ITO River Front PDF
ITO River Front PDF
ITO River Front PDF
YAMUNA RIVERFRONT
DEVELOPMENT
Indraprastha Zone
(An ISO 9001 : 2008 Certiied Organisation)
DUAC Staf
Rajeev Kumar Gaur, Raghvendra Singh, Amit Mukherji, V. K.Tyagi, Uma Bhati, Nishi Sachdeva, Manju Anjali,
Siddharth Sagar, Indu Rawat, Nihal Chand
Senior Consultant
Samir Mathur
Consultants
Ranu Farooqui
Monika Soota (3D Visulizer)
Nikhil Pandey (3D Visulizer)
Preface
DELHI URBAN ART COMMISSION with gratitude duly acknowledges the valuable contributions of the
following in making this report:
Contents Rivers are an inherent part of the development of the human settlement. They have been fundamentally
1 Section 1 6
involved in the process of settlement location and its continuous formation. The greatest civilizations of the
world have formed and lourished along the banks of rivers. Whether it was the Egyptian civilization along the
1.1 River Yamuna 6 Nile River or the Indus valley civilization, rivers have been vital as the providers of water for sustaining life as
1.2 River Yamuna - In Delhi 8 well as the agrarian societies. Thus strong relationships existed between man and rivers, the later often being
1.3 Delhi - Metro Routes 10 revered as Gods, not only in ancient times but till date. From daily activities to religious ceremonies, fairs and
1.4 Delhi - Planning Zones 11 festivals, the river formed an integral part of human life.
1.5 Zone ‘O’ - Land Use 12 Monuments developed along the banks of river. Delhi’s oldest city, Indraprastha, dating to the Mahabharata
1.6 Zone ‘O’ – Sub Zones 14 era (circa 1450 BC), to the great Mughal city of Shahjahanabad (1638–1649), all were set with the Yamuna
1.7 Recommendations For Zone ‘O’ 16 and other water bodies as their backdrop. The major monuments of the city of Delhi present strong
1.8 Delhi - Evolution of A City 18 evidences of the relationship of the past cities with the river. However with the 20th century and modernist
2 Section 2 22
city planning paradigms, the river was considered more as a functional component rather than recreational,
with which the masses had no everyday connection. The city faced its back to the river.
2.1 Proposed Area of Development 24
Today, with the abysmal state of drainage and solid-waste management of the city, the Yamuna has become a
2.2 Site Potential 25
huge drain carrying the waste of this mega city. Millions of rupees have been spent by successive governments
2.3 Site Challenges 26
in order to clean the river, but to no signiicant change in the situation. The spaces around the river are also
2.4 Immediate Context 28
rather ‘lost spaces’ with either agricultural ields, derelict power stations, stadiums and memorials.
2.5 Potential Entrance Nodes 30
With very high densities in the residential areas, it has to be realized that Delhi is in dire need of a large
2.6 Land Use: Institutional 32
public open space. The study aims at reconnecting the city to the river not only metaphorically, but to
2.7 Road Network : Circulation 42
establish physical linkages and improve the quality of the environment and create opportunities to activate
2.8 Activity Pattern 45
the riverfront.
2.9 Density Study: West Bank vs East Bank 46
2.10 Comparitive Site Study 49
2.11 Historical Significance 50
3 Section 3 52
3.1 Design Concept 52
3.2 Design Study : Entrance Nodes 54
3.3 Case Study 62
3.4 Existing Landscape Character 66
3.5 Proposed Policy for Landscape Design 69
3.6 Design Proposal - Plan 76
4 Annexure 98
Aim and Objectives
CONNECTING the City back to its River using Landscape
Creating PHYSICAL ACCESS to the River
Improve quality of ENVIRONMENT, opportunity for RECREATION.
CONSERVE places of historic signiicance.
Section 1
Section 1
1.1 River Yamuna
Mythological History
Yamunotri According to legend, the Yamuna is
the daughter of Surya (the Sun God)
and his wife Saranya, and the twin
sister of Yama (the God of Death).
New Delhi A dip in the Yamuna is believed to
free a person from all past sins and
contaminations of the material world.
As a part of timeless civilization,
Agra the River Yamuna, other than being
Section 1
Yamuna River: Delhi Stretch Yamuna near the Himalayas (Image Source: Google)
Origin
The Yamuna begins at Yamunotri, north of Haridwar, in the Himalayas. The source of the Yamuna technically is Saptrishi
Kund, a glacial lake. At Tajewala, 75 km upstream of Wazirabad, there is a barrage for the waters of the river to low
Yamuna: in Allahabad
into the Western and the Eastern Yamuna Canal. The Yamuna enters Delhi from Palla Village, at a height of 211 metres Her conluence with the Ganges and the mythical Saraswati rivers at Triveni Sangam is a
above sea level. It exits the city at 197 metres above sea level, thus lowing along a very gentle gradient of 1 in 3000. very holy pilgrimage spot. (Image Source: Google)
Section 1
1.2 River Yamuna - In Delhi The Main Sources of Pollution in the Yamuna
The Delhi stretch of River Yamuna is barely 22 kms of
its entire 1,370-km long journey from Yamunotri (its
birthplace) to the ocean. Although barely 2 per cent of
the length of the river basin, it contributes to over 80
per cent of the pollution load in the entire stretch of
the river. There is no water in the river for virtually nine
months of the year. Delhi impounds water at the barrage
constructed at Wazirabad where the river enters the city.
