Revitalization of Dhal ni Pol

A Pilot Project to improve physical environment and quality of life in heritage

precincts through women empowerment and community engagement

Jignesh Mehta
Planning and Urban Design Advisor to MHT

Project by In collaboration with

Planning & Design Advisor: Jignesh Mehta

Before the project After the project

Project by In collaboration with Advisory & Technical Guidance

To Balaji Mandir, Dhal ni Pol

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC
Rasik Chowk, Dhal ni Pol
Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Purpose of the Project
• A pilot project for revitalization of the living environment in the heritage precincts

• Women empowerment and leadership development through public participation

• Community engagement to generate awareness and inculcate sense of pride

• Upliftment in quality of life of the low income segment of the society

• Improving the public realm of the precinct through conservation and improved design

• Improving underground and above ground infrastructure in the precinct

Contents
• Location & Heritage
• Revitalization of Dhal ni Pol – The Pilot Project
• Stage 1: Community Engagement, Surveys & Mapping
• Community Engagement Workshops
• Household surveys
• TS Survey & Mapping

• Stage 2: Planning, Design, Coordination & Funding

• Planning & Design
• Appointment of Consultants
• Coordination with AMC & Various Stakeholders
• Securing Funding

• Stage 3: Phasing & Execution

• Execution
• Completion

• Way Forward
1. Location & Heritage
INTRODUCTION – DHAL NI POL

Historic Context - Dhal ni Pol

• Dhal ni Pol is located at the genesis point of Ahmedabad, On the
slopes (dhal) of ‘Ashabhil no thekro’
SabarmatI RIver

• Which was the location of the oldest settlement called “Ashaval”

that existed since 9th century

• About 6 centuries later, in 1411, Ahmedabad was founded at Bhadra

Fort.

• As Ahmedabad grew, Ashaval became part of the walled city, and

Relief Road the area came to be known as Asha-todiya or Astodiya
Bhadra
Fort
• In 2017 the walled city of Ahmedabad was inscribed in the UNESCO’s
Bhadra
Plaza Gandhi Road World Heritage List

• 81 listed heritage buildings exist within this pol

• MHT (Mahila Housing Trust) had formed Community Action Group

Astodiya (CAG) of women in Dhal ni Pol

Dhal ni Pol • MHT took up the initiative in the pol. for further projects

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio 7 / 172
INTRODUCTION – DHAL NI POL
Dhal ni Pol has both - Heritage Structures & Heritage Precinct
Heritage Structures Heritage Precincts

Source: AMC WHC Nomination Dossier

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio 8 / 172
INTRODUCTION – DHAL NI POL
Dhal ni Pol has both - Heritage Structures & Heritage Precinct
Heritage Structures (81 Structures*) Heritage Precincts (Precinct #34)

Grade II A: Highest

Grade II B: High
Grade III: Moderate

Source: AMC WHC Nomination Dossier

So far we, as a city, have primarily focused on Heritage Structures only.
But, the focus on Heritage Precincts is missing
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio 9 / 172
INTRODUCTION – DHAL NI POL
There are two parts to a Heritage precinct

Private Private
Realm Realm

Public
Realm

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio 10 / 172
Private Realm Public Realm Private Realm
INTRODUCTION – DHAL NI POL
There are broadly two parts to a Heritage precinct

Private Realm Public Realm

Pol Khancho / Khadaki

Graphic Source: Arun Kumar

To be improved using INCENTIVES & REGULATIONS To be improved PUBLIC AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio 12 / 172
 2. IMPROVING THE PUBLIC REALM
IN DHAL NI POL

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Need for Improvements
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
 Need for Improvements
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time,
encroaching in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
• Streets cluttered with multiple elements
• Chowks cluttered with unorganized activities
• Heritage elements covered with banners, canopies and badly painted
over
• Uneven street surface, leading to lack of cleanliness
• Unorganized parking
• No clarity on Movement area vs Non-movement area
• Poles, SFPs etc installed in unorganized manner over time, encroaching
in the movement area
• Inconsistent lighting, with dark patches and corners at night
• Fixtures inconsistent with the heritage character of the pol
• Banners, ropes and cables (GTPL, BSNL etc) creating visual chaos
• Old Underground Infrastructure – water, sewage
• Fire Safety & Access issues due to Narrow Streets
• No stormwater system, rain water run-off on surface – eroding asphalt
in monsoons
• Resurfacing over time brought the street levels high
• Lack of Sense of Pride among the resident due to the lack-lustre
environment & neglect. Diminishing property values.
• People moving to other areas.
Before the project After the project

