“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. So said the romantic poet John Keats. Then why not make Kolkata beautiful? But whose responsibility is it to make the city beautiful – the government, the community or the corporate sector? Or is it all those who live and work in the city to benefit from it?
All over the developed world the community participates to build the city. Then why cannot India do the same? After all we are on our path to globalization and ought to be in a comparable position. Today cities are expanding rapidly. While we do compare nations for economic development, we relate more to cities globally as one travels from one city to another. These are the gateways for global prosperity. But Kolkata with its poor infrastructure lags way behind most of the major cities of the world. The Honourable Chief Minister aspires to convert Kolkata to London. There is nothing wrong in aiming high. But can the government do so merely by only wishing? Kolkata needs total overhauling to be rated as a global city.
Democratic decentralization is the only solution to such a proposition. In fact, now that the present government is showing its enthusiasm in refurbishing the city, it is the right time to take a few bold steps to prop up the city. In fact why cannot Kolkata be a pioneer in introducing ‘neighbourhood planning’ in India where all participate, the government, the corporate sector and the community? We talk of PPP in many of our activities. Is it meant to be only on paper? Why do we not do so for building and organizing our neighbourhoods where we live? A satisfied resident is far more productive than an unhappy one facing lack of basic utilities.
Let us draw an example. We all know that Kolkata does not have a Master Plan (subsequently, of course, KMDA did work out a few master (?) plans). In 1968 the Ford Foundation had helped Kolkata to formulate a Strategic Plan and called it as the Basic Development Plan. At the end of the plan period members of the Ford team had re-visited Kolkata in 1986 to review the situation. By then it was realized that given the existing physical developments that had happened without much landuse planning, Kolkata has no other option but to continue with the strategic plan concept, as so much of indigenous growth cannot be erased and the city rebuilt. However, suggestions were given to systematize developments; for example, if rural-urban migration was to be accepted, there should be at least some semblance of organizing low income housing. Hence it was suggested that slum development should be guided and specific land allocated for informal housing. The issue was of bringing order to chaotic development and guiding future growth. Now, if that had been followed, then how is Kolkata in such a mess today with no drainage and sewerage and shacks and encroachments on practically every pavement, so that people have to walk in the middle of the road defying traffic norms? One strong shower and the entire city is flooded, creating traffic snarls and difficulties for commuters? Why have systems not formed since then? Many planners give an excuse of Kolkata having spontaneous growth. But can we leave a city at the mercy of haphazard growth? After all, the very concept of a city means organizing of non-agricultural activities within a limited area!
City infrastructure in Kolkata is so despicable that often people inquire if utilities exist in the residential area where one has bought a house or apartment. I have myself bought a flat on the on the E.M.Bypass where there is no potable water, no drainage, no streets and no sewerage. The only utility available is electricity, being supplied by CESC, which is a private company. Should approval of plans, by the local government, come before or after the development of utilities? Moreover, in a developing area, how long does it take to build the utility infrastructure, given the fact that development money is charged from every developer while sanctioning the plan? And in anticipation of development, encroachments of public land alongside roads begin, for providing informal services, making the neighbourhood as unattractive as one can imagine. We all know that prevention is better than cure! Why not stop encroachment instead of clearing such unruly developments that are cancerous for the city dynamics. The encroachers have no toilets, no water, not even electricity, which they steal, all because of the Municipal Corporation’s neglect and lack of vigilance. It is so much easier to plan ‘greenfield sites’ than to uproot the squatters and turn it into a political dilemma.
A concept that can be suggested to correct such a predicament is that of ‘neighbourhood planning’ where residents of a given area take the lead, with the support of the local government, to organize and develop their own neighbourhoods for happy living. In a democratic country like India this should not be a problem at all. Area representatives of the local government can help citizens’ forums/the civil society to develop and reorganize areas to their liking and convenience. After all it is the residents who would ultimately live in the area. Unless protested, the community (the actual vote banks) is being totally ignored until election time when false promises are made for the sake of the impending elections. Once elected, the councillors forget their promises and let go of organized development to suit their own benefits.
