Page 58 - Traffic Infra Tech Magazine

URBAN DESIGN

Delhi Nullahs
Deprioritizing the automobile and restoring

the nullahs as a major interface of the city

Morphogenesis presents the hidden opportunity that lies within Delhi
by establishing a green and sustainable network as an alternative and

democratic source of engagement within the city of Delhi. In some
sense, this exercise has the potential to turn the whole city inside out

he emergence of the nullahs
(watercourse) initiative
stemmed from the realization
that the city has stopped
Tgenerating memories. It
is not just Delhi, - few cities in India
generate these like they did in the past.
Rampant development triggered by
population explosion has caused the
demise of urban spaces and walkability
options that allow people to experience
a city close-up are rapidly diminishing.
The nullah network traverses the
national capital in a dense, contiguous
system that spans 350 kilometres (217
miles) with 20,000 branches, across
708 hectares (1750 acres) of land,
and ultimately all tributaries connect
to the Yamuna River. Currently, the
nullahs are unhygienic drains, in a
dilapidated state– they smell, breed
disease and pollute the Yamuna River.
However, a relatively small effort can
turn the nullahs into a valuable asset
for the common citizen and address
the distortion between infrastructure, cycling paths along these nullahs would corridor. Simple strategies like using
transport and land use that has evolved provide commuters with connectivity a system of organic reed beds and
over time through the city’s rapid urban to public transport (buses and metro), aerators to clean the sewage entering
growth. resulting in significantly improved the nullahs are recommended for
A key aim of this initiative is to use effectiveness of the existing public their rejuvenation. Re-establishing a
these rehabilitated waterways as an transport system whilst enhancing the channeled waterway system that is
alternative transport network, and social and cultural networks of the city. both environment friendly and relatively
where possible, create last mile linkages The restoration project would also inexpensive offers a solution to many
along the nullah network. Walking and provide an alternative environmental urban connectivity issues. It also has

58 April - May ’18 / TrafficInfraTech www.trafficinfratech-com-500653.hostingersite.com