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Before the project After the project
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Before the project After the project
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Before the project After the project

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Before the project After the project

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Before the project After the project

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Before After
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Before After
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
3. The Project & the Process
Contents
• Location & Heritage 1.
2.
Introduction
Dhal ni Pol – Importa
3. Community Engagem
• Revitalization of Dhal ni Pol - The Project • Workshops
• Resident Survey
• Why this project 4. Survey & Mapping
• Stage 1: Community Engagement 5. Selection of Pilot Are
6. Coordination with AM
• Workshops 7. Funding
8. Design
• Resident Surveys 9. Execution
• Work Plan &
• Stage 2: Planning, Design & Funding • Prep Work
• Survey & Mapping • Excavation
• Conceptual Design • Scrapping a
level
• Coordination with AMC & Various Stakeholders • Reconstruc
• Funding Paving
• Street light
• Stage 3: Detail Design and Execution • Signage
• Detail Design • Dustbins
• Execution • Painting the

• Way Forward
The Process
• Stage 1: Community Engagement, Surveys & Mapping
• Community Engagement Workshops
• Household surveys
• TS Survey & Mapping

• Stage 2: Planning, Design, Coordination & Funding

• Planning & Design
• Appointment of Consultants
• Coordination with AMC & Various Stakeholders
• Securing Funding

• Stage 3: Phasing & Execution

• Execution
• Completion
3. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Initial Workshops with Women Residents of Dhal ni Pol – Assets Mapping & Awareness about Heritage

Purpose
• Issues identification
• Asset Mapping
• Awareness generation
• Develop future vision

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Workshops - Identifying Issues & Suggesting Solutions

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Workshops - Discussing Design & Planning Proposals of Public Area Improvements

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Issues we heard from the workshops

1. Overall image of our pol needs change

2. Clear Vehicular Movement
3. Organize parking
4. Street Surface Condition & Paving Material
5. Old decaying infrastructure
Heritage Structures covered
Clutter of Activities & Encroachment by SFPs, Poles , Banners etc Hanging Cables
6. Increasing Road Level due to re-surfacing
7. Street Lighting
8. Solid Waste
9. Electrical Boxes
10. Chowkadi and Otlas
11. Hanging Cables, Wires & Canopies
12. Shades and Extensions Parking encroaching the streets & plazas

13. Organizing hawkers and vending activities

14. Places for people to sit
15. Organize the Entrance Gate Activities
16. Better use of Bal Bhavan Inconsistent Street Lighting
Rising Road Levels & Dark Patches Uncharacteristic light fixtures
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Issues we heard from the workshops

1. Overall image of our pol needs change

2. Clear Vehicular Movement
3. Organize parking
4. Street Surface Condition & Paving Material
5. Old decaying infrastructure
Heritage Structures covered
Clutter of Activities & Encroachment by SFPs, Poles , Banners etc Hanging Cables
6. Increasing Road Level due to re-surfacing
7. Street Lighting
8. Solid Waste
9. Electrical Boxes
10. Chowkadi and Otlas
11. Hanging Cables, Wires & Canopies
12. Shades and Extensions Parking encroaching the streets & plazas

13. Organizing hawkers and vending activities

14. Places for people to sit
15. Organize the Entrance Gate Activities
16. Better use of Bal Bhavan Inconsistent Street Lighting
Rising Road Levels & Dark Patches Uncharacteristic light fixtures
4. DETAILED SURVEYS AND MAPPING
DHAL NI POL

Household Survey

MHT has a long presence in Dhal ni Pol. The journey began with the
pilot survey conducted in 2013-2014 with the objective to understand
the socio – economic background of the community and also the
existing situation and creation of the profile of Dhal ni Pol.

Analysis was as mentioned below.

• Monthly Household Income of the 84% of the interviewed families

is less than Rs.15,000/- (62% less than Rs.10,000/-)

• Only 8% of women are employed and there is scope for 70%

women who are at home to gain from this initiative.

