The affluent and cosmopolitan neighbourhood of South Delhi - Chittaranjan Park, Kalkaji DDA flats and Alaknanda - might soon be upgraded in social and physical infrastructure with a better planning process.
In order to upgrade urban environment and social infrastructure based on policy of urban renewal, the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) has conducted a detailed study of ward 190, which includes the three areas, and found the need for bridging the disconnect between the “Zonal Plan” and “Local Area Plan”.
Ward 190 is surrounded by a mixed urban fabric such as Kalkaji, Greater Kailash and Nehru Place; unplanned areas such as Govindpuri; and green areas like Jahapanah forest. The land use as per the Master Plan 2021 is residential.
In its site-specific ward design study, the commission has found that the major issues faced by the residents of the ward relate to transportation, parking, urban design, parks, stormwater and solid-waste management under the Local Area Plan.
The study analysed each of these issues and made recommendations for urban renewal of the area.
The ward, the DUAC said, lacks healthcare facilities and AIIMS is the nearest hospital. There is lack of basic amenities like drinking water and public toilets.
Urban designsLack of lane division for motorised and non-motorised vehicles and inadequate footpaths were noticed in the ward.
Absence of facilities for the differently-abled and senior citizens, no dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, no signage and streetlights, and grating at the base of trees were some negatives. Absence of organised hoardings and dirty back lanes of the houses and absence of dustbins at regular intervals were some of the issues taken up in the study.
The DUAC also found the Right of Way (ROW) designated in the Master Plan not available on site and was either encroached upon due to vehicular parking, by street hawkers or by rampant construction leading to traffic congestion during peak hours.
The DUAC recommended clearing of all encroachments, proper lanes for motorised and non-motorised vehicles, well-designed footpaths keeping in mind the needs of the disabled and the elderly, a dedicated lane for cyclists, proper signage, and segregated waste bins at regular intervals.
As part of the proposal for streetscaping, the DUAC considered making ward 190 cyclable. It also proposed cycle stands at metro stations and enclosed ticketed cycle parking lots.
Physical infrastructure
At present, the stormwater drain inlets are not covered with grating, which allows all solid waste to enter the drain resulting in choking.
Overhead electric cables in the ward are an eyesore and aesthetically unappealing, the DUAC study reported. The commission recommended that common utility ducts be made an integral part of streetscaping and all services such as electric cables, gas and telecom lines be out underground in these ducts.
A solid waste disposal scheme with waste segregation at household level, collection and storage is also not in place.
Transportation
There is lack of connectivity from ward 190 to the nearest metro station. During peak hours, major roads are congested with parked vehicles due to absence of designated parking areas. At present, the passengers rely on private transport which leads to traffic congestion.
The DUAC recommended that para-transit modes such as auto-taxis, metro feeder buses and rickshaws be integrated with the existing public transport system for better connectivity. It also proposed that intelligent transportation system showing bus route and current location of the bus should be installed at every stop and a bilingual area map be displayed.
Kali Bari area
The DUAC found the entry to the revered Kali Bari area “not very pleasing” as there is an electric pole, a defunct drinking water fountain, and a staircase leading to the temple near the entry point. Besides, cars are parked in front of the temple encroaching upon the right of way.
“It is being proposed to install a statute of Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das in front of the temple. Also, as people of Bengal are known to have interests in all art forms, the same is proposed to be reflected through murals on the retaining wall at the temple complex.
Underground multi-level parking
The DUAC has proposed four underground multi-level parking facilities in the ward. It said the parking facilities must have toilets, drinking water facilities, car wash and mechanics, charging points for electric cars, and a cafeteria. The parking facilities must be well connected with the nearest metro station.
Parks
The zonal parks in the ward were also found to be ill-designed and unkempt. The DUAC recommended that the boundary walls of the parks not be a visual barrier and the footpaths be cleared of all encroachments by hawkers and vendors.
Market 1 at the Chittaranjan Park, which has the city’s famous freshwater fish market, was also found to be lacking proper disposal, parking, hoardings, place for loading and unloading of goods, and waste management.
The DUAC proposed proper steps and ramp for better approach to the market, designated cycle stands and vehicular parking, façade control: designated space for hoardings/banners and signage for easy directions and legibility, proper seating arrangements, and segregated waste bins in open spaces in the market area.
It has also proposed kiosks in the market for relocation of vendors and hawkers who otherwise encroach upon footpaths, redesigning of junction, street cross-section and bus stops, and putting up photo voltaic panels (generating 100 KVA) on terrace.
Survey for urban renewal
Findings
Issues faced by the residents relate to transportation, parking, urban design, parks, stormwater and solid waste management
Ward lacks healthcare facilities and basic amenities. The Right of Way designated in the Master Plan not available on site
Stormwater drain inlets are not covered with grating, which allows all solid waste to enter the drain, resulting in choking
No connectivity to the nearest metro station. Roads are congested with parked vehicles. Passengers rely on private transport
Entry to Kali Bari is “not very pleasing” with an electric pole, defunct drinking water fountain, a staircase leading to temple
Market 1 at Chittaranjan Park was found to be lacking proper disposal, parking, and place for loading and unloading of goods
Recommendations
Clearing of encroachments, lanes for motorised and non-motorised vehicles, well-designed footpaths, lane for cyclists, signage, waste bins
Common utility ducts be made an integral part of streetscaping and electric cables, gas and telecom lines be out underground in these ducts
Para-transit modes such as auto-taxis, metro feeder buses and rickshaws be integrated with the existing public transport for better connectivity
Four underground multi-level parking facilities with toilets, drinking water, car wash and mechanics, charging points for electric cars, cafeteria
Kiosks in the market for relocation of vendors, hawkers; redesigning of junction, street cross-section and bus stops; photo voltaic panels on terrace