Urban Planning Analysis of Shankar Nagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh: A Sustainable Approach for Future Development
Sheela Shridhar
Department of Geography, Govt. D.B. Girls’ PG College, Raipur (C.G.)
*Corresponding Author E-mail: sheela@dbgirls.org
ABSTRACT:
Shankar Nagar, located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, is a burgeoning urban area facing rapid urbanization and developmental challenges. This research paper aims to analyze the current urban planning strategies in Shankar Nagar and propose sustainable approaches for future development. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, field surveys, and interviews with stakeholders, this paper identifies key issues such as infrastructure inadequacy, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities. Drawing upon principles of sustainable urban planning, including smart growth, mixed land-use, and green infrastructure, the paper presents recommendations for enhancing livability, resilience, and inclusivity in Shankar Nagar. The findings underscore the importance of integrated planning, community engagement, and policy interventions in shaping a more sustainable urban future for Shankar Nagar and beyond. This urban development proposal outlines a comprehensive plan for Shankar Nagar City, aiming to enhance its livability, sustainability, and functionality. The plan encompasses various aspects such as infrastructure, transportation, green spaces, and community facilities to foster a thriving urban environment. Key features include integrated transportation systems to ease congestion, zoning regulations to promote mixed-use development, and the creation of green corridors to preserve natural ecosystems. Additionally, emphasis is placed on fostering community engagement through participatory planning processes and the integration of smart technologies for efficient service delivery. Overall, the proposed plan seeks to transform Shankar Nagar City into a model of sustainable urban development, catering to the evolving needs of its residents while preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty.
KEYWORDS: Urban planning, Sustainable development, Shankar Nagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Smart growth, Mixed land-use, Green infrastructure, Community participation.
INTRODUCTION:
‘Credible Chhattisgarh’, the 26th state of Indian union was carved out of Madhya Pradesh, on 1st November 2000. Raipur is the capital of this state. Chhattisgarh is the 10th-largest state in India with an area of 52,199 sq mi (135,190 km2). The newly formed state shares border with six states- Uttar Pradesh(north), Madhya Pradesh (north, north-west, west), Jharkhand (north-east), Orissa (east and south-east), Maharashtra (west and south-west) and Andhra Pradesh (south). The beautiful land nestles amidst mountain ranges of Mekal, Sihava, and Ramgiri and is watered by numerous rivers like Mahanadi, Shivnath, Hasdo and Kharun. There is a wide array of opinions on the origin of the word Chhattisgarh. The name Chhattisgarh is not a very old one and has come into popular usage in the last few centuries. In ancient times the region was called Dakshin Kosala (South Kosala). The name Chhattisgarh was popularized during the Maratha period and was first used in an official document in 1795.The name of this state comes from 36 forts that are located in this state. Chhattisgarh is endowed with rich mineral as well as forest wealth and a very fertile landscape. Paddy is the main crop of this region and has given it the reputation of “Rice Bowl of India” or “Dhan ka Katora”. The Northern and Southern parts of the state are hilly, while the central part is fertile plain. Moist deciduous forests of the Eastern Highlands forests cover roughly 44% of the state. The north of the state lies on the edge of the great Indo-Gangetic Plain: The Rihand River, a tributary of the Ganges, drains this area. The eastern end of the Satpura Range and the western edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau form an east-west belt of hills that divide the Mahanadi River basin from the Indo-Gangetic plain.
The central part of the state lies in the fertile upper basin of the Mahanadi and its tributaries, with extensive rice cultivation. The upper Mahanadi basin is separated from the upper Narmada basin to the west by the Maikal Hills, (part of the Satpuras), and from the plains of Orissa to the east by ranges of hills. The southern part of the state lies on the Deccan plateau, in the watershed of the Godavari River and its tributary the Indravati River.
The climate of Chhattisgarh is mainly tropical. It is hot and humid because of its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer. It is completely dependent on the monsoons for rains.
Summer in Chhattisgarh is from April to June and can be uncomfortably hot, with the mercury hitting the high 40's. The Monsoon season is from middle and late June to October and is a welcome respite from the scorching heat. Chhattisgarh receives a pretty decent amount of rainfall with an average of 1,292 millimeters. The winter season is from November to January and this is a good time to visit Chhattisgarh. The winters are pleasant with low temperatures and lesser humidity.
Temperature-
The temperature varies between 30 and 47 °C (86 and 117 °F) in summer and between 5 and 25 °C during winter. However extremes in temperature can be observed with scales falling to less than 0°C to 49°C.