• Almost 200 females in 25-65 years age group

• Almost 67% of people in the Pol are living since 40 years in Dhal ni
Pol.

Pie Charts showing results of socio-economic survey carried

out by MHT
SURVEYING AND MAPPING

Map showing Built-Form Map showing Building Use Map showing Building Height 0 510 20 50

Houses Residential Mix Use G+1 G+2

Street Commercial Institutional G+3 Vacant Plot

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
SURVEYING AND MAPPING

3
1
Entrance
of
Dhal ni 6
Pol 2
5 Jagabhai
Chowk
Rasik
Chowk
4

Map showing activity at different time of the day Map showing significant landmarks Map showing built edges
Morning Evening Historical Cultural
Afternoon Night Religious

Small Scale Retail Vendors Street Façade shoing the architectural styles from different period in Dhal ni Pol

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
5. DESIGN
DESIGN

Improved Design - Schematic Plan

Haldar Valo Khancho

Pilot Project Stretch – 250 mt

Key Elements included in the Design

Dhal ni Pol
• Improving the Street Organization Gate

Jagabhai Chowk
• Improving Street Lighting
• Installing Fire Fighting System Rasik Chowk

• Improving Storm Water Drainage

• Removing hanging wires, cables to clear
visual clutter
• Improving Signage
• Improving Waste Management
• Parking Management Asha Bhil no Tekro

• Improving Chowk Area

Balaji Mandir

Schematic general Plan of Dhal ni Pol project area

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Schematic Proposals – Reorganizing Rasik Chowk area

Existing Chowk area Plan Proposed Chowk area Plan

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Conceptual Sketches- Entrance Area

Existing Entrance Area Proposed Entrance Area

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Conceptual Sketches- Street Improvement

Existing Street View Proposed Street View

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Initial On-site Experiments – Identifying MOVEMENT AREA & NON-MOVEMENT AREA

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Initial Experiments - Identifying MOVEMENT AREA & NON-

NON-MOVEMENT AREA

Narrowest Point on
the main street

Non- Movement Area Non-

movement movement
Area Area

Striping Striping

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
DESIGN

Design

Various components included in the detail design are

as below,
Kiosk at Rasik Chowk
• Improving the Street Design
Entrance gate of Dhal
• Improving Street Lighting ni Pol Jaga Bhai
Chowk
• Installing Fire Fighting System
2.5 m Wide
• Improving Storm Water Drainage Movement area Rasik Chowk
Dhaliya
• Removing hanging wires, cables to clear visual Hanuman

clutter
Plaza at Rasik Chowk
• Improving Signage
• Improving Waste Management
• Parking Management
Asha bhilno Tekro
• Improving Chowk Area

Proposed Pilot area plan of 250 rmt stretch of Dhal ni Pol

P r o po s e d p l a n

Haldar Valo
Khancho

Dhal ni Pol
Gate

Jagabhai
Chowk

Rasik
Chowk

Asha Bhil
no Tekro
P r o po s e d p l a n

Haldar Valo
Khancho

Dhal ni Pol
Gate

Jagabhai
Chowk

Rasik
Chowk

Asha Bhil
no Tekro
P r o po s e d p l a n

Haldar Valo
Khancho

Dhal ni Pol
Gate

Jagabhai
Chowk

Rasik
Chowk

Asha Bhil
no Tekro
P r o po s e d p l a n

Haldar Valo
Khancho

Dhal ni Pol
Gate

Jagabhai
Chowk

Rasik
Chowk

Asha Bhil
no Tekro
E n tr a n c e a r e a

Parking

Trees

Information Panel

Vendor Space

Parking

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
E n tr a n c e a r e a
The street

Clear Movement Area

(Hard Stone / Concrete)

2.5 m Clear

Parking & Service Area

(Cobbled Concrete Pavers)