‘Neighbourhood planning’ is the best form of planning in a city like Kolkata that is bereft of a Master Plan. It is a PPP in action. So why not start it immediately to save Kolkata from further deterioration. The Indian Constitution has already approved of democratic decentralization through its 74th Amendment way back in 1992. Then, why is there a delay? If Kolkata is to be converted into London, ‘neighourhood planning’ is the most appropriate strategy:
• It takes care of the needs of the residents who would be living there.
• It brings in a sense of responsibility to citizens.
• It inculcates the pride of living well.
• It brings in happiness and a smile on the face of every human being.
• It includes the needs and desires of the community and contributes to good governance.
• It is a proactive method using personal contacts to provide a human touch to planning.
• It is a plan done for a small area, taking into account the problems and issues that arise at the time of development of an area.
• It relieves the local government from the arduous task of planning and managing every nook and corner of the city.
Let Kolkata be a pioneer and teach the rest of India as to how to do ‘neighbourhood planning’ and bring joy to its citizens. ‘Neighbourhood planning’ is a democratic method of planning to build social capital that will help the local government to plan the city well. Thus ‘neighbourhood planning’ as a process of development is rarely questioned or contested, as it is done by the will of the people for the people.
Though defining a ‘neighbourhood’ is arbitrary, it is done through logical discussions, keeping in mind logical and practical issues of administration and management of a given area. Normally it is a homogenous area with common problems and similar characteristics that facilitates easy solutions to problems. Since it is done through a consultative process, the size of a neighbourhood ought to be manageable and easily accessible. It leads to “deliberative democracy”. By definition, a neighbourhood is a small area surrounding one’s residence, having familiar associations. It was introduced by Park and Burgess, in 1915, as an ecological concept with urban planning implications. It is greater than the household or the street, but smaller than the city. It was evolved to improve city environments soon after the industrial revolution in UK, when urban conditions deteriorated. Today it is also used to develop ‘greenfield’ sites with first time development problems and issues. It is a component of urban planning. It takes into consideration area, major roads, population, administrative units, etc. for demarcating an area/neighbourhood. Familiarity with the community and the area is very important.
A ‘neighbourhood plan’ is done democratically in conjunction with city officials (in case of India/Kolkata will have to be with the ward councillor). Its aim is good governance for the comfort of the residents of a neighbourhood and to improve the quality of life of the people.
A ‘neighbourhood plan’ coordinates with different agencies to produce a holistic picture of the area and merges its plan with that of the city.
• It focuses on sustainability.
• There can be long-term and short-term plans.
• It combines the planning of all utilities such as energy, water, roads, drainage, sewerage, transportation, landuse, etc. of an area to provide a holistic picture.
• It inculcates ownership and accountability to the community.
• It provides guidelines for the use of land, revenue and infrastructure.
• It is basically an approach toward integrated planning.
In other words, it helps the municipality to do its job well and monitor services for the upkeep of the city. Moreover, a plan done by the people is close to their heart and is easily acceptable. Chances of going wrong are less.
Issues of ‘neighbourhood planning’ can be several. Some are besides highways and not safe for children, some do not have drainage and sewerage, some are deficient in potable water, some do not have properly tarred roads and so on. There are also the problems of encroachment, car parking, illegal commercial developments, security and what have you. The issues or problems are not just reactive. There are proactive issues of cultural enhancement, setting up of nursery schools, developing parks and playgrounds and the like. It is promoted for social bonding, safety and active citizenry. It is actually done to help the local government in organizing the city and in promoting a sense of pride and ownership that helps to improve the quality of life, which is the aim of every government. There are different stages of ‘neighbourhood planning’. However, that is influenced by the requirements of the neighbourhood.
