Page 24 - HUDCO BEST PRACTICE AWARDS

EnvironmEntal managEmEnt, EnErgy ConsErvation and grEEn Building

Lesson learned

he enormous vehicular congestion in
Tthe NCR region, dependence on private
vehicles due to lack of better commuting
options, even for short distance travel within
the city and the alarming level of pollution
motivate us to find greener solutions to the
city’s mobility problems.

Bundh at Sec 52/53 Tracks for cyclists & physically challenged This project has a unique context and has
been implemented on a site-responsive, experimental basis and hence has not
with perforated pipes were connected to recharge pits for increased ground water recharge relied on any past experience. It teaches valuable lessons on collaborative citizen-
and ensure zero discharge into the municipal drains. Native plant species, suitable for dry, driven initiatives and how corporate can play a role in improving the city’s environment
arid climate and those requiring minimal water after planting were used to create a water – to create better urban spaces for people. It also goes to prove that the solution to traffic
efficient landscape with enhanced biodiversity. congestion is not by making more space for cars, but by creating corridors for alternative
Socio-economic and cultural sustainability: The challenges of urban regeneration and modes of transport.
sustainability have been addressed in the renewal of the urban backyard of the city, through These ideas can certainly be used at other sites, but the design cues have to be responsive
the provision of socially inclusive spaces and in the planning and designing of a barrier-free to the needs of the area of implementation. Also, the drainage of the area, especially of
movement corridor with all sections of the society in mind, including the differently-abled, hard paved surfaces needs to be thoughtfully worked out in order to increase ground water
with public spaces for social and cultural interactions. recharge and hence reduce the load on the city’s drain network. And native trees and plants
are the most sustainable option for water conservation and for increased biodiversity.
Transferability
VSPB Associates and IAMGURGAON NGO
he Chhakarpur-Wazirabad Bundh project is a unique endeavour, unparalleled in the
Tcountry, and shall set a benchmark of its own in terms of collaborations, methodology, VSPB Associates is a consultancy firm with expertise in Architecture, Urban Design,
design interventions and outcomes for similar work in future. Heritage, Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design related fields. Formed in 1995,
the firm is associated with projects of diverse scale and nature.
It has so far not been replicated in any manner, but can serve as a model for design of
non-motorized mobility corridors in other metropolitan areas, in the use of sustainable and Iamgurgaon is an organisation by the citizen, for the citizen initiative in Gurgaon, aiming
resilient surfacing materials and adoption of environmental friendly practices as discussed to help make Gurgaon, a better place to live. It provides a platform to bring citizens,
above. This will promote pedestrian movement as well as cycling as a pollution-free residents welfare associations, corporate groups, schools, state administration and
circulation system for short distance travel from one part of the city to another. other stakeholders in a collaborative partnership to effect the transformation of Gurgaon
into a true Millennium City.

Before and after images of the project

24