gardens and open spaces of vadodara

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1 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preface

Today, we are heading towards a new world of technology and inventions that keeps us so

occupied that it is difficult to have time to even think of ourselves and our surroundings. In the

face of new environmental, social and economic challenges, it is essential to improve our quality

of life, our health and well-being, to ensure a more sustainable future for all.

A city is made up of many urban communities and all those communities are made of urban

spaces. Gardens and open spaces can form nodes or focal points, symbolizing shared identity

and culture. These are tangible spaces with some intangible qualities where friends and

strangers alike can come together, communicate, recreate, transact business, work, stroll,

promenade, relax, sit, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of each other. Creation, protection

and improvement of a high quality of gardens and open spaces should be at the heart of every

individual as well as authorities for any area.

Looking at the changing preference of people, from gardens and open spaces towards T.V.,

computer and video games, there is a need to remind people, the importance of gardens and

open spaces and for that the numbers, size and quality of spaces provided over years has to

improve. Also, the new gardens developed and proposed by the authorities should be in pace

with the rise in population to cater them in a better way. The accessibility, types of facilities

provided, the ways in which gardens and open spaces needs to be observed and accordingly

maintained.

1.2 Need for the study

Rapid and uncontrolled urbanization in many developing countries is having fundamental social

and environmental consequences. Taking example of India, from every angle - demographic,

environmental or social - cities in the Indian subcontinent are far more significant today than

they were a just a few decades ago. India alone homes an estimated 382million of urban

population, or 31.3% (in 2011) of total population which was only 320 million in 2004. By 2030,

existing and new Indian cities are expected to provide shelter to 590 million people, or 40% of


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the population. It is a fact that urbanization in Indian sub-continent is well underway, and will

continue unabated.1(Congress on Urban Green Spaces, New Delhi March 2012)

(As per census of India, definition of urban is

All places with a Municipality, Corporation or Cantonment or Notified Town Area

All other places which satisfied the following criteria:

o A minimum population of 5,000.

o At least 75% of the male working population was non-agricultural.

o A density of population of at least 400 sq. Km.)

Taking a glance at Gujarat, the percentage urban population is very high compared to the

nation. As per Census 2011, population of Gujarat is 6,03,83,628, from which the urban

population is 2,57,45,083 making a percentage of 42.6% which was 18930250 forming 37.3% of

the total population.

To cater this huge urban population, infrastructure facilities are very essential. For development

of infrastructure, many grants from central and state government authorities are provided.

Gujarat was given Rs 2578.81 crore between 2005 to 2012 under urban infrastructure and

governance (UIG) sub-mission of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission

(JNNURM). The allocation was more than eight per cent of the total allocation of Rs 31500

crore. So, infrastructure is well thought of by the government and other institutions associated

with it.

Urbanization brings with itself need for many different necessities. But the focus of the

government has always been infrastructure. The issue that arises due to urbanization which

should be focused upon is lack of designated gardens and open spaces. While planning new

areas, gardens and open spaces should also be planned and properly placed along with other

infrastructure and services.

Recreational facilities are highly patchy and dynamic, formed by biophysical and ecological

drivers on the one hand, and social and economic drivers on the other. Given the accelerating

rate of urbanization worldwide, recreational facilities are becoming increasingly important to

society as nodes of interactions between humans and nature.2(Census 2011)

1Congress on Urban Green Spaces, New Delhi, 2012

2Census of India, 2011


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1.3 Problem Statement

Designated gardens and open spaces are insufficient and lack proper maintenance

1.4 Focus of the Study

Focus of the study is on designated Gardens and open spaces among all the types of

recreational facilities.

Gardens and Open spaces are an essential part of the urban heritage, a strong element in the

architectural and aesthetic form of a city, plays an important educational role, is ecologically

significant, is important for social interaction and in fostering community development and is

supportive of economic objectives and activities. In particular, it helps reduce the inherent

tension in deprived parts of urban areas; it has an important role in providing for the recreational

and leisure needs of a community and has an economic value in that environmental

enhancement, in which the improvement of open space plays a major part, assists the

economic revival of cities, not just through creating jobs but in increasing the attractiveness of a

city as a place for business investment and sought-after residential areas".3(EuropeanCouncil

1986)

1.5 Goal:

To assess Vadodara with adequate designated gardens and open spaces, essential for the

balanced development of human being

1.6 Objectives:

To assess sufficiency and adequacy of designated gardens and open spaces as per

norms in the proposed in Development plan and Town Planning Schemes of Vadodara

City.

To find whether the existing facilities provided are accessible, adequate, well maintained

and match with the proposed Development plan and TP Schemes.

3Source: Vision Document, Council of Europe, 1986


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To examine the reasons behind inadequacies

To identify the appropriate, possible steps that can be taken in future

1.7 Scope

Scope is to examine areas allotted for gardens and open spaces within the city limits of

Vadodara

Study will focus upon guideline provided by UDPFI. (Urban Development Plan

Formulation Implementation) Guidelines

The gardens and open spaces included in the research, are of community and city level

1.8 Limitation of the study

Data collected from government office are believed to be correct without second

verification

Private gardens and any such recreational facilities are not considered

1.9 Approach

Table 1 Approach for the research

Sr.

No.Objective Tasks Sub Tasks Tasks accomplished

1 To assess sufficiency

and adequacy of

designated gardens

and open spaces as

per norms in the

proposed in

Development plan

and Town Planning

Literature

review

(primary and

secondary)

Define Gardens and open

Spaces

National and

International definitions

of open spaces that are

related to the research

are incorporated

International norms of

World Health

Organization(WHO),

Study of Norms

Study of related bylaws

and guidelines

Read Textbooks

Case studies for laws of

other countries and cities


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1.10 Methodology

In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the following methodology has been adopted.

1.11 Area of Study

Area of study is Vadodara city, which was once known as the City of Gardens. In the past,

Vadodara enjoyed sound facilities of gardens and open spaces. There were about 78 gardens

in 2005. In the last 30 years, the population of the city has almost doubled, but the recreational

facilities have not proportionately increased. The growing urbanization and the demand for more

housing and transportation have led to a decline in urban greens and water bodies. 4 (City

Development Plan of Vadodara 2005)

As on 2012, Area of Vadodara is 149sqkm. VMC maintains 80 gardens spread over an area of

approximately 1.5 sqkm. These gardens are maintained to have lawns, trees, shrubs, bushes,

4Source: City Development Plan of Vadodara, 2005

Study the norms and policies, and reports of city, state and national and international level

Study past and present situation of gardens and open spaces in the city

Case study to find laws for designated gardens and open spaces in other countries

Analyze gardens and open spaces of the city according to norms

Select gardens at different locations and analyze its use, accessibility and maintenance

Evaluate findings and analyze the cause for lack

Steps to be taken in future and conclusion


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and jogging tracks, and fountains, play centers for children, senior citizen area, toilets and music

systems.5(Revised City Development Plan 2012)

Table 2 Trend of recreational facilities

Year Population % rise Share of

recreational

facilities

Recreational

facility/ area

according to

norms

(10sqm/capita)

Ideal share of

recreational

facilities/ area

(*Area of VMC is

taken as 149sqkm for

calculation)

1981 734,473 2.58% 734,4730 4.9% (108.2sq km)

1991 1,031,346 40% 1,031,3460 6.9%

2001 1,306,035 26.6% 1.17% 1,306,0350 8.7%

2011 1,666,703 27.6% 1,666,7030 11.1%

(Source: City Development Plan, 2005)

According to City development plan, 2005, the share of recreation area has reduced to 1.17% in

2005 from 2.58% before 30 years, which is far below the norms of UDPFI guidelines i.e. 10sqm

per person. The increase in slum population has also led to a proliferation of illegal

encroachments on public and open spaces, reserved land and recreational land. If the

recreational facilities reduce in the same pattern, even further, the city would deteriorate both in

terms of quality of life and environmental parameters. So, there is a need for people and the

government, to focus on the issue of decreasing recreation and solve the problem so that the

future generations are not deprived of it.