What lows in the river subsequently is only sewage and
waste from Delhi’s 22 drains. In other words, the river
ceases to exist at Wazirabad.
1. Industrial wastewaters
Wazirabad Barrage
ITO Barrage
Okhla Barrage
Section 1
1.3 Delhi - Metro Routes 1.4 Delhi - Planning Zones
Operational Network
Line-1 (Dilshad Garden to Rithala)
Line-2 (Huda City Centre to Jahangirpuri)
Line-3 (Noida City Centre to Dwarka Sector 9)
Line-4 (Yamuna Bank to Anand Vihar ISBT) Legend
Line-5 (Inderlok to Mundka) Zone Boundary
Line-6 (Central Secretariat to Badarpur) National Highway
Airport Express Line Ring Roads
Metro Phase-III (Proposed) River Yamuna
Metro Stations Zone “O”
Study Area (Site) Study Area (Site)
Section 1
1.5 Zone ‘O’ - Land Use
The River Yamuna/Riverfront, Zone
Zone Area Proposed to be ‘O’, is bounded as under:
Name of Proposed
Planning According to Deducted from Current
the area in
Zone MPD 2021 Zone ‘O’ (ha) and added
Zone MPD 2021
(ha) to Adjacent Zones North : NCTD Boundary
River South : NCTD Boundary
O Yamuna/ 8,070 (-) 3,109 4,961
Riverfront East : Marginal Bund and NCTD
Boundary
West : Marginal Bund, Ring Road and
proposed NH 2 bypass along Agra
S. Land Parcel to be Excluded Area to be Excluded Areas Canal
No. From Current Zone ‘O’ Excluded (ha) from to be Included in
Current Zone ‘O’ Adjacent Zones
1 Rajghat 213 A (Walled City)
2 IP Power Station 112 D
3 Millennium Bus Depot 33 D
4 Sonia Vihar Area 718 E
5 Shastri Park DMRC Land 104 E
6 Akshardham Temple, CWG 109 E
Village
7 Yamuna Bank, DMRC Land 40 E 10 4
8 Batla House Area 73 F
9 Jaitpur, Meethapur, Okhla 1310 F
10 Jagatpur 385 P-II
11 Area under Circulation 12 D&F
2
Site 7
6
3
The spread of the Yamuna varies
from 1.5 kms to 3.0 kms.
Section 1
1.6 Zone ‘O’ – Sub Zones SUB-ZONE 1
Sub Zone Reach Approx. Area (ha)
01 UP Border – Wazirabad Barrage 3620
02 Wazirabad Barrage - ISBT Bridge 1100
03 ISBT Bridge – Old Bridge 225
04 Old Rly bridge – IP Barrage (Refer Map 06) 800
05 IP Barrage – New Bridge (Refer Map 07) 365
06 New Rly Bridge – NH 24 Bridge 390
07 NH 24 Bridge – Okhla Barrage 1300
08 Okhla Barrage – Haryana Border 1900
SUB-ZONE 2 Total River Yamuna area (NCTD) 9700
SUB-ZONE 5
Sub Zone 4 (Map 06)
SUB-ZONE 7
Section 1
1.7 Recommendations For Zone ‘O’
The River Yamuna/Riverfront, Zone ‘O’ has special characterstics and ecological signiicance for which various studies DDA Zonal Development Plan for River Yamuna Area (May 2006)
have been conducted from time to time. As such, the Zonal Development Plan for Zone ‘O’ has been conceived to set Two levels of urban design inputs are envisaged:
the strategies for the rejuvenation of the River Yamuna and ecofriendly development.
Riverfront Development: At present the width of the river bed varies between 1.5 kms to 3.0 kms and at most sections
neither the water course nor the opposite banks are visible. In order to integrate the river within the larger framework
MPD 2001 of the city and to bring the river closer to the citizens, at certain stretches, ‘aesthetic’ and ‘active’ riverfront development
River Yamuna is to be made pollution free through various measures. On the vast expanse of its banks, large is desirable. These stretches may comprise the following activities/uses with full complement of recreational activities for
recreational areas are to be developed and integrated with other urban developments so that the river is an integral all sections of citizens:
part of the city, physically and visually. • Bathing Ghats
• Pedestrian Boulevards
DUAC Conceptual Plan 2001 • Landscaped Venues
Landscape potential to be explored
Promote recreational activities, cultural centre, bird sanctuary, botanical gardens, water sports etc.
Section 1
1.8 Delhi - Evolution of A City
Section 1
Medieval City between the Ridge and the River. Imperial City between the Ridge and the River;
Cantonment beyond the Ridge.
1351–1388 Ferozabad
Expansion aimed at the reduction of natural resources Transformation of the city, the urban form changed from solid to
within the city. void to scattered. Jahanpanah
1325 –1351
1321–1325 Tuglaqabad
circa 1297 – 1307 Siri
AD
Creation of impervious surface. Collective realm is restricted to the Natural resources become mere
Loss of open space. movement corridors, detached from the components of urbanization.
ground. Chronological Evoloution of the City of Delhi
Section 2
Section 2
Section 2
2.1 Proposed Area of Development 2.2 Site Potential
Riverfront at
28.18% Rajghat Powerplant
As Future Development
1.57% In Another Phase
70..25% Natural Feature: River Rich History and Culture National Signiicance Monuments
300 Acre
The site has a magniicent setting. The river The historical monument of Feroz Shah The site has memorials of signiicant Indian
forms an excellent opportunity to provide Kotla is in close proximity to the site. It leaders situated in close proximity.
for an active public space. is well connected to adjoining historically The vehicular road connecting the ghats to
Ecologically Sensitive(70.25%) signiicant monuments like Purana Qila, the site has very low trafic density and can
Red Fort, India Gate, etc. serve as good connection to the site.