A collection of neighbourhoods make a city or a region within the city and helps the municipality and other line agencies to build the city systematically, where the role of the government is only to facilitate. Thus it reduces the load off the local government and yet helps in building the city into a well-planned home for its citizens.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Kolkata as I see
I came to Kolkata after my retirement not because I was a Bengali, but because real estate prices were comparatively lower than other metropolitan cities and also because after Delhi this was the only city I was familiar with, perhaps because my maternal grandmother lived here and we visited her regularly. I have spent most of my work-life in Delhi. But each time I wanted to buy an apartment, I could never find an appropriate one in Delhi, in which I would like to spend the autumn years of my life. Whereas, every time I looked for a flat in Kolkata, I always found one. This obviously indicated that Kolkata would be a more comfortable place to live! But lo and behold! I was in for a rude shock! I had booked a builder’s flat bang on the Eastern Metro Bypass, adjacent to Hiland Park, thinking such a location would give me an easy connectivity to the airport. That it did. But when I came to occupy the apartment in 2010 after three years from booking, I found the place had deteriorated. The metalled road had eroded through repeated use by trucks bringing in building materials (for this is an upcoming area), the promised Ganga water had not reached and the sewerage and the drainage systems were not in place. Moreover, no one in the neighbourhood knew when it would get done. Obviously, my immediate reaction was that of repulsion and regret for having come to the city. In three years’ time the place had not developed. The question that came to my mind is, “how long does it take for a residential neighbourhood to develop in Kolkata”? While the city boasts of spontaneous growth, where is the spontaneity? Why does the Local Government sanction plans and give Completion Certificates if it cannot provide the civic amenities, especially when a development fee is charged from each developer/owner? Other than electricity this area called Sammilani Park had nothing. The roads and the lanes were not metalled, there was no drainage or sewerage, nor filtered water. Normally cities are supposed to have the basic utility infrastructure and that too in a metropolitan city. In my estimation Kolkata appeared a virtual slum with residents very complacent about the lack of such amenities. A typical Bengali is very quick in retorting back with a rude answer to anything amiss; but not when it comes to hard work and leadership for improvement. The latter is reserved only for gaining political mileage. It really surprised me, for in my younger days Kolkata used to be clean, streets were washed twice a day (the only other city where I found streets being washed was Paris), and people were polite and friendly and culturally rich. There was an air of sophistication. Residential neighbourhoods had wonderful communities and the city was reasonably safe. Today residents do not care to know each other, extending any help is remote and the city teaming with thugs and thieves. Morning newspapers are full of crime reports. What has made Kolkata so? Was Calcutta better than Kolkata? Was colonialism better than democracy? The controversy I found was in lack of leadership in development and management, though here every issue is politicised! At that time leadership is not in short supply!
However, all this is passé now that the government has changed! One is now looking with hope towards the new government. With wonderful promises made, will development happen with speed? My part of the city (ie where I live) cannot be called peripheral anymore. Or does it take a lifetime to cross the transition? In planning norms thirty years is considered to be one generation? By then a young person grows old and an old person dies! Do we really have to wait till death for the city or the neighbourhood to develop? No wonder real estate prices do not rise in Kolkata; for initially an area is under-developed; and by the time it develops the place becomes so congested that people do not like to move into such areas. So, what happens then? Residents continue to live in under-developed pockets with lack of sanitation, deprived of water, using unmetalled roads where water collects during rains. Is this urban living? As a citizen I feel ashamed of myself and my country for being unable to help it grow decently, especially when I visit other countries and see the advanced development. We have no pride in ourselves. Our government does not work up to our expectations. It is a sad situation, with upper middle class people with high aspirations living in squalor. And, of course, the government or the management will always accuse the citizens of apathy after what we go through!