5Source: Revised City Development Plan, 2012


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2 CHAPTER II: CONCEPT, HISTORIC RELEVANCE AND EXISTING

FRAMEWORK FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN INDIA

The following chapter answers some of the basic questions such as why recreational facilities

are important. How it has evolved nationally or internationally; to understand the formation and

necessity of green spaces in different eras. Also, the national and international definitions of

gardens and open spaces with their categories and different levels of it have been described

which helps in understanding different ways that a garden and open space is taken. National

and International norms and policies that are related to gardens and open spaces are also

incorporated for better comparative analysis.

2.1 Need for recreation facilities

Gardens and open spaces must be planned as a land use in its own right and they must be

planned in the right location and should not be the remainder when other land uses have been

provided. Gardens and open spaces are intended to function as green lungs within urban

areas and expected to serve the citizens as well as bring visitors from all over the region.

Gardens and open spaces are necessary to be provided as they improve environmental

benefits affect surrounding land use and increase potentially land value directly or indirectly.

Just as growing communities need to upgrade and expand their built infrastructure of roads,

sewers, and utilities, they also need to upgrade and expand their green infrastructure, the

interconnected system of green spaces that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions,

sustains clear air and water, and provides a wide array of benefits to people and wildlife.

COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION-They can serve scores of different uses; they act to

define the shape and feel of a city and its neighborhoods. They also function as a

conscious tool for revitalization.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT- Parks provide intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and

recreation benefits to our cities. They are also a source of positive economic benefits.

They enhance property values, increase municipal revenue, bring in homebuyers and

workers, and attract retirees.


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CREATE SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS- Time spent in natural surroundings relieves

mental fatigue, which in turn relieves inattentiveness, irritability, and impulsivity,

recognized by psychologists as precursors to violence. Green spaces also support

frequent, casual contact among neighbors. This leads to the formation of neighborhood

social ties, the building blocks of strong, secure neighborhoods where people tend to

support, care about, and protect one another. Also, Barren spaces are more frightening

to people and are more crime prone than parks landscaped with greenery and open

vistas.

PROMOTE PUBLIC HEALTH- Along with the expected leisure amenities, parks can

also provide measurable health benefits, from providing direct contact with nature and a

cleaner environment, to opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.

Recreational activities help you relax and give soothing effect to your nerves. It helps

you release the tension and maintain equilibrium

PROMOTE THE ARTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS- Urban parks have always been

an important setting for arts and cultural programs. During the late 19th century, parks

commonly hosed musical events. By the beginning of the 20th century, dance, theatre,

and even the new medium of film began to be represented in parks programming.

2.2 International history and chronological development of parks and

open spaces

To provide a meaningful background for the study of parks and gardens in modern society, it is

helpful to have a clear understanding of its role in the past. We can trace the origins of many of

our contemporary views and related cultural customs to the traditions and practices of ancient

cultures. The history of recreation is a rich tapestry of people, places, events, and social forces,

showing the role of religion, education, and government and the customs and values of different

cultures, their arts, sport, and pastimes. By becoming familiar with the evolution of our

recreation, we are better able to understand and deal effectively with the present.

Prehistoric era: One would expect a chronological study to begin by examining the play of

prehistoric peoples during the Paleolithic and Neolithic epochs. Archaeologists have uncovered

artifacts that provide some first-hand evidence of the creative, athletic, and recreation activities

of primitive peoples from around the world. When an activity was no longer useful in its original


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form (such as archery for hunting or warfare), it became a form of sport offering individuals and

groups the opportunity to prove physical skill and strategy. Often, the origin was a religious

ritual, in which games were played to symbolize a continuing struggle between good and evil or

life and death.

Popular games were often vestiges of warfare, practiced as a form of sport. Musical instruments

were likely created for use in religious rituals. Pottery, painting, drawings, and other early art

provided a record of both daily life and cultural mythology. As prehistoric societies advanced,

they developed specialization of functions. Humans learned to domesticate plants and animals,

which permitted them to shift from a nomadic existence based on hunting and food gathering to

a largely stationary way of life based on grazing animals and planting crops.

As early as the ninth century B.C., parks were established as sites for royal hunting parties.

They also provided settings for feasts, assemblies, and royal gatherings. On the estates of other

monarchs during the ninth and tenth centuries B.C. were vineyards, fishponds, and the famed

hanging gardens of Babylon.

The ancient Greeks developed the art of town planning and customarily made extensive

provisions for parks and gardens, open-air theaters and gymnasiums, baths, exercise grounds,

and stadiums. During the time of Plato, the gymnasium and the park were closely connected in

beautiful natural settings, often including indoor halls, gardens, and buildings for musical

performances. Early Athens had many public baths and some public parks, which later gave

way to privately owned estates.

Even more than the Greeks, the Romanswere systematic planners and builders. Their towns

generally included provisions for baths, open-air theaters, amphitheaters, forums for public

assemblies, stadiums, and sometimes parks and gardens. They developed buildings for

gymnastic sport, modeled after the Greek pilaster and including wrestling rooms, conversation

areas for philosophers, and colonnades where games might be held in winter despite bad

weather.

During the Middle Ages, the need to enclose cities within protective walls necessitated building

within a compact area that left little space for public gardens or sports areas. As the walled city

became more difficult to defend after the invention of gunpowder and cannon, residents began

to move out of the central city. Satellite communities developed around the city, but usually with

little definite planning.


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In the middle ages, there were village feasts and sport, practical joking, throwing weights,

cockfighting, bull baiting, and other lively games. "Ball games and wrestling, in which men of

one village were pitted against men of another, sometimes resulted in bloodshed." There was

sometimes dancing on the green, and, on holidays, there were miracle and morality plays. An

illustration of the extent to which popular recreation expanded during the Middle Ages is found

in the famous painting of children's games by the Flemish artist Pieter Breughel. This painting

depicts more than 90 forms of children's play, including marbles, stilts, sledding, bowling,

skating, blind man's bluff, piggyback, leapfrog, follow- the- leader, archery, tug-of-war, doll play,

and dozens of others, many of which have lasted to the present day.

As the Renaissance period began, European town planning was characterized by wide

avenues, long approaches, handsome buildings, and similar monumental features. The nobility

decorated their estates with elaborate gardens, some of which were open to public use, as in

Italy at the end of the thirteenth century. There were walks and public squares, often decorated

with statuary. In some cases, religious brotherhoods built clubhouses, gardens, and shooting

stands for archery practice that were used by townspeople for recreation and amusement.

Compared with the nations of Europe, the early American colonies showed little concern for

developing parks in cities and towns. Beautiful village greens established during the colonial

period still exist throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire. In the

design of new cities, the colonists began to give attention to the need for preserving or

establishing parks and open spaces. Among the first cities in which such plans were made were

Philadelphia, Savannah, and Washington, D.C.

Almost from the earliest days of settlement, there was concern for the conservation of forests

and open land in the New Englandcountryside. As early as 1626 in the Plymouth colony, the

cutting of trees without official consent was prohibited by law. The Massachusetts Bay Colony

passed the Great Ponds Act in 1641, which set aside 2,000 bodies of water, each over 10 acres

in size, for such public uses as "fishing and fowling." The courts supported this conservation of

land for recreational use.

During industrialization, factory wages were usually higher than those in domestic industry or

agriculture. So, great numbers of people moved from rural areas to the cities to work. Often a

family lived crowded in a single room under unsanitary and unsafe conditions. The new urban

slums were marked by congestion and disease. Work was considered the source of social and

moral values, and therefore the proper concern of churches, which renewed their attack upon


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most forms of play. The churches condemned many commercial amusements as "the door to all

the sins of iniquity." By the 1880s and 1890s, church leaders recognized that religion could no

longer arbitrarily condemn all play and offered "sanctified amusement and recreation" as

alternatives to undesirable play.

The period extending from the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century is referred to by

recreation scholars as the public recreation movement. The period was characterized by the

widespread development of organized recreation activities and facilities by government and

voluntary agencies with the intent of achieving desirable social outcomes.