Adaptive Re-Use (28.18%)
Intensive Development (1.57%)
(Railway Corridor)
Rajghat
Powerplant
(Future Development)
Immediate
Context
32 Acre
Neighbouring
Inluence Zone
Religious Active During Weekdays: Work Hours Potential for Pedestrian Connections and
Walking
The site has an existing ‘Chhath Ghat’, which The site has many institutional buildings and Few of the roads like, Indraprastha Marg
Primary is extensively used during the ‘Chhath’ commercial newspaper ofices, making this a already have a wide, well-connected
Site festival and people gather here in large very active area during weekdays. pedestrian pathway and foot overbridge,
numbers during the festival. providing safe and convenient access for the
21 Acre pedestrians.
Adaptive
Re-Use
66 Acre
Section 2
2.3 Site Challenges
Disconnected Waterfront Weak Public Life Pattern Minimal Open Space Identity Fragile Urban Culture Unbalanced Trafic System Institutional and Ofice Focused Area
Section 2
2.4 Immediate Context
1 5
Rajghat
1 6
Shanti Van
Gandhi Ashram
2
7
5
6
9
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
8 8
10 3
11
3
4
10
Yamuna Velodrome
Section 2
2.5 Potential Entrance Nodes
1
d
Old ITO Bridge
Roa
ing
ad/R
3
k Ro
run
nd T
4
Gra
4
Sac
Section 2
2.6 Land Use: Institutional
Institutional Industrial
Important government and semi- Three main power plants are
government institutional buildings located in close proximity to the site.
are located in this area. The most Indraprastha Power Plant, Rajghat
important being the Secretariat, Power Plant and Pragati Maidan
Vikas Minar, Police Headquarters, Power Plant.
ITO. Educational institutions like SPA
and IIPM are also located in close Potential
proximity to the site The site is located between
Indraprastha Power Plant and River
Potential Yamuna. Adaptive Reuse of the IP
These institutions should have a Power Plant and the railway line are
better access to the riverfront site. suggested.
DDA (on RT) from the ITO FOB Police Headquarters Rajghat Power Plant
Section 2
Land Use : National Signiicance Land Use : Religious Signiicance
Historic/National Signiicance Religious Signiicance
The heritage monuments Feroz Chhath Puja Ghat which is located
Shah Kotla and Khooni Darwaza are on-site is used extensively during the
located in close proximity to the site. Chhath Puja festival.
Other places of national signiicance
close to site are: Rajghat, Shanti Van, Potential
Gandhi Smarak. (For a complete list Chhath Puja is an annual event and
of samadhis located close to site the site remains un-utilized for the
refer Annexure page 100-101) rest of the year. Thus, there is need
to create activity to bring people to
Potential the site.
A shuttle service along with
provisions for bike/pedestrian
connections from the historically
signiicant monuments to the site
can/should be created.
Mosque
Veer Bhumi
Section 2
Land Use: Commercial Land Use: Residential
Commercial Residential
Most newspaper ofices are situated The residential area of Vikram Nagar
in close proximity of the site. is located adjacent to Feroz Shah
Kotla Monument. Daryaganj, one of
Potential the oldest residential settlements
As the newspaper industry is such of Delhi City, is also located in the
that it remains open for 365 days a immediate context of the site. Anna
year, irrespective of holidays, there is Nagar, which is an unauthorized
an opportunity to give the people Daryaganj colony is situated along the railway
working here a breathing space on and Metro line.
the riverfront where they can unwind
and relax. Issues
Few of the residences in Vikram
Nagar share the wall of the
historically signiicant Feroz Shah
Vikram Nagar Kotla Monument.
Guideline
There should be a setback from the
historic façade.
Ofices at Maharao Krishna Rao Marg Doll Museum Vikram Nagar Anna Nagar
Ofices at Maharao Krishna Rao Marg Times of India Ofice Express Building Vikram Nagar Vikram Nagar Daryaganj
Section 2
Land Use : Sports Facility Land Use : Open Spaces
Sports Facility Open Spaces
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium and Most of the public ‘open spaces’
Yamuna Velodrome are located within are located around the heritage
5–10 minutes walking distance from monuments and other places of
the site. Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium interest – Rajghat, Feroz Shah Kotla
and Dr Ambedkar Stadium are also and also Yamuna Riverfront behind
located in close proximity to the site. Indraprastha Power Plant.
Potential Potential:
The stadiums act as activity The open spaces are not easily
generators and this activity can be accessible. They need to be well
dispersed to the riverfront site, connected to the adjoining areas and
creating an active area. Also, the Metro station and roads.
parking lots for IG Indoor Stadium
and Yamuna Velodrome can be used
for the proposed site.
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium Yamuna Velodrome from elevated road Feroz Shah Kotla
Section 2
Land Use : Analysis - Conclusion Final Land Use Map
Institutional
Character
Important government and semi-government institutional buildings are located in this area. Most
of the
important being Secretariat, Vikas Minar, Police Headquarters, ITO. Educational institutions like
Land Use
SPA and IIPM are also located in close proximity to the site
Urbanscape
These institutions should have a better access to the Riverfront Site.
