JOIN USWhen we talk about the future of Delhi, what comes to mind are more criminal cases, more unsafe localities to step out in at night, City choked with more jams and harmful air, lakhs of cars on the streets and counting, severe water and power issues, inadequate affordable housing, lack of safe and vibrant public spaces, unsafe and unreliable public transport. All we know that things will go from bad to worse and the alarm bells are already ringing!
To tackle this worsening scenario in our City, a team of architects and town planners recently launched a unique online project that aims to recreate Delhi in 2050 with inputs from its citizens. DELHi2050, a project by arch i, is a public platform that will constructively put forward alternative sustainable solutions and development plans for the long-term rather than highlight existing problems.
Metrolife spoke to Tanvi Maheshwari, the project’s team leader to understand the concept better. “DELHi2050 is an open online platform for both the Indian and international audiences, to share information, maps and facts and figures about the City. Through polls, interactive maps, simple graphics and discussion forums, the website will raise pertinent questions to stimulate the thinking process as well gather data and public opinion, particularly involving the younger generation,” explains Tanvi.
Following its launch, many ‘knowledge tours’ were conducted in top academic institutes and schools of Delhi to connect knowledge and multiple disciplines for a sustainable future via workshops and dialogue.
“In one of our initial workshops in Khirki Extension with a few kids, we came to know that these children did not even know that the City has a river too! They also complained that after coming to Delhi from their villages, they have been keeping unwell. The temperature of the City has increased drastically due to increase in the use of air conditioners and less green cover. There is also an increase in mosquito-borne diseases because the warm conditions are suitable for their breeding,” shared Tanvi.
DELHi2050 is an open process to rethink the long-term future of Delhi by combining relevant disciplines, conducting exhaustive research and gathering public opinions. “What we lack as a City is long-term planning and lack of knowledge. We as a team are here to find ways for a better future but without compromising on lifestyle. It will be a shift but not change. But the saddest part is that we never think about the future, we think only about tomorrow and leave the rest as it is. That is why conducting workshops with the youth is important as they are the future and stakeholders. We need comprehensive visions about issues like restoring water bodies and creating more and more public spaces,” shares the project manager.
Helping the group for this noble cause are many government agencies like Ministry of Urban Development, DDA, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, National Capital Region Planning Board have engaged with the process through multiple inter-action and participation in their workshops.