The first conservation action was in 1864, when Congress set aside an extensive area of

wilderness primarily for public recreational use, consisting of the Yosemite Valley and the

Mariposa Grove of Big Trees in California. This later became a national park. The first

designated national park was Yellowstone, founded in 1872. All such developments did not lend

themselves immediately to an emphasis on recreation.

Until the nineteenth century, North America lagged far behind Europe in the development of

municipal parks, partly because this continent had no aristocracy with large cultivated estates,

hunting grounds, and elaborate gardens that could be turned over to the public. There long had

been a need for open space in New York City. During the first 30 years of the nineteenth

century, plans were made for several open squares to total about 450 acres, but these were not

carried out completely. By the early 1850s, the entire amount of public open space in Manhattan

totaled only 117 acres. Pressure mounted among the citizens of the city for a major park that

would provide relief from stone and concrete.

In America, municipalities were discovering new ways to add parks. Many acquired areas

outside their city limits, while others required that new real estate subdivision plans include the

dedication of space for recreation. Some cities acquired major park properties through gifts. The

pattern that began to develop was one of placing a network of small, intensively used

playgrounds throughout the cities, particularly in neighborhoods of working-class families, and

placing larger parks in outlying areas.6(Early History of Recreation and Leisure n.d.).

6Source: Early History of Recreation and Leisure, By- Jones and Bartlett Publishers


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2.3 Indian history and chronological development of recreational facilities

Gardens and open spaces: India is one of the few nations to have had a continuous

civilization from about 3000 B.C. The earliest civilization we have is from the Harappa

Civilization, i.e. around 2500-2000 B.C. Trees were considered important and to protect them

they were given religious values. Even at this early period, there were trade and cultural

contacts with Central Asia. Lord Buddha was born in a park (563 to 483 B.C.). During that

period more emphasis was on woodlands and parks rather than on gardens.

Around 1200 to 1000B.C. India had a developed art of town planning. Irrigation systems were

also developed and were in use. King Ashoka (270- 250 B.C.) not only loved trees and parks

but gave royal orders to plant trees and develop gardens all over his kingdom. Each Park was

expected to have water pools, creeper arbours and shaded walks. The design was more

informal than formal, the emphasis was on shade and the cooling effects of water; and trees,shrubs and creepers were given preference for their fragrance, and their fruits, etc. Menander

(180- 160 B.C.) was the Indian-born Greek king. His capital, Sagola (present day Sialkot), had

extensive parks and gardens. Many of these gardens and parks had lakes and tanks with

shaded walks.

Chola kings {around 10th and 11th Century A, D,) in South India, Their cities were well

developed and had well planned gardens, The great South-Indian temples, gems of Indian

architecture, usually had water tanks in their compounds with gardens attached to them,

Invariably, such gardens were called Nandanvanam (heavenly gardens). Similarly, on the

western coast, some 80kms, to the north of the present City of Ahmedabad, was Anhilvad,

capital of the Solanki Kings of Gujarat (961 A.D.).

The king best known for his love of gardens before Babar would be King Firoz Shah (1351 A.

D.). Sultan Firoz developed more than 1200 gardens in and around Delhi. The gardens may

have been mainly fruit orchards, but recreation was not a part of it. More use was made of

running water in the gardens. He developed forty-four gardens near Chittor and eighty gardens

near Salaura. He was responsible for completing about 30 gardens which were started by Ala-ud-din (1296 A.D.). Most of the gardens bad irrigation channels, and some bad fountains also.

Sultan Firoz Shah was a great builder. It is recorded that he established nearly 200 towns in

addition to a new capital called Firozabad.

The Lodhi dynasty which ruled from 1450 to 1526 A.D. contributed greatly to architecture and to

the art of gardens in India. It was to King Baz-Bahadur, 1555 to 1562 A. D. that the honours


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must go for the development of the art of gardening. The Reva Garden was square in shape

with a great tank or pool in the center. The garden was set with trees and flowers. In the center

of the garden was a pleasure house. In the palace, there were fountains and tanks with

coloured glass. Water used to flow over the coloured glass tiles which were lighted. The

gardens of this period were enriched by introducing plants from other nations.

Feroz Shah Bahmuny built a town called Ferozabad on the banks of the river Bhima in the

Deccan: The palace was provided with water from a canal which was connected to the Bhima

River. The palace was divided into several courtyards. Many court yards had gardens with water

running through channels. Similarly the Tomb of Quasim Barid who died in 1504 had a well laid

out garden with paved paths etc.

Coming to the gardens of Bidar, we have some interesting information. The "Ranga Mahall"

(literally: Ranga= colour, Mahall=pavilion, but it was actually a hall for recreation) had a

courtyard. This court-yard was developed as a garden with a cistern. The royal pavilion in the

same palace also had a fountain made of dark hornblende, octagonal in shape. The kings were

very fond of water, and running water in particular .Then there is a Lalbagh or Ruby (red)

garden, so called because of red flowers which may have been grown in the garden. The

pavilion which is in the center has water channels beside it. The water for the garden was lifted

from wells. Then there is the Tarkash Mahall, with a garden and cistern.

First, Mahmud Peghadra, King of Gujarat (from 1459to 1511 A"D.) built an excellent palace in a

lake at Sarkhej near Ahmedabad. Babar did give a very solid impetus to garden development in

India. Babar was a shrewd observer and a very ambitious person. He tried to make the best of

every situation. His observations of Indian plant life are remarkable in this respect. Babar laid

and improved many gardens around Kabul. Important among these gardens is the Bagh-i- Vifa

(Garden of fidelity) which he developed with great care, planting trees and plants brought from

India.

The gardens developed by Babar .were usually constructed in a series of terraces of sloping

ground, which was the usual Turkey and Persian plan. The religious concept of Paradise was

predominant in garden planning. Paradise had eight divisions and based on this concept the

gardens were divided into eight terraces. However, in some places, the number seven was also

chosen to represent the seven planets.


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Islamic gardens could be divided into three types:

Gardens developed around a mausoleum,

Gardens developed as pleasure gardens,

Court yard gardens.

The simple plan which was followed in the plains could have been influenced by Hindu

mythology. The Hindus considered Mount Meru as the center of the world, while from the four

cardinal points holy springs the life giving springs used to flow, on the central mount stood the

tree of knowledge and a temple. ln the Islamic concept, which had a strong ideology of a

Paradise, the mausoleum replaced the temple. Among mausoleum gardens we have:

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi, (1556 A.D.),

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra near Agra, (1605 A.D.)

Jahangirs Tomb, Shahadra, Lahore, (1627 A.D.)

The Taj Mahal, Agra, (1658 A.D.)

Mausoleum for Rabi a Darauni.

Among pleasure gardens" the important gardens are the Nasim Bagh by Akbar .Shalimar

Achabal, Vernag and Nishat, built during the time of Jahangir. Then during Shahjahan's time,

the Chasma Shahi in Kashmir was built, Shalimar at Delhi and also at Lahore and the gardens

of the Red Fort at Delhi. The Pinjore Gardens near present-day Chandigarh are perhaps the

only important gardens of Aurangzebs period. Among court-yard gardens, we have the

Anguribagh, Agra fort, the Garden of the Amber Fort and Udaipur Lake Palace. The garden

around Humayuns tomb is perhaps the oldest garden of the Mughal period to have preserved

most of its original design.7(The Gardens of India n.d.)

7Source: The Gardens of India, by- Prabhakar B. Bhagwat


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2.4 Concept of Recreational facilities and classification of its elements

2.4.1 Concept and theories:

Recreational facility in its basic terms means, a refreshment of one's mind or body after work

through activity that amuses or stimulates; play, relaxation and enjoyment, traveling for pleasure

Recreation ranges from home entertainment such as playing mahjong and watching television,

through passive activities such as strolling and playing in the morning, to active games and

competitive sports. This section is concerned with those aspects of recreation which:

Require special facilities to cater for widespread public demand; and

Require land areas to be allocated in town plans.