Industrial
Three main power plants are located in close proximity to the site. Indraprastha Power Plant,
Rajghat Power Plant and Pragati Maidan Power Plant.
The site is located between Indraprastha Power Plant and River Yamuna. Adaptive-Reuse of
the IP Power Plant and the railway line are suggested.
Historic/National Signiicance
The heritage monuments of Feroz Shah Kotla and Khooni Darwaza are located in close
proximity to the site. Other places of national signiicance close to site are: Rajghat, Shanti Van,
Gandhi Smarak.
A visual link along with providing bike/pedestrian connections from the historically signiicant
monuments to the site can/should be created.
Religious Signiicance
‘Chhath Puja Ghat’ which is located on-site is used extensively during the Chhath Puja festival.
Chhath puja is a once in a year event, and the site remains un-utilized for rest of the year and
lacks activity. Need to create activity to bring people to the site.
Commercial
Most newspaper ofices are situated in close proximity of the site.
As the newspaper industry is such that it remains open for 365 days a year irrespective of
holidays, there is an opportunity to give the people working there a breathing space on the
riverfront where they can unwind and relax.
Residential
The residential area of Vikram Nagar is located adjacent to Feroz Shah Kotla Monument.
Daryaganj, one of the oldest residential settlements of Delhi City, is also located in the
immediate context of the site. Anna Nagar, which is an unauthorized colony is situated along the
railway and Metro line.
Few of the residences in Vikram Nagar share the wall of the historically signiicant Feroz Shah
Kotla Monument.
Sports Facility
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, and Yamuna Velodrome are located within 5-10 minutes walking
distance from the site. Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium and Dr Ambedkar Stadium are also located in
close proximity to the site.
The stadiums act as activity generators and this activity can be dispersed to the riverfront site,
creating an active area. Also, the parking lots for IG Indoor Stadium and Yamuna Velodrome can
be used for the proposed site.
Open Spaces
Most of the public ‘open spaces’ are located around the heritage monuments and other places
of interest: Rajghat, Feroz Shah Kotla and also Yamuna Riverfront behind Indraprastha Power
Plant.
The open spaces are not easily accessible. They need to be well connected to the adjoining
areas and Metro station and roads.
Section 2
2.7 Road Network : Circulation
6
Satyagraha Marg
8
Maharao Krishna Rao Marg
3 8
5
7
1 4
Velodrome Road
Sachivalaya Road
1 2 3
4 5
Section 2
Reclaiming Public Space for Parking 2.8 Activity Pattern
Ambedkar
On-street parking in front of WHO, near Vikas Bhawan & ITO and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg Stadium
Ring Road
Public spaces that need to be reclaimed as parking spaces.
• Parking lot in IG Stadium and Delhi Secretariat are underutilized and can be
Vikas Marg
Indraprastha Marg
Chhath Puja
Ring Road
Ghat
Activity Pattern:
• Indraprastha Marg has mostly institutional buildings on both sides (refer page 32) and is highly active on weekdays.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg has mostly newspaper ofices and is active seven days a week.
• Chhath Puja Ghat is active only seasonally during Chhath Puja Festival once a year. Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium,
Yamuna Velodrome, Ambedkar Stadium and Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium are active only when a sports activity is taking
Proposed Connections place. Thus the site is active only seasonally.
Section 2
2.9 Density Study: West Bank vs East Bank
• People in higher density dwellings need greater access and quality open space and public realm – their backyard is
Density Study of the West and East Bank the public domain.
Building a footprint study of the East and West Bank along the river for the site precinct shows that the East Bank • Connectivity is also an important consideration There is a need to improve the connectivity between the densely
is more densely populated than the West Bank. And is in dire need of an open space that provides respite and a populated areas and the open spaces. Recreation facilities and open spaces should be well connected by means of
breathing lung space for the residents. The riverfront has a high potential open space available in the heart of the city. public transport, walking tracks and bike paths.
Section 2
Open Space Study 2.10 Comparitive Site Study
Open Space and Land Use Study for East and West Bank
The West Bank has numerous open spaces, while the East Bank clearly lacks open green spaces.
The West Bank has mostly institutional buildings and the East Bank mainly residential.
By creating an active Riverside Green Space, we will provide an area for the residents of the East Bank to visit during
weekends. Due to the commercial and professional nature of land use on the West Bank, the site will remain active
during weekdays and provide a respite from hectic work schedules.
Building Footprint
Section 2
2.11 Historical Signiicance Linking Heritage
on the Site
Delhi’s heritage can be integrated
and linked to transform the cognitive
image of the city:
• Through architectural conservation
and urban design interventions to
create experience and awareness
towards heritage. These will cover
TOWARDS street furniture, lighting, special
RIVER transportation system, treatment
to footpaths, roads and intersection
nodes, public places, etc.
• By making the cognitive experience
of Delhi as a Heritage City more
manifest for both local inhabitants
and visitors.
N
An aerial view of the Feroze Shah Kotla Node shows location of those
structures that are signiicant to the project:
The city of Delhi has enormous numbers and varieties of historic sites like the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and, most recently, the Red The precinct of Feroz Shah Kotla has tremendous heritage value.
