An Unexplored Potential
B-Arch Dissertation  |  T.V.B. School of Habitat Studies, India (1996) 

This Bachelor of Architecture dissertation investigates the natural drainage channel network in Delhi, India, how conventional planning has ignored this network, and the subsequent impact on resulting urban development, both planned and unplanned. This planning approach has shaped professional and public attitudes toward the natural drainage system, into one of harmful indifference and neglect. 

This study examines how the natural drainage network can be understood and utilized in order to achieve a more healthy and sustainable future, along with other long-term benefits, for the city and its inhabitants. 

Full Abstract

The natural drainage channel network existing along with other natural features like hills, lakes, rivers systems etc., besides performing the purpose of draining the landscape, forms an important part of the physiography of the region. As a result, these features play a significant role in determining the origin and growth of settlements. Along with the change occurring in the character of the settlements from rural to urban, the role and significance of these features, besides their physical characteristics, also undergoes a change. It is observed that the way a city grows, in a planned or an unplanned manner, with respect to the natural lay of the land, greatly influences its form and functioning at various levels, ranging from making the city legible or enhancing its imageability to ensuring the existence of a healthy ecosystem with all the natural systems in order. Taking the case of Delhi, one realizes that the way this city has grown, as a result of the planning strategies adopted over the past several decades, no longer reflects the nature of the original landscape of the region. Natural features, like the Ridge and the river, instead of becoming the prominent and visible features of the city and determining its form and pattern of growth, have been completely sidelined and ignored. This planning approach, demonstrated through isolating these natural features, without attempting to integrate them into the city's structure has led to the development of an attitude of indifference towards them, both on the part of the planners as well as the residents, leading to their neglect and abuse.

As observed in the case of the drainage channels, with the neighborhoods being planned with their backs towards them, these channels have turned into carriers of solid wastes and effluents with squatter settlements proliferating along them. Examining the natural or inherent features of these channels, winch include their physical character i.e., their gradient, sectional profile and linearity as well as their role and significance as a part of the city's fabric; it is found that by capitalizing on the above features, the channels can be developed in various ways to achieve long term benefits for the city. But this is possible only if a comprehensive development strategy is formulated for the entire channel network instead of covering and building over them. This approach, which has primarily been adopted in response to the increasing deterioration occurring in the condition of the channels, though has helped in improving things to a certain extent, has failed to address or cater to the long term needs of the city. Due to a complete lack of understanding of the total scope of issues involved, the approach when analyzed, seems, not only a shortsighted one but also uncoordinated and disorganized, which, in order to fulfill the immediate needs of the various neighborhoods, has totally lost out on aspects relating to the city at a broader level.

This dissertation thus, attempts to explore alternate ways in which these channels can be utilized by understanding and taking advantage of their inherent characteristics, in order to achieve a more healthy and sustainable future along with other long term benefits for the city. Among others, the various possibilities discussed as a part of the dissertation proposal include; these channels being utilized as Transportation Corridors, Service Corridors, City Greens, and Urban Public Open Spaces. The analysis of the pros and cons of the above possibilities, in terms of the opportunities and constraints involved reveals that it is in fact possible to implement them at various levels through formulating a broad framework, in the form of a Master Plan at the broader city level. Within this plan various schemes for different stretches could be worked out depending on the area's needs or requirements and the feasibility of implementing the above proposals. Once the overall strategy at the macro level of the city, or the region, is formulated, enough flexibility can be provided at the micro level; where the various neighborhoods could be involved in planning and implementation of the schemes. This would not only ensure that the interests of the resident communities are safeguarded, but a sense of responsibility and concern for the city, and its environment, could also be inculcated within the community. By adopting the above approach not only could the backyards of the city be transformed into a means of achieving a more cohesive and legible urban fabric; apart from providing the city with an efficient and a more ecologically sound and sustainable environment, but also the residents of the city could be brought together to interact among themselves and use the city, while contributing to its welfare.