The political philosophy: The notion of recreational space is better captured by the social

sciences. In political philosophy, the concept of the public has drawn an important inspiration

from the notions of the Greek agora and the Roman forum, taken as ideal models of

recreational areas where the public affairs of the city are discussed among an assembly of

equal citizens. But today, the only foray into publicly accessible space has been through the

cafes and, more recently, on the more visible but still placeless pages of the Internet.

Sociological outlook: Sociology has paid more attention to the physical venues of the city and

the daily interactions of the citizenry. Thus, in addition to streets and parks, a vast array of

spaces of mobility, such as transportation facilities (train and subway stations, airports,

highways, parking lots) or spaces of mass consumption (shopping malls for the most part) can

be analyzed according the criterion of sociology.

2.4.2 Definition of gardens and open spaces

PARKS AND GARDENS:

Parks and gardens are areas of land, usually kept in a largely natural state or landscaped forthe enjoyment of the public, having facilities for rest and providing opportunities for informal

recreation and community events8.(Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment 2011)

8Source: Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment 2011, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council


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OPEN SPACE:

The open spaces can include the following three categories, namely:

a) Recreational space

b) Organized green

c) Other common open spaces (such as vacant lands/ open spaces including flood

plains, forest cover etc in plain areas)9. (URDPFI Draft Guidelines 2014)

OPEN SPACE:

Open space is a statutory land use zone for the provision of open space and recreation facilities

for the enjoyment of the general public.10

RECREATION OPEN SPACE:

This is the outdoor open-air space which is used principally for active and/or passive recreation

use, developed either by the public or private sector, and is counted towards the open space

standard of provision.

OPEN SPACE

Open space is defined as publicly or privately owned land that is publicly accessible and

available for leisure, play, or sport, or is set aside for the protection and/or enhancement of the

natural environment. An open space analysis focuses on officially designated existing or

planned public open space.11

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

Open space that is accessible to the public on a constant and regular basis, including for

designated daily periods, is defined as "public" and analyzed under CEQR. Public open space

may be under government or private jurisdiction and may include, but is not limited to, the

following:

Parks operated or managed by the City, State, or Federal governments and include

neighborhood and regional parks, beaches, pools, golf courses, boardwalks,

9URDPFI Draft Guidelines, 2014

10Source: Recreation open space and greening, Planning Dept. Govt. of Hong Kong, Dec 200711

Source: Open space, City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) technical Manual, New York Govt.


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playgrounds, ball fields, and recreation centers that are available to the public at no cost

or through a nominal fee, as in the case of recreation centers and golf courses;

Open space designated through regulatory approvals (such as zoning), including large-

scale permits that prescribe publicly accessible open space, such as public plazas;

Outdoor schoolyards if available to the public during non-school hours;

Publically accessible institutional campuses;

Designated greenways, as shown on the Citys Bike Map, and defined as multi-use

pathways for non-motorized recreation and transportation along natural and manmade

linear spaces such as rail and highway rights-of-way, river corridors, and waterfront

spaces;

Landscaped medians with seating;

Housing complex grounds, if publicly accessible;

Nature preserves, if publicly accessible;

Gardens, if publicly accessible;

Public open space does not include green streets, malls without seating, or

sidewalks.

12

(Open Space 2014)

Definition from planning aspects: In planning aspects, the definition of recreational facilities

can be considered taking a reference of UDPFI guidelines. According to UDPFI guidelines, the

term recreational facilities include:

Parks and Open Spaces

Sports Centre and Play Grounds

Botanical and Zoological Parks

Water Bodies/ Other Natural Features

The study is focused only on the first parameter Parks and Open space as per the definition

given by UDPFI guidelines.

12Source: Open Space, 2014 by City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) TECHNICAL MANUAL, New York Government


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2.5 Types of Recreational facilities

This is the outdoor or indoor space which is used principally for active and/or passive recreation

use, developed either by the public or private sector

Active Recreation Facilities (Parks) - Recreation open or closed space which contains

recreation facilities, mainly for the core activities including games facilities. Active

recreational facilities are structured or unstructured outdoor and indoor recreation

activities such as sports fields play areas, golf courses, marinas, waterfront, swimming

pools, skating rinks, outdoor theaters, gyms, meeting space, or game rooms. It refers to

a structured individual or team activity that requires the use of special facilities, courses,

fields, or equipment.

Passive Recreation: Recreation space which exists as natural resources, and has a

minimal impact on ecology and environment. Such as landscaped parks, gardens,

sitting-out areas, waterfront promenades, paved areas for informal games, children's

playgrounds, jogging and fitness circuits, hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing,

bird watching, kite flying, and bicycling etc., where people can enjoy the surroundings in

a leisurely manner. It refers to recreational activities that do not require prepared

facilities like sports fields or pavilions. Passive recreational activities place minimal

stress on a sites resources; as a result, they can provide ecosystem service benefits

and are highly compatible with natural resource protection.

Indoor Recreation:Activities that does not need any open ground or outdoor area and

can be performed in a covered indoor space are called indoor recreational facilities like

Music, Dance, Watching Movies, Video Games, Internet Browsing, Art Activities,

Knitting, Painting, Indoor Gardening, Reading, Table Tennis, Writing, Craft Making,

Watching TV, Badminton, Cooking, Playing Cards, Chess, Bowling, Billiards.

Outdoor Activities: It is Activities that do need open ground and outdoor space to

perform like Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, River Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Hiking,

Scuba Diving, Swimming, Golf, Lawn Tennis, Nature Walk, Cycling, Horse Riding,

Boating, Traveling, Fishing, Pet Training, Beach Games, Museum Visit, Amusement

Park, Photography.

Formal Recreation: A dedicated space for refreshment like gardens, playgrounds,

parks etc.


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Informal recreation: Any place that refreshes the mind like standing on bridge, sitting

on society benches, roaming around the city etc.

2.6 Effects on open spaces due to development

2.6.1 Direct effects

Unplanned growth in terms of encroachment and development to gain monitory benefits have

direct effect on open spaces. An assessment of the effects needs to be carried out to

understand the appropriateness. Direct effects occur of the such developments would

Result in a physical loss of public open space (by encroaching on an open space or

displacing an open space);

Change the use of an open space so that it no longer serves the same user population

(e.g., elimination of playground equipment);

Limit public access to an open space; or

Cause increased noise or air pollutant emissions, odors, or shadows on public open

space that would affect its usefulness, whether on a permanent or temporary basis.

2.6.2 Indirect effects

Indirect effects may occur when the population generated by the proposed zone exceeds the

capacity of existing open spaces so that their service to the future population of the affected

area would be substantially or noticeably diminished which indirectly affects the working

efficiency of the people. (Open Space 2014)

2.7 Principles for providing gardens and open spaces:

The following four principles, namely Quantity, Quality, Good Practice and Vision have relevant

considerations in the planning and provision of gardens and open spaces at the strategic,

district and local levels.


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Quantity:Sufficient open space and gardens should be provided to meet the demand

for the most popular activities, the 'core activities', within each planning district. Should

there be scope, the range of facilities should be widened to enable provision be made for

special activities.

Quality: Gardens and open space provided should be of a high quality, in terms of

facilities, layout and design, which meet the needs and aspirations of the users. They

should also meet environmental standards, and contribute to good civic design.

Good Practice: To provide easy access, encourage optimum usage and enable

complementary improvements to the environment, open spaces and gardens should be

provided within an integrated recreation and open space framework incorporating

continuous pedestrian and/or cycle links.

Vision:Planning requires vision, so does the planning for gardens and open space. In

deriving a vision for the district, we may need to consider such attributes as the

function(s) of the district (e.g. whether it is principally a residential and/or tourist area);

location and physical characteristics; population structure and socio-economic

characteristics; recreation potential and opportunities particularly any attractive

recreation spots; level of existing facilities and areas of shortfall; flexibility in the use of

facilities including dual or multiple use; accessibility of facilities; scope for private

development; scope for special facilities; and provision and accessibility of facilities for

special groups such as the disabled13. (Recreation, Open Space and Greening Dec

2007)

2.8 Category of Gardens and open spaces

After the definition, concept and various types of gardens and open spaces it requires to classify

the availability of these facilities at different levels i.e. residential, neighourhood, zonal and city

level facility. Each level will influence differently the citizens based on size and availablefacilities. The literature review from Hong Kong and Vadodara provides classification based on

area and extent of influence on the population to support the classification of gardens at various

levels of planning.