Fort, that have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Others, like the Old Fort and Jama Masjid, are part of popular tourist • The site includes archaeological ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla and the surviving remains of Khooni Darwaza.
circuits. There are many more sites of equal signiicance; however, they lie ‘buried’ within the modern city, neglected and forgotten
• The Kotla of Feroz Shah also includes one of the Ashokan stone pillars, removed from its original location and re-
erected here by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
• The site continues to possess historical, archaeological, architectural and • Historically speaking, this site is an ensemble of structures belonging to the reigns of three signiicant emperors of
artistic value as the walls of the ruins merge with the newer constructions India: Ashoka (BC 273 – 232), Feroz Shah (AD 1351 – 88) and Sher Shah Suri (AD 1540 – 55).
around. The signiicance of this site, needs to be protected, preserved • The site contributes to the experience of architectural, artistic and cultural history of cultures that lourished in the
and enhanced for the experience of people who visit or live in Delhi. historical timescape of Delhi.
The constituent structures hold the potential to continue the original • Khooni Darwaza establishes the physical extent of Sher Shah’s Dilli, and suggests an overlapping relationship between
design intention or suggest interventions for adaptive reuse or new use, the two cities – Firozabad (14th C) and Dilli Sher Shahi (16th C) – founded within a time gap of two centuries.
consequently reinstating the cultural relevance of the site, whilst making it a
place for people to enjoy and experience their own heritage.
Khooni Darwaza
(Source: Intach, Delhi Heritage Route, Detailed
Project Report, June 2009)
Section 3
3.1 Design Concept Existing Site Conditions
Connection to
Rajghat Power Plant
Entrance/Welcome Zone:
Create Activity Zone for the Entry Zone
Welcome
Zone
Ring Road
Green Ecozone
Riverfront Zone
Solar Farm Chhath Ghat
Chhath
Ghat
Park
ays
Link To
a t
tive
Adap
- U se
Re
Zone
Development Zone (Existing Railtrack):
Proposal for Development along the Rail Track
Embankmen
t Existing Pedestrian Pathways
River Overlo
ok
Visual
ection
Conn
Metro L Welcome
ine (Blu
e) Zone Entrance/Welcome Zone
Nullah :
Development along the Nullah
Connection to
Pragati Maidan
Power Plant
Existing Nullah
Section 3
3.2 Design Study : Entrance Nodes
To Rajghat Power Plant
6
5
4
4
3 3
2 2
1
1
Section 3
Connection To
Rajghat Powerplant
Visual Connections
to The River
Section 3
Indraprastha Power Plant
uja
a th P
t
Gha
Chh
Potential Issues
• Adaptive Reuse of the Power Plant on the lines of • Environmentally unsound
international industrial examples such as Tate Modern, • Coal-based plant leading to massive emissions
Gasometer City, The Silos, Battersea Power Plant and • No control over particulate matter emissions
many others. (Refer page no. 62 for case-study) • Fly-ash generation
• Fly-ash sludge often making its way to the Yamuna
Indra Plant
ha
prast
health
• Using a 2-MW diesel set, power was generated for the
irst time in Delhi in 1903
Existing Buildings are meant to evolve and change; they are constantly changing. While they may be designed for a particular
Railwayline use, they eventually adapt due to ‘usages in and around them constantly changing’.
Existing Guiding Features On-site Indraprastha Power Plant Indraprastha Power Plant
Use existing open space as green Use existing mega structures for
connectors/parks/public spaces leisure/amusement related activities
Section 3
Railway Line Chhath Puja Ghat
Mythology
The rituals inds reference in the epic Mahabharata in which Draupadi is depicted as observing similar rites.
In the Mahabharata, Draupadi and the Pandavas, rulers of Indraprastha (modern Delhi), performed the Chhath
ritual on the advice of the noble sage, Dhaumya. It is also believed that Chhath was started by Karna, the son of Surya
(Surya Putra Karna). Surya Putra Karna ruled over the Anga Desh (present day Bhagalpur district of Bihar) during the
Mahabharata Age.
Ritual
The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy baths, fasting and
abstaining from drinking water (vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad and arghya to
the setting and rising sun.
Location
Chhath Puja Ghat is located on the western bank of River Yamuna behind the IP Power Plant and is used once a year
during the Chhath Puja festival.
Issues
Existing Scenario Potential: The area remains isloated for the rest of the year. When it is used once a year, there is lack of proper parking facilities
The railway line connects the IP Power Plant and the Conversion of the existing Railway line into a pedestrian and a proper planned open space where such an event can be organized.
Rajghat Power Plant to the main railway line. And, is friendly corridor such as done in New York City for the
used to supply coal to both these power plants. With Highline Park. (Refer Page no. 63 for Case-Study) Re-use Potential
Indraprastha Power Plant closed and Rajghat Power Plant of railway line as part of the landscape feature. • Provide adequate parking space.
proposed to be shutdown in 2014, the railway line would • Create/design a large open space where the event can take place, as people tend to stay overnight on the grounds
be defunct. there is need for a large space to provide temporary shelter during the festival.
Section 3
3.3 Case Study
Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Building Adaptive Reuse of Railway Line
Throughout history, the main reason for reuse has been economic. Previously it was done ‘without regard for history
or “character”.’ This shifted in the late 20th century when adaptive reuse evolved more speciically into historic
preservation. We now have shifted to a balance between historic and economic reasons for adaptive reuse. Recent
adaptive reuse projects have generated ‘some of the most innovative and intelligent work’ in the architectural ield. It
is not just a sentimental or historic approach but a desire to create ‘new form out of old fabric’. The rediscovery and
reuse of old buildings and areas is more signiicant for the twenty-irst century urban life.
skybridges. Reuse of existing rail lines (currently used for coal trains to the power plants)
(Source: Google)
The Gasometers have developed a village character all for continuous transit connections
of their own and are a city within a city. The success of these projects provides
the inspiration to look at innovative and
environmentally friendly ways to reinvent • pedestrian paths, bike trails,
Gasometer A (Inside) Gasometer B (Outside) the disused railways of the industrial past. • electric shuttles along riverfront district sites
Section 3
Learning from Case Study Design Philosophy
• Multiple uses and edge treatments have to be allowed.
