Anagha Speaks

. . .  And the stand of Pune DP activists against the Pune DP is vindicated. The GMMR DP shows that good, thoughtful DP of such a vast and complex area is possible through sometime simple strategies and solutions. Also, the MMR DP seems to have diligently followed the due process, published the ELU for comments and also did the entire work in a time bound manner. You can read more about the Greater MMR DP on  http://accommodationtimes.com/all-that-you-would-like-to-know-about-the-proposed-mumbai-draft-development-plan-2034/ The above article provides an excellent summary on the DP. However, here I would like to highlight a few high points of this DP that are in my opinion, truly insightful and path breaking for an Indian city. 1. The additional 6.0 and above FSI has been granted to properties in the immediate vicinity of railway and/or Metro stations. This is something that I have been promoting for Pune, to allow high FSI in the immediate vicinity rather than along...

For the past many years, suicides of farmers has been an issue that has reigned over political discourse - it has become so potent that it has pulled down governments. While farming has become economically unattractive, cities are growing left, right and centre. This is clearly showing an aspiration and an inclination of young Indians to embrace the urban lifestyle, perhaps a fallout of policies at national and global levels. Further, as India grows, every Indian needs infrastructure - roads, rail, water supply, energy, and a severe shortfall in this sector is seen as a primary cause of slow and sluggish growth. A study mentions that there is a wide gap between India's infrastructure condition and its average income levels. Every conclave, seminar and coffee table conversation is about the need for infrastructure in India. Reflecting the situation above, the focus given to the Development Agenda by the BJP in the poll campaign, has seemingly brought about a massive victory an...

It's true that The Metro has become an indicator of a city's urbanity and potential of growth, while also reflecting its "coolness". Till a few months back, newspapers were still contemplating the need for a Metro, but as Punekars saw Metro proposals move ahead for smaller cities like Nagpur, we all felt that we are missing the bandwagon. And hence, there seems to be really a sigh of relief as media reports that "Pune's Metro is on track".  While I agree that there is certainly excitement when a city promises something as shiny and new as a Metro, I feel there still needs some ground work to be done before such an expensive piece of moving machinery is installed in the city. There are two primary things while proposing any large infrastructure project anywhere. One, is its purpose and second, is the detail of its design. The purpose, except for making a cool political move, is still hazy when the Metro is proposed for relatively smaller and compact ci...