13Source: recreation open space and greening, Planning Dept. Govt. of Hong Kong, Dec 2007


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The reason behind selection of Hong Kong to compare with Vadodara is the similarity in the

criteria for categorizing the levels of gardens and open spaces with the cities existing survey

report of 2000, by SOCLEEN.

2.8.1

Report on Vadodara Beyond 2000 AD Project by SOCLEEN Planning CellPlanning needs to respond to local needs, values, and capacities of any area. Vadodara is

known as City of Gardens. Numerous parks along with ponds were planned and developed by

late Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Special attention was given to the type of plantations in all

parks. The Gardens/ parks can be broadly be grouped under these four types, based on extent

of influence each one has on the population. These have been identified as follows:

Parks at City level: An area of more than 10 hectares (25acres) and central

location

Parks at zonal level: An area of more than 4 hec. (10 acres) and less than 10 hec.

Parks at neighbourhood level: An area of more than 1 hec (2.5 acres) and less

than 4 hec. (10 acres)

Parks at the residential level: An area of less than 1 hec (2.5 acres)

Under this classification, as per a study carried out by SOCLEEN, in Dec 1997, there was only

one park at the city level, known as Sayaji Park, which was centrally located between the

eastern and the western side of the city. There were 2 zonal parks- Sardar Baug on the western

side and Lalbaug on the southern. Three Baugs in the neighbourhood level existed but one of

them was located on the crematory grounds, hence cannot be utilized for

recreation.14(Vadodara Beyond 2000 AD Project 1997)

2.8.2 Planning Department, Government of Hong Kong

2.8.2.1 Types of open spaces:

Regional Open Space: A non-statutory land use zone for recreation open space.

Regional open spaces are large sites (at least 5 ha) provided at prominent locations in

the urban areas, at the urban fringe areas or in proximity to major transport

14Source: Vadodara Beyond 2000 AD Project, 1997 by- SOCLEEN Planning Cell


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interchanges. They provide facilities with a greater scope than the core activities and

serve the wider recreational needs of the territorial population and tourists. Regional

Open Spaces include the Urban Fringe Parks proposed in Metro plan.

District Open Space:A non-statutory land use zone for recreation open space. District

open spaces are medium-size sites (where possible at least 1 ha) which provide facilities

for the core activities and for passive recreation to meet the needs of a district

population.

Local Open Space: A non-statutory land use zone for recreation open space. Local

open spaces are smaller sites (where possible at least 500m in the urban areas) which

are more passive in nature and provide sitting-out areas and childrens playgrounds to

serve the neighbourhood population. For local open space serving a larger

neighbourhood, some active recreation facilities may be provided.15(Recreation, Open

Space and Greening Dec 2007)

Table 3 Comparison of norms (Hong Kong and SOCLEEN, Vadodara)

Sr.

No.

Criteria Hong Kong SOCLEEN Existing no. of

gardens

according to

Hong Kong

Existing no. of

gardens

according to

SOCLEEN

report

1 Area

City level >=25 acre -- 1

Zonal level >=12.5 acre >=10 acre 1 1

Neighbourhood level >=2.5 acre >=2.5 acre 14 13

Residential level >=1.2 acre


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2.8.3 Adopted category for this Research:

City level Gardens and open spaces:Area larger than 25acres with a greater scope

than the core activities and serve the wider recreational needs of the territorial

population and tourists.

Ward level Gardens and open spaces:Area larger than 1 acre and that provides all

the passive recreation along with jogging track, childrens play, instruments of gym area

and benches

Local level Gardens and open spaces:Area Smaller than 1 acre having at least lawn

and childrens play area.

Table 4 Criteria of Gardens for current research

Sr.

No.

Criteria for

current research

City level Ward level Local level

1 Area >=25 acre >=1 acre < 1 acre

2.9 International planning norms for gardens and open spaces:

2.9.1 Planning norms as per planning dept. Hong Kong:

The standards for Recreation Open Space require meeting the active and passive recreational

needs of the population, either within the residential neighbourhood or centrally located to serve

a wider area. Green Space such as Amenity Areas, Country Parks, Green Belts and Coastal

Protection Areas which do not readily lend themselves to the formulation of any standards are

excluded.

In the urban areas, including the Metro Area and the New Towns, the standard for provision of

open space is a minimum of 20 ha per 100 000 persons i.e. 2m per person, apportioned as

follows:

A minimum of 10 ha per 100 000 persons (i.e. 1m per person) for District Open Space;

A minimum of 10 ha per 100 000 persons (i.e. 1m per person) for Local Open Space.


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Regional Open Space is provided as a bonus above the minimum standard. However, in the

Metro Area, 50% of the Regional Open Space provision can be counted as District Open

Space.16(Recreation, Open Space and Greening Dec 2007)

2.9.2 Planning norms as per CEQR Technical Manual, New York Government

In New York City, local open space ratios vary widely, and the median ratio at the Citywide

Community District level is 1.5 acres of open space per 1,000 residents. Typically, for the

assessment of both direct and indirect effects, citywide local norms have been calculated for

comparison and analysis. As a planning goal, a ratio of 2.5 acres per 1,000 residents represents

an area well-served by open spaces, and is consequently used as an optimal benchmark for

residential populations in large-scale plans and proposals. Ideally, this would comprise 0.50

acres of passive space and 2.0 acres of active open space per 1,000 residents. For such large-

scale projects (and for planning purposes), the City also seeks to attain its planning goal of a

balance of 80 percent active open space and 20 percent passive open space. The City's

planning goal is based, in part, on National Recreation and Park Association guidelines of 1.25

to 2.5 acres per 1,000 residents of neighborhood parks within one-half mile, 5 to 8 acres per

1,000 residents of community parks within one to two miles, and 5 to 10 acres per 1,000

residents of regional parks within a one-hour drive of urban areas. Studies have shown that

nonresidents, specifically workers, tend to use passive open space. The optimal ratio for worker

populations is 0.15 acres of passive open space per 1,000 nonresidents.

Under-served areas

Under-served areas are areas of high population density in the City that are generally the

greatest distance from parkland where the amount of open space per 1000 residents is currently

less than 2.5 acres.

Well-served areas:

Have an open space ratio above 2.5 acres per 1000 residents accounting for existing

parks that contain developed recreational resources; or

Are located within 0.25 mile (approximately a 10-minute walk) from developed and

publicly accessible portions of regional parks.17(Open Space 2014)

16Source: Recreation, Open Space and Greening, 2007- Planning Department, Government of Hong Kong


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2.10 Planning norms and policies in India

The existing recreation and open space conditions in a community are primarily a result of the

specific policies followed and actions taken by the community in the past. Because of the

interrelationship of state, national, and private recreation and open space systems with the local

system, local policies are not the only determinant of local recreation and open space

conditions; however, local actions are the principal reason for the existing characteristics of the

local system.

In India, the recreation and open space policy of the Board of County Commissioners has been

consistent over time, evolving to an ever more active role in the area of recreation and open

space. These policies are best illustrated by considering the two main components of the local

recreation and open space system. These are: site acquisition/facility development and program

development. Past policies, however, are probably best reflected by existing conditions, sinceexisting parks, recreation facilities, open spaces, and recreation programs were established,

acquired, or developed based upon past local policy decisions.

Beginning in the early 1980's, India embarked upon a more ambitious program of acquisition

and development of parks. That program complemented and conserved the county's major

natural resources. To that end, the county focused on acquiring beachfront sites, providing

beach and river access, and developing a county-owned golf course. That policy resulted in an

emphasis on the acquisition of resource-based facilities, while giving a lower priority to providing

neighborhood parks and related facilities.

