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| MP Vidhan Sabha designed by Charles Correa |
A few days back a report came out that would have gladdened the hearts
of many. It said that the state government had taken a decision to maintain the
basic identity of Bhopal as a measure of homage to the two departed stalwarts,
MN Buch and Charles Correa, who had handsomely contributed to the identity of
the city. One need not dilate on Late MN Buch; everyone who lives in Bhopal is
aware of his contribution to the city. For those who do not know Charles
Correa, he was the architect (engaged by the MP government on the
recommendation of Late MN Buch) for designing the iconic Bharat Bhawan – a
centre of arts and culture of national importance. Charles Correa, later, also designed
the building for the state legislative assembly on top of the Arera Hill. By designing
these two building Correa ushered in some kind of commonality between Boston
and Bhopal. In Boston he designed several buildings including at least two in the
world renowned MIT.
Greenery, hills, lakes and ponds of the town along with its heritage were
close to the heart of Buch. He also tried to seamlessly connect the old and the
new towns. The Master Plan for the city that he designed contained provision of
maintenance of these elements to enable it to grow organically. Most of these,
however, have been compromised by wrong planning or, perhaps, lack of it. He
was unhappy about extension of the town in all directions without proper and
convenient connectivity. He also spoke against development of Bhauri where, he
said, there was inadequacy or even absence of water. That has proved to be true
and a report recently had said that the government was thinking of tapping the
Upper Lake for Bhauri’s water needs which would put the Lake under further
stress. From the beginning he was against allotment of extensive agricultural
lands for educational institutions in the catchments of the Upper Lake,
including to the media house of Jagran which has now built an university there.
Now that substantial damage has been done precious little is possible.
But one would be happy if the government, as a measure of homage to the two
distinguished urban planners, is able to rethink its plans for the city and
attempts to conform them to their visions as far as possible. It wouldn’t take
much to actualise their visions for the city. It would suffice if greenery,
apart from being maintained, is enhanced, the lakes of the city are scrupulously
maintained and conserved observing the sanctity of its catchments and
construction is banned on the hills around the city followed by a concerted
effort to re-forest them.
But would the government be ever up to it? Although it seems to have
taken the decision to act in accordance with the visions of Buch and Correa but
one cannot really trust its intentions. For the last ten years or so we have
been hearing the netas talking about
conversion of the city into a Paris or a Singapore but it continues to be what
it was – perhaps worse. It doesn’t take much to mouth assurances or talk tall.
Ultimately, what matters is the achievement and that has been much, much below
par. Although Bhopal is the capital of the state yet not one project has been
successfully brought to fruition. Delays and corruption have been endemic and
there are no perceptible signs of improvement. In fact, life of the denizens
has progressively become difficult
Not many would, therefore, trust
the government when it comes to improvements in the city and in the quality of
life of its people. The decision, therefore, can only be taken with bagfuls of
salt.
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Photo: from the Internet
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