• Address the concern of occasional looding and how the design will evolve and respond to the seasonal changes of
the river.
• The design vision calls for design strategies, and deliberate planning of open spaces, which strike a balance between
innovation and historic preservation as opposed to a single solution. This will give the riverfront the lexibility to
evolve over time
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
• Green spaces that are connected with other green or open spaces through walking and cycling trails or greenways
promote higher levels of physical activity and encourage more visits and longer stays.
• The existing Indraprastha Power Plant and the railway line serve as excellent opportunities for development of
landmark architecture features on the site. The open agricultural character of the grassland/agriculture land on the riverbank
• Restoring ecology, improving water quality, building with nature, part of history. should be preserved as the landscape image for both its natural dimension as well
• Supplementing existing vegetation – a green fertile milieu with an urban park character will be created. as its ecological importance for the surrounding Yamuna riverfront.
Section 3
3.4 Existing Landscape Character
The railway line has the potential to be reused as part of the landscape element, but the heavy plantation blocks the
access to the railway line from/to the river.
There are numerous native varieties of trees, plants, shrubs and grass which need to be retained.
Section 3
3.5 Proposed Policy for Landscape Design
Common Name: Khair Common Name: Blady Grass/Kunai Grass Common Name: Peepal
Botanical Name: Senegalia catechu Botanical Name: Imperata cylindrica Botanical Name: Ficus religiosa
Common Name: Babul/Kikar Common Name: Vetiver Grass Common Name: Neem
Botanical Name: Vachellia nilotica Botanical Name: Chrysopogon zizanioides Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica
Woodland (<50% canopy cover): Plant wherever views are desired through trees; provides most beneits of forest and
may be more acceptable in developed areas.
Shrubland: Plant to protect steep slopes and as natural fences for pedestrian/bicycle trafic control.
Meadow: Plant as a means of managing large open areas; provides riparian buffers and habitat for small mammals,
insects and birds.
Common Name: Dhau/Dhak Common Name: Bottle Brush Common Name: Yellow Oleander Lawn: Plant on relatively lat slopes only and active recreation zones; separate lawns from river edges with riparian
Botanical Name: Anogeissus latifolia Botanical Name: Callistemon viminalis Botanical Name: Cascabela thevetia buffer.
Section 3
Policy for Planting Design
Maintain canopy trees along the entire riverbank to the
fullest extent possible
Flowering Plants
(Image Source: Google)
Section 3
Intent Imagery for Proposed Vegetation
Entrance
Boardwalk
Aquatic Plants
Tree as focal point
Tree Avenue
Entrance
Tree Avenue
Flowering Shrubs
Section 3
Ecological Zone
Solar Park
Welcome Zone II
Weekly Haat
Ecological Zone
Boardwalk/Birdwatch Trail
Cultural/Religious
Chhath Maidan
Adaptive Reuse
Railway Line
Adaptive Reuse
Indraprastha Power Plant
Welcome Zone I
Train Entrance Plaza
Welcome Zone
Cultural/Religious Zone
Ecological Zone
Key Plan - Conceptual Zones
Section 3
3.6 Design Proposal - Plan
1. Entrance
2. Parking
3. Welcome Zone (Weekly Haat)
4. Mela Ground For Chhath Puja
5. Chhath Puja Ghat (Existing)
6. Solar Farm
7. Eco Area – Boardwalk/Birdwatch Trail
1 2 8. Pond
9. Viewing Platform (Existing Embankments)
3
10. Plaza
11. Grand Lawn – Open Exhibition Space
12. Amphitheatre
7 4
13. Exhibition Centre
14. Cafés
5 15. Railwaytrack
8
16. Entrance Court
17. Pedestrian/Bike Trail along Nullah
18. Adaptive Reuse IP Powerplant
6
• The Riverfront is envisioned to be a place of great diversity, offering activities throughout the seasons for people of
all ages.
• Connection of existing trails to the Riverfront; creation of new trails that lead users to the Riverfront.
9
• Recognizing loodplains as ecologically fragile areas; maintaining the open agricultural character of the riverbank.
• Promote development of vegetational belts in the loodplain area for improving water quality and enhancement of
2 10
biodiversity
• Use of loodplain area to augment treatment of pollution from diffused sources.
12
11
The site is divided into three distinct zones (Refer page 24).
18
• Ecologically Sensitive Zone (70.25%)
• Intensive Development (28.18%)
9 • Adaptive Reuse (1.5%)
14
13
15
1
9
17
Section 3
Welcome Zone One: Train Entrance Plaza’
B
A
A
A’
Key Plan Pedestrian Entrance Plaza (Welcome Zone) View A:View of the Entrance Plaza with the Railway Track
Toy Train Reference Images (Source: Disney Theme Park) Electronic Trams – Running from Parking Lot to the Entrance Plaza
(Source: Disney Theme Park)
Section 3
Religious/Cultural Zone : ‘Chhath Maidan’ Intensive Development: Welcome Zone Two: Weekly ‘Haat’
Key Plan
Initial Concept Sketch
Key Plan
Chhath Maidan
The preferred use proposed for this area is for more
passive activities such as picnicking, biking, walking and the Entrance Plaza (Weekly Haat)
like. There are two other suggested active uses for this There are lots of vegetable and fruit vendors on the Old ITO Bridge. All these vendors can be accommodated in the
location. First, it was felt that the large open space would weekly ‘haat’ market, where they would be provided space to sell their produce once a week like a weekly farmers’
adapt well to use as a concert and festival venue during market.