However, all this is passé now that the government has changed! One is now looking with hope towards the new government. With wonderful promises made, will development happen with speed? My part of the city (ie where I live) cannot be called peripheral anymore. Or does it take a lifetime to cross the transition? In planning norms thirty years is considered to be one generation? By then a young person grows old and an old person dies! Do we really have to wait till death for the city or the neighbourhood to develop? No wonder real estate prices do not rise in Kolkata; for initially an area is under-developed; and by the time it develops the place becomes so congested that people do not like to move into such areas. So, what happens then? Residents continue to live in under-developed pockets with lack of sanitation, deprived of water, using unmetalled roads where water collects during rains. Is this urban living? As a citizen I feel ashamed of myself and my country for being unable to help it grow decently, especially when I visit other countries and see the advanced development. We have no pride in ourselves. Our government does not work up to our expectations. It is a sad situation, with upper middle class people with high aspirations living in squalor. And, of course, the government or the management will always accuse the citizens of apathy after what we go through!
Neighbourhood Planning
The CM wants to convert Kolkata into London – a desire too far fetched unless concerted efforts are made for all parts of the city and for different aspects of development! With years of deterioration and neglect, the city requires intense social, environmental, physical and technological enhancement. While upgrading infrastructure for the city as a whole will have to be done by the development agencies of the State Government, planning for the smaller areas, the neighbourhoods, can be delegated to the community and the ward councillors.
Kolkata’s concept of “para” was once very popular. It encouraged the “adda” of the young and the old, scouting on the sit-outs of residential buildings. The latter has always been a space for socializing (in India) from the olden times. But today with globalization, that culture has waned off. In the din of daily life, everyone is busy trying to make a fast buck. No one has the time to socialize with neighbours. Life has become more self-centered. This demand on time is more due to the struggle for our daily existence. It has become so difficult to put our body and soul together, that we have started ignoring even our neighbours. Yet, in times of difficulty it is the neighbours who come to your rescue (perhaps I am wrong in the context of Kolkata!).
As a Bengali from outside Kolkata (I moved to the city a year ago), I find a pronounced anonymity in the residential neighbourhoods of the city. The once friendly neighbourhoods where children played in the streets are gone. What could be the reason? Is it because the open spaces have been filled with buildings, or is it because there is no proper landuse and commerce has taken over all the nooks and corners where residents used to hang around for small talks, thereby adding anonymity and crime? Why are residents of a neighbourhood not able to relate to each other? What features or characteristics are lacking for common interests? I hear from many friends that people who go for morning walks in parks or where children who play in the few playgrounds that remain in the city have something in common. Is it then the lack of open space?
Given the city conditions today, two types of planning are required to make a city more safe and functional. At the macro-level a city requires major roads, large commercial complexes (to cater to trends in globalization), educational institutions and entertainment. At the local-level neighbourhoods need to be planned. A city belongs to its citizens. So it is the duty of every citizen to look after the city, for it is they who use it. A common complaint to be heard frequently in India is that the Government does nothing! But very few think of joining hands with the Government to build the city. This is because we have not developed in us a sense of ownership that nurtures a sense of responsibility. We litter our roads, spit everywhere and urinate at all street corners. If objected, we even go to the extent of beating up for social policing or murdering those who point out our mistakes (Times of India, July 2011). Does this happen in any other country? The Government elsewhere has built a system of control and regulation that people abide by. When will we change? The same person who litters the road or urinates in the roadside, in India, abides by all rules and regulations outside the country. Or is it because we have no rules at all?
Kolkata does not have a Master Plan. What Kolkata has is a Basic Development Plan, which was just a strategic plan brought together with the help of Ford Foundation way back in 1966. Hence unless we do some physical planning, Mamata Bannerjee’s efforts will only remain as piece-meal efforts at improving the metropolis. Kolkata’s landuse is in a mess. We need to organize some of our areas to bring some semblance of order in the city. As for the neighbourhoods, give it over to communities to fend for themselves; of course with the support of the city machinery. Ward-level planning has already been legalized by the 74th Amendment of the Constitution. Decentralization has been propagated by the Government. The boroughs and the wards already exist. It is just that it does not relate to the citizens. The Nagarik Committees also exist, but without much effect. Why cannot we systematize neighbourhood planning and make our citizens safer and more content in their own houses and on the road? Only Kolkata will have to choose what it wants to do!