During the first half of the 1980's, the county took two major actions to acquire and develop

recreational parks. In 1982, the county issued five million dollars in bonds in order to acquire

beachfront property and to match state Save Our Coasts funds for additional beachfront land

acquisition. Then, in 1985, the county issued another bond to construct an eighteen hole public

golf course on part of an existing park site. Since then, the county has continued to focus on

resource based park development through its Environmental Lands Acquisition Program.

In India in the 1980s and 1990s, sub-urbanization and the proliferation of televisions, videos

and the personal computer changed peoples priorities from public life towards the pleasures

of private life and security. This phenomenon has been showcased by the fall and rise in the

fortune of movie theatres in many cities in India. During the 1980s people preferred renting a

17Source: Open Space, 2014- City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) TECHNICAL MANUAL, New York Government


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movie cassette and watching it in the comfort and security of their home. As a result many

movie theatres either shut down or became dilapidated. But in the late 1990s going to the

movies became a fun family outing again (as the novelty of the video diminished); and many of

the theatres got a face lift, and some were converted into multiplex cinemas with bowling alleys

and video game arcades (example: Anupam theatre, New Delhi). At least for the middle

classes of our society, nearby public space is no longer so necessary as a relief from crowded

living and working environments nor as an essential setting for the social exchange that helped

to hold together the old urban villages with their social support systems

Since 1990, however, the county has focused on the provision of user-based facilities. In so

doing, the county developed South County Park, an 80 acre site containing several multi-

purpose fields, tennis courts, and a playground. The county also provided user-based facilities

through coordination with the cities of Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere. For example, the

county provided approximately 50% of the cost of developing the Barber Street Complex in

Sebastian. Similarly, the county paid for approximately 50% of Fellsmere's parks and recreation

improvements. A comparable situation exists at the 16th Street Ballfields. Although located in

the City of Vero Beach, the land is owned by the county.

2.10.1 Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation Act:

It is ULBs responsibility to provide open spaces and gardens as per Bombay Provincial

Municipal Corporation Act under section 63 and 66 as obligatory and discretionary functions.o Obligatory functions: U/S 63 every municipal council are responsible to

maintain all public monuments, open spaces and other property vesting in the

Corporation.

o Discretionary functions: U/S 66 municipal councils may, in its discretion,

provide public parks, gardens, play-grounds and recreation grounds, holding of

exhibitions, public athletics or games etc.

Interpretation of Act plays an important role in provision and maintenance of services. Mention

of services under the head of discretionary functions are optional to provide i.e. based on

availability of resources whenever it is convenient, ULBs may provide these services. But

maintenance of existing properties is made compulsory under obligatory functions.


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2.10.2 Constitutional Provisions

The Indian Constitution provides, in clear and unambiguous terms, for the State's commitment

to protect the environment. Under Article 51-A (g), it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of

India "to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wild

life, and to have compassion for living creatures.

2.10.3 The Twelfth Schedule of Constitution

The entry to Twelfth Schedule of the (Article 243) provides an illustrative list of eighteen

functions, which may be delegated to the municipalities. The list also mentions provision of

urban amenities and facilities such as parks, gardens, play-grounds.

2.10.4 UDPFI guidelines:

According to UDPFI guidelines, the term recreational facilities include:

o Gardens and Open Spaces

o Sports Centre and Play Grounds

o Botanical and Zoological Parks

o Water Bodies/ Other Natural Features

The norms for parks, play fields and other open space such as specified park,

amusement park, maidan, a multi-purpose open space, botanical garden and zoologicalparks, traffic parks etc. are as under.

Table 5 Norms as per UDPFI guidelines

Planning Unit Area/per person (m2)

Housing Cluster 3-4 local parks and playgrounds

Sector 3-4 local park and playgrounds

Community 2-3 community level park and open space

District 1 district level park and sports centre. maidan

Sub-city centre 1 city level park. sports complex, botanical/zoological garden, maidan


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Overall town/city level 10 sqm. - 12.00 sqm. per person

(Source: UDPFI Guidelines)

2.11 Gardens - Indian Best Practices Case study of Bangalore

The basic reason to take Bangalore as a case is the similarity in the pattern in which the

deterioration of water bodies has accrued and the green areas, parks and open space have not

matched the pace of urbanization. The following study describes the way Bangalore has

developed, the problems faced by it in recreational facilities and strategies they have followed to

overcome the problem.

Gardens and open spaces: From Pensioners Paradise to Silicon Valley or from Garden

City to Garbage City, the city of Bangalore, India has evolved considerably. Bangalore has

been fertile ground for trade and industry, research and educational institutions, floriculture and

biotechnology, and as a destination for tourists and retirees. In Bangalores colonial past, it saw

establishment of a cantonment (a colonial military settlement) next to the historic city (Indian

city) and you get an interesting blend of east and west, which even today is reflected.

In 1947 India gained independence and the Indian and colonial cities were merged in 1949.

Bangalore has since remained the capital of Karnataka state. Bangalore continued to grow and

several public sector industries were set up from 1940 -1970 transforming it into a science andtechnology center. By 1961, Bangalore had become the 6th largest city in India with a

population of 1,207,000. Between 1971-1981, Bangalores growth rate was 76%, the fastest in

Asia. By 1988 the Electronic City had been developed and Bangalore emerged as Indias

software capital. Consequently the 1990s saw a construction boom fuelled by Bangalores

growing reputation as Indias silicon valley, which saw many young professionals migrate to

the city.

Though rapid urbanization has led to these two cities blending into one, the urban fabric or

structure of each is still perceivably different. Hence the volumetric perception of the public

spaces, apart from the architecture is different. The so-called native town (Indian city) or Pete

(or otherwise simply known as city or city area) is very organic in structure with narrow

winding streets dating from a time before the automobile. The colonial city or cantonment

(otherwise also known as the Civil and Military station, CMS) on the other hand was made up

primarily of the cantonment proper, a main street and residential suburbs. The town had a


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loosely knit structure with large bungalows and parks. Over the years many of these bungalows

were subdivided and new houses were built. Some of the larger properties were bought by

developers, who built high-rise apartments and office buildings. Hence the historic colonial city

has been lost and replaced by a Central Business District (CBD). As a result, an essentially

small town fabric has been burdened by dense urban development and the tree-lined avenues,

which provided adequate public space, have become congested physically as well as visually

because of the high-rise buildings.

The quality of public spaces in Bangalore has deteriorated over the years due to several

reasons.

Rapid development

Change in land use

Increase in traffic

Encroachment into public spaces

Lack of management of public spaces

The increase in population has also altered the demands on public space in Bangalore. The city

has always attracted people from various parts of the world. The Information Technology boom

today has seen people migrating to Bangalore not only from all over India, but also from aroundthe world. The cosmopolitan image that Bangalore has acquired has resulted in the creation of

many eclectic spaces such as pubs, open-air cafs, and food courts. The young and globalised

citizens of Bangalore crave spaces to hangout, to shop, to meet friends, to recreate, and to see

and be seen. Thus far a private services industry and the public streets have catered to these

urges, though in a haphazard way. The streets, which were used to be a democratic public

space, are being reduced to the function of circulation. The public realm is slowly diminishing

and the semi-private realm is filling the void.

Lower income groups use space more intensely and often prefer the street as public space in

Bangalore. Public space is extremely important for the lower income groups in Bangalore,

especially those living in traditional neighbourhoods who need open space as a respite from

crowded living conditions, and for fresh air and recreation.


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Parks in Bangalore have been established at varying points of time, with different purposes in

mind. The two largest and oldest parks in the city, the LalBagh, were established in the 18th and

19th century respectively: the LalBagh is a botanical garden of repute in South Asia, while the

Cubbon Park constitutes a large and important lung space for the city. Several other parks were

established towards the earlier part of the 20th century up until the 1960s, largely managed by

British appointed foresters. These parks (constituted before the 1970s) form the first group,

categorized as old parks. A number of parks were established in the decades after Indian

independence, with significant tree planting initiatives carried out during the 1980s in particular

(Neginhal 2006). The second group of parks, in the intermediate age group, are defined as

those constituted after 1970 but before 1990.