Chhath Puja. It could also be used during other festivals like For the rest of the days the space could be utilized by artists and craftsmen as exhibition space.
Durga Puja, Ganesh Visarjan, Dussehra. This space has access from node 5 directly (page 54) and has an adjacent parking lot (page 55) for ease of carrying
There will be good pedestrian and bicycle access, with purchased goods.
limited vehicular movement. This area is accessible from
entrance node 5 & 6 (page 54). Pictures of existing maidan during Festival
Section 3
Intensive Development: Railway Line Corridor
Key Plan
Study Section showing railway track, pedestrian & bike pathways and board overlooking the river
Initial Design Study – Decorative Paving Pattern Adaptive Reuse – Railway Line Initial Design Study – Section
Section 3
Intensive Development: Railway Line Corridor
The Intensive Development Corridor would be designed along the existing railway line. It will have a mix of on-
street cafés and art shops.
Bird’s-eye View
Initial Study: Intensive Development Corridor
Section 3
Intensive Development: Railway Line Corridor
Intensive Development Corridor is envisioned as a space with cafés along the pedestrian pathway Eye-level view of the street
and sidewalks with kiosks Initial Study – Intensive Development Corridor
Section 3
Ecological Zone : Boardwalk
Boardwalk/Birdwatch Trail
Much of the Yamuna Riverfront has been envisioned
to remain as natural preserve area. This will require a
Key Plan Boardwalk/Birdwatch Trail signiicant commitment to the removal of noxious and
invasive plants and a revegetation and management plan.
Areas such as the existing ly-ash pond are the primary
candidates for this effort, so that these areas can be
revived ecologically.
It is proposed to have a boardwalk system that
Boardwalk Plan
meanders though the wetland and extends to an
overlook on the lake.
This boardwalk will provide an accessible route from
the entrance node 4 and 5 (Refer Section 3.2 Entrance
Node, Page 54).
In addition to the boardwalk, overlooks and benches,
a learning pavilion is also proposed to create a shade
canopy within the wetland and allow for outdoor
Initial Study – Section through the proposed Lake and the Forest Trail classroom space. During invasive plant removal and
revegetation there will be opportunities to educate the
public about invasive plants and how they destroy native
habitats, the advantages of a healthy wetland and the lora
and fauna that can exist within a wetland.
This walk is proposed to allow for enjoyment of the Reference Images for the Forest Trail, Boardwalk and water edge
river birdlife and associated vegetation.
The at-grade boardwalk will provide daily access to this
portion of the site regardless of weather conditions, while
limiting the pedestrian impact to this ecosystem.
Section 3
Ecological Zone : Solar Park Grand Lawn and Amphitheatre
Solar panels:
1. The sun’s rays do not cost money
2. Fast and eficient way to collect energy
3. No CO2 emissions
4. No harm to the environment
5. Reduce electricity Aerial View of Grand Lawn and Amphitheatre
Image Source: Google
Section 3
Adaptive Reuse: IP Power Plant
Status of Thermal Power Station
At present the Thermal Power Station has an outer
envelope building near the Ring Road. Steel sheds, various
sheds, hoppers, training centre building, tanks and various
other permanent and semi-permanent structures exist
behind the front envelope. It is proposed to develop the
front envelope building into the oficial complex (without
dismantling it) by making the suitable changes within the
envelope, while the rest of the buildings, semi-permanent
structures etc., will be demolished.
Existing Building
Envelope
MT.
Site Entry
And Connections
Ofice
Atrium
Public
Atrium
There is an
opportunity to
revitalize a part
of the site by
redeining the Pedestrian Connections
function through To The Park
form of the built
mass.
Evolution of the Building (Image Source: NILA Architecture Firm) Approximate Floor Area = 20000 sq m
Section 3
Adaptive Reuse: IP Power Plant
Before After
Revised Urban Typology (Ofice overlapped with Cultural and Landscape Interface)
Towards Towards
Ring Road River
Section 3
Design Conclusion
Rivers provide critically important
ecosystem services to society, and
play an essential role in maintaining
the structure, function, and integrity
of landscapes in which the rivers
reside.
Better understanding of the
patterns and processes in river
systems requires a broader landscape
approach that goes beyond the
traditional linear and longitudinal
focus.
Such a landscape approach is
especially important for effectively
restoring and managing damaged
and/or degraded rivers.
Create Identity: Educate the City Yamuna River at present is the city’s backyard.
Using cultural landscape as an opportunity to increase public awareness about
the natural and cultural history of the river, thereby creating identity for the It is an asset to enjoy not avoid.
region.
Annexure
Terms and Deinitions
Terms & Deinitions A loodplain is an area near a river or a stream which loods when the water The term ‘sense of place’ captures the identity of places we recognize. It Sense of Place
Floodplain level reaches lood stage. embraces natural and cultural features, the distinctive sights, sounds and
Floodplains can support particularly rich ecosystems, both in quantity and experiences rooted to that place, its atmosphere and people. Places with a
diversity. strong ‘sense of place’ have a clear identity and character that is recognizable
by inhabitants and visitors alike.