Neighbourhood planning is done in many countries the world over. Europe, the US, Canada and several other developed countries have taken to it. In fact, neibourhood planning can be found even in Delhi, with a slight deviation – that it is the Government that takes the initiatives. But Kolkata being not a planned city, neighbourhood planning can be initiated by the community. It will be an introduction to a new phenomenon, which all other Indian cities can emulate. Let us join hands and initiate something new that we would later be proud of! Bengal has always been a pioneer. Why not now?
Kolkata’s concept of “para” was once very popular. It encouraged the “adda” of the young and the old, scouting on the sit-outs of residential buildings. The latter has always been a space for socializing (in India) from the olden times. But today with globalization, that culture has waned off. In the din of daily life, everyone is busy trying to make a fast buck. No one has the time to socialize with neighbours. Life has become more self-centered. This demand on time is more due to the struggle for our daily existence. It has become so difficult to put our body and soul together, that we have started ignoring even our neighbours. Yet, in times of difficulty it is the neighbours who come to your rescue (perhaps I am wrong in the context of Kolkata!).
As a Bengali from outside Kolkata (I moved to the city a year ago), I find a pronounced anonymity in the residential neighbourhoods of the city. The once friendly neighbourhoods where children played in the streets are gone. What could be the reason? Is it because the open spaces have been filled with buildings, or is it because there is no proper landuse and commerce has taken over all the nooks and corners where residents used to hang around for small talks, thereby adding anonymity and crime? Why are residents of a neighbourhood not able to relate to each other? What features or characteristics are lacking for common interests? I hear from many friends that people who go for morning walks in parks or where children who play in the few playgrounds that remain in the city have something in common. Is it then the lack of open space?
Given the city conditions today, two types of planning are required to make a city more safe and functional. At the macro-level a city requires major roads, large commercial complexes (to cater to trends in globalization), educational institutions and entertainment. At the local-level neighbourhoods need to be planned. A city belongs to its citizens. So it is the duty of every citizen to look after the city, for it is they who use it. A common complaint to be heard frequently in India is that the Government does nothing! But very few think of joining hands with the Government to build the city. This is because we have not developed in us a sense of ownership that nurtures a sense of responsibility. We litter our roads, spit everywhere and urinate at all street corners. If objected, we even go to the extent of beating up for social policing or murdering those who point out our mistakes (Times of India, July 2011). Does this happen in any other country? The Government elsewhere has built a system of control and regulation that people abide by. When will we change? The same person who litters the road or urinates in the roadside, in India, abides by all rules and regulations outside the country. Or is it because we have no rules at all?
Kolkata does not have a Master Plan. What Kolkata has is a Basic Development Plan, which was just a strategic plan brought together with the help of Ford Foundation way back in 1966. Hence unless we do some physical planning, Mamata Bannerjee’s efforts will only remain as piece-meal efforts at improving the metropolis. Kolkata’s landuse is in a mess. We need to organize some of our areas to bring some semblance of order in the city. As for the neighbourhoods, give it over to communities to fend for themselves; of course with the support of the city machinery. Ward-level planning has already been legalized by the 74th Amendment of the Constitution. Decentralization has been propagated by the Government. The boroughs and the wards already exist. It is just that it does not relate to the citizens. The Nagarik Committees also exist, but without much effect. Why cannot we systematize neighbourhood planning and make our citizens safer and more content in their own houses and on the road? Only Kolkata will have to choose what it wants to do!
Neighbourhood planning is done in many countries the world over. Europe, the US, Canada and several other developed countries have taken to it. In fact, neibourhood planning can be found even in Delhi, with a slight deviation – that it is the Government that takes the initiatives. But Kolkata being not a planned city, neighbourhood planning can be initiated by the community. It will be an introduction to a new phenomenon, which all other Indian cities can emulate. Let us join hands and initiate something new that we would later be proud of! Bengal has always been a pioneer. Why not now?
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