Finally, in the past 10 years, a large number of small parks have been established in different

areas of the city, which are widely used by local residents for recreational purposes. Parks

established on or after 1990 are accordingly categorized into a third group of recent parks. They

largely separate three phases of park creationthe first during and just after periods of British

governance, the second during a phase of park creation carried out during the 1970s and

1980s, and the third during a phase of recreational park establishment, especially focused

towards the development of small city parks, carried out during and after the 1990s.

Bangalores rapid urbanization has led to congestion in the city and pressure on its

infrastructure. Bangalore was essentially a small town, which has grown rapidly. Thus streets

and public spaces, which were designed for a much smaller population, are now being

subjected to enormous pressure by urban development. The unquenchable thirst for land for

development has led to many public spaces being eliminated. This has resulted in reduction in

percentage of land devoted to open spaces and deterioration in the quality of the public spaces.

Streets which once had only horse drawn carriages and bicycles commuting on them have to

bear the burden of todays high-speed automobile traffic. The narrow streets of Bangalore have

not been able to cater to this and roads have been widened to the extent possible, in some

cases leaving no space for a sidewalk. This has adversely affected street life and eroded the

potential of streets as quality public spaces as well. The demand for land for development has

led to encroachment into other public spaces. For example part of Cubbon Park has been used

to build government offices and road widening has eaten into the sidewalk on M.G. Road. Also

several precious lakes have been drained and built on. Therefore over the years public space

has shrunk and become even more precious. The garden city image has been lost and replaced


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by an image of a chaotic city with no clear city centre. Even the bi-nuclear character of the city

has become eroded.

This chapter discussed about the concept of garden and open spaces, their evolution, and legal

framework in Indian context, which highlights the variety of recreational facilities possible in

urban areas and the importance of gardens and open spaces as lungs for the city dwellers.

It also suggests that provision of recreational facilities specifically gardens and open spaces are

must to provide in urban areas and the responsibility of maintaining the facility is designated to

urban local bodies under constitution of India, and several other legal provisions. Next chapter

evaluates the existing situation of gardens and open spaces in Vadodara. 18(Tree diversity,

distribution and change in urban parks)

18Tree diversity, distribution and change in urban parks- studies in Bangalore, India by Harini Nagendra & Divya Gopal


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3 CHAPTER III: ASSESSMENT OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACES IN

VADODARA

In the following chapter, the evolution of growth of gardens and open spaces along with thegrowth of the city in the reigns of different rulers, are described. The status of gardens and

open spaces at present and ward wise distribution in the city that are required to be known to

achieve the first objective, has been described. Also, to find the sufficiency, adequacy and

maintenance of the gardens, primary survey has been carried out according to the levels of

gardens and conclusions are drawn.

3.1 Introduction of city Vadodara

Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is the third largest city in the Indian State ofGujarat,

afterAhmedabad andSurat. It is the administrative headquarters ofVadodara District. It is

located on the banks of theVishwamitri River, southeast ofAhmedabad, 139 km from state

capital,Gandhinagar.Both the railway line and national highway connecting Delhi and Mumbai

pass through Vadodara.

Location

Vadodara is located at22.30N 73.19E inwestern India at an elevation of 39 meters

(123 feet). It is the 18th largest city in India

with an area of 148.95 km and a

population of 4.1 million according to the

2010-11 census. The city sits on the

banks of the RiverVishwamitri, in central

Gujarat. The Vishwamitri frequently dries

up in the summer, leaving only a smallstream of water. The city is located on the

fertile plain between theMahi &Narmada

Rivers.According to the Bureau of Indian

Standards, the town falls underseismic

Map showing location of Vadodara in India
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishwamitrihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandhinagarhttp://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Vadodara&params=22.30_N_73.19_E_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishwamitrihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahi_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_hazard_zoning_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_hazard_zoning_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_hazard_zoning_of_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahi_Riverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishwamitrihttp://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Vadodara&params=22.30_N_73.19_E_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandhinagarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishwamitrihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmedabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat


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zone-III, in a scale of I to V (in order of increasing proneness to earthquakes).

Vadodara is divided by the Vishwamitri into two physically distinct eastern and western regions.

The eastern bank of the river houses the old city, which includes the old fortified city of

Vadodara. This part of Vadodara is characterized by packed bazaars, the clustered andbarricadedPol system of shanty buildings, and numerous places of worship. It houses the

General Post Office and landmark buildings like Laxmi Vilas Palace,Mandvi area andNyay

Mandir. The colonial period saw the expansion of the city to the western side of Vishwamitri.

This part of the city houses educational institutions like the Maharaja Sayajirao University of

Baroda (M.S.U.), theVadodara Railway Station, modern buildings, well-planned residential

areas, shopping malls, multiplexes and new business districts centered around Harni

road,Alkapuri,Nawayard and more recently,

Climate

Vadodara features atropical savanna climate (Aw) underKppen's Climate classification.There

are three main seasons: Summer,Monsoon and Winter. Aside from the monsoon season, the

climate is dry. The weather is hot through the months of March to July the average summer

maximum is 36 C (97 F), and the average minimum is 23 C (73 F). From November to

February, the average maximum temperature is 30 C (86 F), the average minimum is 15 C

(59 F), and the climate is extremely dry. Cold northerly winds are responsible for a mild chill in

January. The southwest monsoon brings a humid climate from mid-June to mid-September. Theaverage rainfall is 93 cm (37 in), but infrequent heavy torrential rains cause the river to flood

Civic administration

Vadodara is administered by theVadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). Some of the regions

surrounding the city are administered by theVadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA).

The VMC was established in July 1950 under the Bombay Provincial Corporation Act, 1949. For

administrative purposes, the city is divided into 12 administrative wards. Vadodara has a vibrant

history related to Art and Architecture. Since the era of Royal Gaekwad family, it has been a hubof Arts and Literature. Hence, it has been bestowed the title of "Kala Nagari"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pol_(housing)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxmi_Vilas_Palacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandvihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyay_Mandirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyay_Mandirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharaja_Sayajirao_University_of_Barodahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharaja_Sayajirao_University_of_Barodahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkapurihttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nawayard&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_savanna_climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classificationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Municipal_Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Urban_Development_Authorityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Urban_Development_Authorityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Municipal_Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classificationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_savanna_climatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nawayard&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkapurihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara_Railway_Stationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharaja_Sayajirao_University_of_Barodahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharaja_Sayajirao_University_of_Barodahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharaja_Sayajirao_University_of_Barodahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyay_Mandirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyay_Mandirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyay_Mandirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandvihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxmi_Vilas_Palacehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pol_(housing)


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3.2 History of the city Vadodara

It is believed that early man have lived on the banks of the Mahi River which formed the flood

plains in that region. There are many evidences of the existence of early man and the existence

of early settlements in the Mahi river valley at a number of sites within 10 to 20 km to the north-

east of Baroda.

There has been also findings of human settlement on the right bank of river Vishwamitri on a

group of dunes resting on the alluvium of the river which dates back to 1000 B.C.. It also

ascertains the existence of the Stone Age Era.

Nearly beginning of the Christian Era, a small township developed at same spots as mentioned

above; on the right bank of River Vishwamitri. Later, it was came to be known as Ankotakka

(currently known as Akota). And the mound on which this settlement was established came to

be known as Dhantekri. The entire settlement was developed by clearing grazing land and thick

forests that covered an area of to km.

The new settlement of Vadapadraka (present day Kothi), that grew to the east around 600AD,

perhaps, brought the development of Ankottaka to an end. Vadapadraka served as the

administrative centre during Mauryan, Gupta and Chalukyan rule from 900AD to 1500AD.

