Why Can't All Indian Cities Be Designed Like Chandigarh and Naya Raipur?
Chandigarh: An Architect's Blueprint
Chandigarh stands as a beacon of urban planning excellence in India. Designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh was meticulously planned with a vision for a modern, functional, and ecosystems-friendly city. Unlike other Indian cities which developed haphazardly wherever space was available, Chandigarh is a prime example of a planned city. What sets Chandigarh apart is its stringent vertical height restrictions, which preserve natural landscapes and are a testament to sustainable urban planning. Recently, the Chandigarh Administration took bold steps to address urban challenges by initiating the dismantlement of slums through well-considered decisions, showcasing the resilience of well-planned cities in addressing urban issues.
Naya Raipur: A Greenfield Smart City
While Chandigarh was a visionary plan by a renowned architect, Naya Raipur takes the concept of a planned city to the next level. Naya Raipur, the new capital of Chhattisgarh, is India's first Greenfield Smart City. This rapidly evolving metropolis is geared towards sustainability and smart living. Let us delve into the key features of Naya Raipur:
Infrastructure
Roads: Naya Raipur boasts an extensive and efficient road network. Six-lane expressways provide seamless accessibility, and the city has 4 to 6-lane roads totaling 75.20 kilometers, with another 61 kilometers under construction. This infrastructure ensures connectivity and reduces traffic congestion.
Energy Management
Electricity: Naya Raipur is ahead of its time in terms of energy management. The city has an advanced underground power distribution system combined with SCADA [Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition] for real-time monitoring and control of electricity supply. Non-conventional energy sources like solar power are widely used, ensuring a sustainable energy future.
Water Supply
Water Management: Naya Raipur prioritizes water management, focusing on conservation and recycling. The city will benefit from a new anicut on the Mahanadi River, ensuring a steady water supply. Additionally, the city has adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for its water supply, promising 24/7 availability through a hydro pneumatic pumping network.
Sanitation and Waste Management
Sanitation and Waste: Naya Raipur is committed to becoming a zero-discharge city. The city implements decentralized sewage treatment, and the solid waste management system is based on the PPP model, ensuring proper waste segregation and disposal.
Telecommunication and Smart City Infrastructure
Telecommunication: Naya Raipur is a hub of advanced telecommunication infrastructure. The city incorporates an overlay area network with optical fiber connectivity, making it an epicenter of modern communication. Along with wired broadband services, the city plans to develop passive infrastructure for wireless services, catering to GSM, CDMA, 3G, and WIMAX services.
Educational Institutions
Education: Naya Raipur is also a center of educational excellence, housing several premier institutions. Some notable educational bodies include NIT Raipur, Indian Institute of Management Raipur, International Institute of Information Technology Raipur, and the Hidayatullah National Law University.
Recreational Facilities
Naya Raipur is planned to be a hub for sports and recreation. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium is designed with a capacity of 65,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in India and the world. Moreover, the city plans three new lakes and theme parks, integrating recreational spaces with greenery, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Integration and Infrastructure
The overall plan for Naya Raipur is to integrate traditional values with modern amenities. The city is divided into 40 sectors, with 21 residential ones. Naya Raipur Development Authority (NRDA) oversees planning and development, ensuring the city provides a vibrant, eco-friendly, and sustainable environment.
Economic Development
Furthermore, Naya Raipur aims to become an educational and service sector hub. IT hubs, colleges, and health infrastructure are being developed to support a knowledge-based economy. The health infrastructure is undergoing significant development to make Naya Raipur a health hub, and an international cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 50,000 is also in the works.
In conclusion, cities like Chandigarh and Naya Raipur demonstrate the potential of meticulously planned cities in India. These cities exemplify sustainable urban planning, advanced infrastructure, and a blend of traditional and modern values. While other Indian cities may have challenges, the blueprint for these cities offers a promising model for future urban development.