Floodplains in Delhi
Floodplain is a narrow strip braided by bunds extending to 94.84 sq km
(including river channel 19.31 sq km). A boardwalk (board walk, boarded path, promenade) is a constructed Boardwalk
Forests and agriculture are the dominant land uses covering more than 90% pedestrian walkway designed as walking paths and trails over bogs and
of the areas wetlands and above fragile ecosystems; it is usually built with wood.
45 water bodies including lakes, pools, ponds and puddles etc., identiied play
important roles in biodiversity.
Aquatic vegetation spread all across the loodplain, particularly in Okhla is of Urban density is a term used in urban planning and urban design to refer to Urban Density
signiicant ecological importance. the number of people inhabiting a given urbanized area. As such it is to be
distinguished from other measures of population density. Urban density is
Annexure
Annexure
List of Memorials at Rajghat Area
The complete list of Rajghat and associated memorials is as follows (mentioned in the chronological order of death):
Jawaharlal Nehru Prime Minister of India Shanti Van Garden of Peace 52.6 Acres A large plinth covered by a lawn
Lal Bahadur Shastri Prime Minister of India Vijay Ghat Victory Platform 40 Acres The victory alluded to in the name of the memorial is India’s
performance under his leadership in the Indo-Pakistani War
of 1965.
Indira Gandhi Prime Minister of India Shakti Sthal Place of Power 45 Acres A huge greyish-red monolithic stone
Jagjivan Ram Deputy Prime Minister of India Samta Sthal Place of Equality 12.5 Acres -
Choudhary Charan Singh Prime Minister of India Kisan Ghat Farmer’s Platform 19 Acres -
Rajiv Gandhi Prime Minister of India Veer Bhumi Land of Brave 15 Acres A large lotus in full bloom carved out of stone, surrounded by
46 small lotuses to signify the years he lived; rocks from all the
states of India are spread around.
Giani Zail Singh President of India Ekta Sthal Place of Unity 22.56 Acres -
Shankar Dayal Sharma President of India Karma Bhumi Land of Duty - Located near Vijay Ghat
Chandra Shekhar Prime Minister of India Smiriti Sthal Place of Remembrance - -
IK Gujral Prime Minister of India Smiriti Sthal Place of Remembrance - -
Devi Lal Deputy Prime Minister of India Sangharsh Sthal Place of Struggle - Located near Kisan Ghat
(Source: Wikipedia)
Rajghat Inscription At Rajghat Shakti Sthal Veer Bhumi Memorial of Sanjay Gandhi
Annexure
Newspaper Articles on River Yamuna
Numerous studies have been done and articles written
on the state of River Yamuna’s quality of water and how
it in turn affects the quality of urban life in the capital
city.
(source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk)
(http://www.livemint.com/Politics/vEzME2yPlKhH1lJQz63EN/Clean-Yamuna-a-mission-impossible.html)
The multi-crore Yamuna Action Plan – the core project aimed at cleaning the 22 km stretch of the river along the
capital – has not yet shown any sign of improving the quality of the river, even years after its conception.
The Yamuna Action Plan at Delhi Phase I had a sanctioned project cost of Rs 152.21 crore. The Phase II of the
programme was formulated from January 2007 onwards. The total cost sanctioned was Rs 387.17 crore.
It was multilayered project under which facilities were to be created to ensure polluted water is kept away from the river.
(source: dailymail.co.uk, By Mail Today Bureau in New Delhi)
(http://timesoindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Hope-loats-as-work-on-Yamuna-
picks-up/articleshow/19210909.cms)
(http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yamuna-river-vegetables-fecal-
coliform-bacteria-sewage-intestinal-problems/1/250623.html)
The Yamuna might soon get a new lease of life with
Delhi Development Authority’s ambitious riverfront
DO - Dissolve oxygen in water development project being put on fast track. The project
BOD - Biochemical oxygen demand will include creation of recreational spaces, revival of the
FC - Indicates that the water is contaminated with human river’s lora and fauna and development of green spaces.
or animal waste
(March 27, 2013; Times of India; Richi Verma)
TC - Total Coliform (http://www.livemint.com/Politics/RfuDIpUF3JBDEnf75m3GoK/Yamunas-sewage-burden.html)
and maintaining the aesthetic quality of urban and environmental design within
Delhi and to provide advice and guidance to any local body in respect of any
project of building operations or engineering operations or any development
proposal which affects or is like to affect the skyline or the aesthetic quality of
http://www.saveyamuna.org/
http://yamunakatha.blogspot.com/
http://dda.org.in/greens/biodiv/yamuna-biodiversity-park.html
http://www.azadindia.org/save-yamuna-campaign.html
http://www.moef.nic.in/sites/default/iles/NRCD/index.html
http://www.artoliving.org/meri-dilli-meri-yamuna
http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/crisis/River-yamuna.htm
http://www.brajfoundation.org/yamuna_revitalisation.html
http://www.yamunawaterkeeper.org/subject-tags/yamuna-action-plan
http://fore.research.yale.edu/iles/Sharma_and_Kansal-Yamuna_Action_Plan.pdf
http://www.rowfoundation.org/row/gysummary.html
http://moef.gov.in/report/0102/chap06.html#rd_nrcpgapry