesthetics to illustrate cultural dynamics
Humane-centric approach to design (inclusive)
Energy and water conservation
Scale and proportion
Low impact on the sensitive ecosystem around
Landscape regeneration
Right mix of land use
Encourage active mobility (walking, cycling)
Tourist hotspot
The three recreational and public facility nodes identified by GMDA in the master plan were further scrutinized with additions and alterations made on the basis of recommendations given by experts and community representatives, the primary and the secondary stakeholders. To name a few, all three entry nodes are provided with one big multi-purpose playground for outdoor sports, which can be used as a community festival ground with parking, children’s play area, food court and toilet facilities. Festival celebration in the amphitheaters, gazebos for public interaction and rest area, bicycle-jogging tracks around and aquariums plans are incorporated for a better humane-centric design and utility. Landscape restoration with water bodies in and around the wetland is planned to help creating a favorable micro climate. All three areas are designed with nodes for sculptures, fountain gates etc. to showcase cultural identity. With a target for an Integrated Eco-Tourism, the design domains are mainly based on low impact and cost effective design solutions (less built up volume) with active movement (cycling or walking in more than one direction), thermal comfort (shading), easy circulation and way finding, education and learning with the added attraction of experiencing vast open spaces. This is illustrated by provision of playground, nature trailing, jogging and cycling corridors in all three nodes. Thermal comfort is to be achieved through semi shaded pathways with weaved bamboo shading (Detail drawing in annexure 10)
Ecotel, resort and other recreational facilities planned for both node 2 and node 3 are designed keeping PPP model in mind as per the proposal given by GMDA. Node 2 with the proposed recreation area is divided into areas for an Ecotel and additional resorts with cottages along with public recreation facilities. Node 3 is proposed with a detailed layout plan for all water related recreational facilities, taking advantage of the water edge and proximity to city limits. This can be implemented after the clarification of notified and potential notified areas.
Nearly all plots in this node are marked as notified and potential notified area (Annexure 8). In the meantime, facilities approved by state government for all 3 nodes will be developed phase wise in the open available land pockets, leaving the existing houses for evacuation (interview extract from Mr. R. M. Das, consultant, GMDA).