Location of Raipur City-
Raipur is located at 21° 14´14´´N. latitude and 81˚38´05´´E.longitude. The Bench Mark of the city is 298.15 Mt. i.e. the height of the city is 298.15 Mt above mean sea level. From the latitudinal point of view, the city lies in the northern tropics, being about 250 Km South of the Tropic of Cancer, and possessing a hot climate.
Railway- It stands on the Mumbai-Howrah mainline of the South-Eastern Railway, being 1139 Km from Kolkata in the east. There are two important branches, one of which joins Raipur to Vishakhapatnam port), 467 Km in the south-east and the other to Dhamtari 73 Km in the south.
Roadways- The city lies at the convergence of numerous roads. The National Highway No.6, joining Kolkata and Mumbai, runs through this city. The NH 43 starts from Raipur and leads to Visakhapatnam. The State Highway No.5 joins Raipur to Bilaspur in the North, at 111Kms. and a district road from Raipur to Baloda-Bazar in the north-east at 84 Km
The Kharoon River flows towards the north at a distance of only 5 Km on the south-west of Raipur.
It is noteworthy that the above location of Raipur at the node of the rail and road net has been and will contributory to the growing importance of the city.
Site-
Site means the area or ground on which a town or city stands. Raipur undoubtedly owes much of its present site conditions for the growth of its urban form. The site of Raipur is a low ridge on the north-east of the Kharoon River, forming a part of the Chhattisgarh basin which is characteristically flat and open. The bed of the Kharoon river rises at the rate of only 0.61mt/1.6Km, which at the nearest point of the city is 33.5 Mt below the latter (completion report on Raipur Water Works, 1903).
Situation-
Situation shows the position of a city in relation to its surroundings. The study of situation is vital as it provides the material base for the life of urban centres. Certain geographical characteristics of the situation have made this city the biggest and most significant nodal point in Chhattisgarh. The physical structure of the basin region has been very helpful in developing a good net-work of transportation and communication lines, joining the city with different places within and outside Chhattisgarh. Almost all important routes of the region pass through this city.
Geological Structure and Soil-
The rocks beneath the city surface, belonging to the Kuddapah system, mainly consist of limestone with irregular bands of shale. This is covered by lateritic and clayey soils of medium and high plasticity in variable thickness which is clearly visible on the site. These soils are locally called as ‘Bhata’, ‘matasi’, and ‘kanhar’ sois. The Bhata soils are lateritic lands on which the city is largely developed. All the planned morphological constructions are based on these soils which are very shallow reddish brown and gravelly loam having low plasticity and good strength for hard compression.
It is also noticeable, that within a distance of 3 kms.from the city, at several places, limestone outcrops and quarries are located; such as Raipura, Khushalpur, Telibandha and Rawanbhata.
Map 2: Location of Raipur in Chhattisgarh
Map 2: Location of Raipur in Chhattisgarh
Map 3: Location of Shankar Nagar in Raipur
Shankar Nagar ward: Shankar Nagar is a well-planned city with a meticulously laid out urban design. The city plan integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces seamlessly to create a harmonious living environment for its residents.
Residential Areas:
-The residential areas are divided into sectors, each with its own parks, schools, and essential amenities.
-Housing complexes are designed to accommodate various income groups, offering options ranging from apartments to spacious villas.
-Green spaces and tree-lined streets enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Commercial Districts:
-The city features designated commercial zones with shopping malls, markets, and office complexes catering to the needs of residents and visitors alike.
- Business parks and industrial zones provide opportunities for employment and economic growth, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs.
Transportation:
-A well-developed transportation network includes wide roads, flyovers, and expressways to ensure smooth traffic flow within the city.
-Public transportation systems such as buses and metro rail connect different parts of the city, promoting accessibility and reducing congestion.
Map 4: Satellite image of Study area
Recreational Facilities:
-Shankar Nagar boasts numerous parks, playgrounds, and recreational centers where residents can unwind and engage in leisure activities.
-Cultural centers, theaters, and sports complexes offer opportunities for entertainment and social interaction, fostering a sense of community spirit.
Infrastructure:
-Modern infrastructure facilities including water supply, sewage systems, electricity, and telecommunications are well-developed to support the needs of the growing population.
-Smart technology integration enhances efficiency and sustainability, making Shankar Nagar a model city for urban development.
Overall, Shankar Nagar's city plan prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and quality of life, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Shankar Nagar is a vibrant locality nestled in the heart of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. Known for its blend of urban conveniences and cultural richness, Shankar Nagar offers a diverse array of attractions and amenities.
Residential Hub: The area is predominantly residential, with a mix of apartments, independent houses, and gated communities catering to various socio-economic segments. Its well-planned layout and infrastructure make it a sought-after residential destination.