Figure 2 Ankotaka 2 BC- 300AD Figure 1 Vadpatraka 900AD- 1500AD


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Evidence shows that the inhabitants lived in well-built houses of burnt brick. Ankottaka was the

seat of nonferrous foundry, molding bronze sculptures known to be better than the Chola

bronzes. Gujarat artisans in metal foundry were prior to any other culture in the world. Ankottaka

was also the centre of Jainism.

Baroda began to experience the first aspects of urbanization during the rule of Sir Sayajirao

Gaekwad III (1875-1939AD). Sayajirao III was a visionary and institution builder. Under his able

guidance, the princely state of Baroda became one of the most progressive states in the

country. Sayajirao III initiated large scale urban renewal projects. Outside the walled city, the

area around Sursagar was developed as a civic cultural centre and Kothi as the new

administrative centre. Within, the existing fabric around Mandvi and Bhadra were restructured

and new linkages established.

Figure 4 Formation of Daulatabad fort-1511 AD Figure 3 First extara mural growth- 1650 AD

Figure 5 Second extra mural growth-1725 AD Figure 6 British settlement- 1818 AD


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Sayajirao III also had the foresightedness to realize that planned development has to be

supported by infrastructure development. He initiated the construction of an earthen dam across

the river Surya at Ajwa, 22km to the east. The city began to receive filtered water through

pipelines in 1894AD. The flow in the entire network was through gravity. Piped sewerage was

put in place in 1896AD. The first water boosting station with elevated reservoir and the first

sewage treatment plant were commissioned in 1952, although localized collection of sewage by

pumping was in practice prior to that. Surface runoff was directed to detention tanks

interconnected by storm water drains. Surplus water from the tanks was directed by

underground tunnels to Sursagar. Water from Sursagar was emptied into the river Vishwamitri

when in excess.

The change in governance and the introduction of building regulations brought subsequent

changes in the spatial growth of the city. From the walled city of Kille- e-Daulatabad establishedby the Mughals in 1511 AD covering an area of 1sq km, the city is now spread over 148.95sq

km and is a part of the Vadodara Urban Development Area which admeasures 714.56sq km.

The physical expansion was an outcome of the changes in administration and in legislation,

each period synchronizing with the next to create a blend of built forms that marks the city

today.

The Municipality of Baroda was constituted in 1830 and limited to within the city walls. In 1859, it

was extended beyond the walled city. In 1905, it became an `A' class Municipality and was

eventually elevated to a Corporation in 1966.

The change in governance and the introduction of building regulations brought subsequent

changes in the spatial growth of the city. The walled city of Kille- e-Daulatabad established by

the Mughals in 1511 AD covering an area of 1sq km, to the city now spreads over 148.95sq km.

now it is a part of the Vadodara Urban Development Area which admeasures 714.56sq km. The

physical expansion was an outcome of the changes in administration and in legislation, each

period synchronizing with the next to create a blend of built forms that marks the city today.

3.3 History of recreational facilities in the city

Vadodara city, in fields of arts, education and culture, has an important place in the map of India

under the rein of Sir Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad-3. Under his rule, the citizens of Vadodara

got the facility of underground pipelines for clean drinking water, health and medical facilities,


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underground gutter facility and primary education. In addition to this, for health and

entertainment facilities of the citizens, he had built many parks and gardens like in Kamatipura

area, Kamatibaug was constructed which is well known today as Sayajibaug.

1879:

The construction of Sayajibaug, located in the center of the city, was thought of in 1875-76. The

administrative work was given to colonel Karls and execution of planned work was given to Mr.

Fomstamp. In total area of 87 acres of garden, the work of lying routes within the garden and

development of different departments was completed in 1878. And the Kamatibaug was

inaugurated on 4th January 1879. Thereafter, chronologically, the baug developed and today,

the baug is spread over an area of 113acres.

1880:

A separate office was started in Kamatibaug for monitoring and maintenance in 1880 which was

known as garden department. Today, it is known as parks and garden department. This

department looks after all the gardens in the city and organizing and developing new parks and

garden in the city. It also maintains the trees along main roads and in different T.P. plots.

Planting new trees and cutting down hindering trees is also done by this department.

1908:

While moving straight from Raopura tower is located the garden of Jubeli baug. This garden

was open for people after the celebration of anniversary of Accession (Rajyarohan) of Maharaja

Sayajirao in 1908. In this garden, there is a sculpture of lord Buddha. It is quite small as

compared to Sayaji baug but can well serve with entertainment, refreshment and enjoyment of

the citizens.

1966:

To maintain the precious gift by Gaekwads rein, borough improvements by adding new places

of attraction and constant try to improve existing was done by Municipality and from 1st April

1966 by Municipal Corporation. Famous all over the country for tourist attraction, Sayajibaugs

main places for attraction are museum, and picture gallery, bench stand, health museum, floral

clock, toy train, zoo, and Sardar Patel Planetarium etc.


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1975:

The floral clock was built in 1975 in Sayajibaug which was first of its kind in Asia. Its diameter is

40 feet and weight of 1 needle is around 22 kg. A zoo was opened in SayajiBaug on 1979 which

had around 30 cages and housed more than 100 different types of Animals and plants. Atpresent, there are around 239 cages, compounds and water bodies in which animals and birds

are kept.

1980:

This garden was created by Vadodara Municipal Corporation in the northern part, 22km away

from the city, near Sayaji sarovar, Ajwa in 1980, with the objective to facilitate people with

neighbourhood garden and reduce pressure on the parks and gardens those are located in the

centre of the city. The sarovar is spread over 130 acres of land and the garden has facilities ofchildrens play area, fountain which can reach 100ft high, and coloured fountains to serve the

people. Its maintenance and balanced development is taken care by Parks and garden

department.

3.4 Recreational facilities - present status

There are in total 461 gardensproposed in all T.P schemes (final, preliminary and draft) with a

total area of 0.96sqkm. The total area of gardens and open spaces in Final TP schemes are

0.75sqkm, gardens and open spaces in Preliminary TP schemes are 0.06sqkm, while under

Draft TP scheme is 0.15sqkm. The detailed map from Planning Department, representing

allocated gardens and open spaces in different areas of Vadodara is as under:


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In addition to these, there are gardens that already existed before the TP schemes or the Town

Planning Department came in to existence. All the parks and open spaces are allocated in TP

schemes as reserved plots to protect the space that can be used for no other purpose but for

which it is allotted. The details of such plots are described in Appendix 1.

Out of these gardens, many gardens have been encroached, religious buildings are built on

many gardens and open spaces while many for them, government has changed the use of land.

Table 6 Encroachments in proposed garden space

Current Use of land reserved for Garden and Open Spaces Total area %of total area

Encroachment in the form of Permanent and temporary

housing 86971 9%

Encroachment by slums 36901 3.80%

Encroachment by Religious buildings 99052 10.30%

Roads 11848 1.20%

Land used for other public purposes - Fire station, pumping

station, community hall 2666 0.20%

Total land area of gardens and open spaces encroached 257512 26.80%

(Source: Planning Department, VMC)

The area provided (0.96sqkm), is the sum of all the types of TP schemes i.e. final, preliminary

and draft. Draft TP scheme cant be executed till it gets final. The total area of gardens and

open spaces that falls under Draft TP Scheme is152522 m2which is 15.8%of the total allotted

land for gardens and open spaces. The total of the area under draft TP scheme and area that

are used for other purpose comes out to be 42.6%.

In addition to the above area, Government has also provided open spaces in Development plan.

From the total open spaces provided in Development plan, the area that falls under VMC limit is

considered i.e., the low lying area surrounding Vishwamitri river, which is prone to floods, can

be used for recreational activities and open space. Proposed land designated for open space inSecond revised Development plan, 2031 are as described in Appendix 2.

The total area that is proposed under T.P schemes is already encroached by 26.8%one or the

other way. Calculating the existing area of gardens, which include gardens in TP schemes along

with the gardens that were developed in non TP area, at the time of Sir Sayaji Rao. The total

area of it is 0.942sqkm, from which 0.637sqkmwere already built in past. So area of gardens

7/25/2019 gardens and open space

gardens and open spaces of vadodara

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