Trees
E n tr a n c e a r e a

Haldar Valo
Khancho

Dhal ni Pol
Gate

Jagabhai
Chowk

Rasik
Chowk

Asha Bhil
no Tekro
Rasik Chowk

Vendor Kiosks

Chabutara Restoration

Raised Plaza with Bollards

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Rasik Chowk

Chabutara Restoration
& Lighting

Remove Wires, Banners

& Visual Chaos

Improve & Reorganize

Vendor Kiosks

Relocate SFPs, Poles etc

Clear Movement Area &

Organize Parking
P r o po s e d p l a n

Haldar Valo
Khancho

Dhal ni Pol
Gate

Jagabhai
Chowk

Rasik
Chowk

Asha Bhil
no Tekro
J a g a bh ai C h ow k

Chabutara Restoration

Raised Plaza with Bollards

Clear Movement Area &

Organize Parking

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Visualization 1 - Existing

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Visualization 1 - Proposed

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Visualization 2 - Existing

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Visualization 2 - Proposed

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Visualization 3 - Existing

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Visualization 3 - Proposed

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Coordinating Street Design
with Underground &
On-street Infrastructure

Façade Painting Incentive Installation of Pavers and

using a chosen palette surface finishes

Installation of Fire Directional Signage & Planters

Fighting System
Installing Street Lights Consistent
with the precinct character

Electrical & Telecommunication

Network Re-laying
Lowering the Finish Level & Improvements
by 6”- 9”
Backfilling and PCC
Refurbishing water network
Storm Water & Ground
Water Recharge System Excavation
Sewerage network
improvement
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
COMMUNITY AND
COORDINATION WITH
STAKEHOLDERS
AMC & VARIOUS
INPUTS
STAKEHOLDERS

Residents Consultation for Selection of Material - Pavers & Street Light Fixture

Selection of pavers Selection of Light Fixture was done with participation from community, from Light
Department (AMC), Heritage Department, Engineering Department (AMC) etc.

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
6. COORDINATION WITH AMC &
VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS
COORDINATION WITH AMC & VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS

Stakeholders involved

• Various Stakeholders involved in the project includes various

departments of AMC, community and private agencies are as
shown below.

Mahila Housing Trust

Ahmedabad Municipal
Dhal ni Pol Community Other Agendices
Corporation

Engineering Heritage Light Estate Fire Traffic

Dept Dept Dept Dept Dept Dept

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
COORDINATION WITH AMC & VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS
Meetings with AMC DyMC, Engineering and Heritage Departments on site and at AMC office

Site Visit with Dy. MC, Director AWHCT, Add. City Engineer, MHT Consultant and Meeting with Engineering and Heritage Dept at Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Office
community women
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
COORDINATION WITH AMC & VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS
Meetings with AMC DyMC, Engineering and Heritage Departments on site and at AMC office

Meeting with AMC officials and MHT consultants at AMC On-site meetings & discussions with Stakeholders

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Early initiatives to generate awareness and build good-will and before the project
1. Restoration of Chabutra

2. Recharging a 300 year old community

well

3. Chaklini Khambhi (Bird Memorial)

4. Heritage Walks led by community BEFORE

women

5. Road Striping done with AMC for

organising the street

6. Tanka Restoration

AFTER

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
7. SECURING PARTNERSHIP &
ENSURING FUNDING
COORDINATION WITH AMC & VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS

Declaration of Cooperation – AMC & MHT

• Conceptual design was then presented to the

Municipal commissioner in 2018 and a Declaration
of Cooperation was signed between Ahmedabad
Municipal corporation and Mahila Hosing Trust in
August, 2018. This further helped to kick start the
process of funding.

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
FUNDING

Inviting potential funding organizations

• Cost Estimate of overall project was made and proposal of the

overall project was presented to companies and foundations such
as IOCL, HT Parekh Foundation, SELCO Foundation etc. to avail the
funds for the project.

Site meeting with Funding Agency

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
FUNDING

Site Visit with funding agency

• Cost Estimate of overall project was made and proposal of the

overall project was presented to companies and foundations such
as IOCL, HT Parekh Foundation, SELCO Foundation etc. to avail the
funds for the project.

Site meeting with Funding Agency

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
8. EXECUTION
EXECUTION

Phasing of Work on Site

• A sample stretch of 30m was chosen

strategically with guidance from AMC officials
and community in order to least affect the
community and is successfully completed.