Commercial Centre: Shankar Nagar also boasts a thriving commercial scene, with numerous shops, markets, and malls offering everything from daily necessities to luxury goods. It serves as a bustling hub for commerce and trade, attracting shoppers from across the city.
Educational Hub: The locality is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and coaching centers, making it an educational hub in Raipur. Students from neighboring areas flock to Shankar Nagar for quality education.
Cultural and Recreational Attractions: Shankar Nagar exudes a rich cultural vibe, with theaters, art galleries, and cultural centers showcasing the region's heritage. Additionally, parks, gardens, and recreational facilities provide residents with opportunities for leisure and relaxation.
Connectivity: One of Shankar Nagar's key advantages is its excellent connectivity. It is well-connected to other parts of Raipur via roads and public transportation, facilitating easy travel within the city.
Community Spirit: Beyond its physical amenities, Shankar Nagar is known for its strong sense of community. Residents often come together for social gatherings, festivals, and community events, fostering a close-knit neighborhood environment.
Overall, Shankar Nagar encapsulates the essence of modern urban living while retaining its cultural roots, making it a dynamic and desirable locality within Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
City plan of Shankar Nagar: Shankar Nagar is a well-planned city with a meticulously laid out urban design. The city plan integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces seamlessly to create a harmonious living environment for its residents.
Residential Areas:
-The residential areas are divided into sectors, each with its own parks, schools, and essential amenities.
-Housing complexes are designed to accommodate various income groups, offering options ranging from apartments to spacious villas.
-Green spaces and tree-lined streets enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Commercial Districts:
-The city features designated commercial zones with shopping malls, markets, and office complexes catering to the needs of residents and visitors alike.
-Business parks and industrial zones provide opportunities for employment and economic growth, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs.
Transportation:
-A well-developed transportation network includes wide roads, flyovers, and expressways to ensure smooth traffic flow within the city.
-Public transportation systems such as buses and metro rail connect different parts of the city, promoting accessibility and reducing congestion.
Recreational Facilities:
-Shankar Nagar boasts numerous parks, playgrounds, and recreational centers where residents can unwind and engage in leisure activities.
-Cultural centers, theaters, and sports complexes offer opportunities for entertainment and social interaction, fostering a sense of community spirit.
Infrastructure:
-Modern infrastructure facilities including water supply, sewage systems, electricity, and telecommunications are well-developed to support the needs of the growing population.
-Smart technology integration enhances efficiency and sustainability, making Shankar Nagar a model city for urban development.
Overall, Shankar Nagar's city plan prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and quality of life, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Methodology:
-Data collection methods: Field surveys, interviews with residents, and analysis of existing urban plans and policies.
-Stakeholder engagement: Involving local government, residents, NGOs, and urban planners.
Problems-
1. In few places the street lights are always on, which is wastage of electricity.
2. The road condition in the interior part of the ward is not good everywhere.
3. Housing and drainage condition is poor in slum area.
4. Sometime the municipality van, which takes away the garbage, is irregular.
5. In summer scarcity of water is an important problem.
Suggestions-
1. The Municipality should be strict about the irregularity regarding garbage cleaning and about the switching off the street light.
2. The residents should use water rationally and Government should take initiatives for rain water storage and its uses, in order to solve the water problem.
3. Introduction of solar energy through Government and private initiatives would be helpful to save electricity and it is also eco-friendly.
4. The housing, drainage and road condition must be taken care of.
5. The level of literacy among slum children should be raised higher and the number of school drop outs must be reduced.
Therefore it is found that living standard of people is directly related to their education level as well as health condition. But nowadays the awareness regarding education has lead many parents to enroll their children in school; which is a good step. But they mostly prefer English medium private school for male child, where as Hindi medium Government School for their girl child. Being completely illiterate or low level of literacy, they are completely dependent on tuitions for their children education and are thus cheated many times. If proper steps are taken, by the Government, then the existing socio-economic pattern of the surveyed ward can be transformed into a better direction.
REFRENCES:
1. Tiwari Dr. Vijay Kumar- “Geography of Chhattisgarh”- Himalaya Publishing House.
2. Chandna R.C. – “Geography of population”- Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.
3. Raipur Vikas Yojana Punarvilokit-2021.
4. Singh R.L.- “India A Regional Geography”- National Geographic Society.
5. Census Report 2001
6. Topographical Sheet no. 64G/11 and 64G/12
7. Dept. Of Agricultural Meteorology, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur (Chhattisgarh).
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Received on 29.07.2023 Accepted on 06.11.2023 ©A&V Publications all right reserved Research J. Engineering and Tech. 2023; 14(2):57-63. DOI: 10.52711/2321-581X.2023.00006 |
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