• Upon approvals, works in remaining stretches

was carried out stretch by stretch such that Stretch D Jaga Bhai
movement within the Pol does not impact Chowk

Entrance of
• Works carried out between mid -2019 to mid- Dhal ni Pol

2021 Dhaliya Hanuman Stretch C

Rasik Chowk

Stretch B

Asha bhilno Tekro

Stretch A

Proposed Plan showing Phasing of the project

FUNDING

Implementation Team

Designation Organisation
MHT has been actively speaking with the Dhal ni Pol
Trustee MHT
community members, it simultaneously formed
Director MHT
active relationship building and liaising efforts with
Programme Manager MHT
the city administration. Consequently, a core team
Development Associate MHT
consisting of MHT staff and AMC officials was created
Development Associate MHT
to begin work on the project as shown in the table.
Civil Engineer MHT
Field Organiser MHT
Field Organiser MHT
Field Organiser MHT
Draftsman MHT
Chief Accountant MHT
Administration MHT
Additional City Engineer Central Zone AMC
Deputy City Engineer Central Zone AMC
Assistant City Engineer Central Zone AMC
EXECUTION

Phasing of the project

The overall project is planned in 5 Stretches viz., Stretch A

to Stretch D. Stretch A is completed recently

Stretch D Jaga Bhai

Chowk

Entrance of
Dhal ni Pol

Dhaliya Hanuman Stretch C

Rasik Chowk

Stretch B

Asha bhilno Tekro

Stretch A

Proposed Plan showing Phasing of the project

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Phasing of the project – 5 Phases

The overall project is planned in 5 Stretches viz., Stretch A

to Stretch D. Stretch A is completed recently

Stretch D Jaga Bhai

Chowk

Entrance of
Dhal ni Pol

Dhaliya Hanuman Stretch C 1 & C2

Rasik Chowk

Stretch B

Asha bhilno Tekro

Stretch A
Sample Stretch

Proposed Plan showing Phasing of the project

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Preparation Work & Providing Alternative Routes

• Arrangement of an alternative route for

vehicular movement for execution of sample
stretch

• Creating awareness through signage and posters

• Management of parking

Before After
Parking
Management
through
Preparation and
distribution of
parking stickers

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Line-out and Muhurat (Project Initiation) by Pol Residents

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Line-out and excavation for underground infrastructure

Excavation phased on one

side of the street to allow
movement
Provision for access
to individual houses Officials from AMC Engineering Dept on site visit

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Demolition of Otla and Chowkdi (to be Reconstructed after PCC work)

Underground Tank
found

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Underground Tank discovered during the demolition of Otla

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Telecommunication & TV cable agencies working in Sample Stretch

Pipe for GTPL

Network
BSNL Network
Laying

Torrent Power
Network laid at 3’
for individual meter
connections

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Installation of Underground dry Fire Fighting System

Hydro Test

Fire Post

Installation of
dry UPVC Pipe
underground

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Installation of Crossover pipes for future services

• Installation of crossover pipe will enable the

future service cables to cross the street unlike
existing cables covering the heritage buildings.

Installation of Cross Over Pipes for future

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Installation of Pavers

Setting up the dish

channel at the
curvature requires
skilled labour and
time consuming

Dish Channel for

Storm Water
Management

Flat kerb stone

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Installation of Pavers

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Construction of Otla, Chowkdi and Ramp

Before After

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Installation of Electrical Pole

Before After

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
EXECUTION

Façade Painting

Before After Before After

Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
9. Completion
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Before After
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
 Before After
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Project by MHT in coordination with AMC Technical Support by HuE Design & Planning Studio
Residents’ Testimonials
There is a change in the Earlier, roads were uneven,
perception of the people about there were parking
the pol. The restoration of the Pol troubles. The streetlights
has created a good atmosphere. It weren’t sufficient and the
is good to live in the Pol as a result electric wires were sagging
of work done by MHT. – spoiling the view of the
space and increasing
hazard for the residents.

MHT’s work in Dhal ni Pol

has enhanced the view of
Roads are cleaner and looking wider than before. the Pol
They have started looking like those in foreign
countries.

The Pol residents like the work done by MHT very

much. This should be replicated in other Pols
Lalita Krishnaswamy Bijal Bhrabhatt Bharti Bhonsale Ruchi Mehta
Board Member, MHT Director, MHT Program Manage, MHT Design & Execution Expert

THANK YOU

Project by In collaboration with Advisory & Technical Guidance

Jignesh Mehta,
Urban Planner and Urban Designer
Adjnct. Associate Professor, CEPT University