Conference raises hope for ‘model’ Dattawadi

Peter Newman,Director,Curtin University of Sustainable Policy Institute,Australia,said,“I chose Bangalore and Pune for the project. I was drawn to Pune looking at the strength of civil society and universities here. In Bangalore,we have already given the design and the local administration has announced they will implement it in phases. Hope we are successful in Pune too.”

He added,“What we want is reclaiming streets for pedestrians and utilising unused land for various purposes like parking.”

He said instead of BRTs,the way for better traffic management are Metro rail,narrow roads and more trees. “Narrow roads will slow down traffic which will be helpful for pedestrians and vehicles. The psychology of people when they see tree is to slow down. Hence more number of trees should be planted,” said Newman.

Shubada Kamalapurkar,head,landscape department,BNCA,said,“Segregated cycle track,organised space for hawkers,organised sitting space,traffic calming measures,and connecting cycle tracks are some of the measures that our students have suggested.”

“The participants have given a lot of new suggestions. Once they are incorporated,a new plan will be drawn and submitted to the civic body,” she added.

MP Vandana Chavan said beautification of nullah has always been in my mind. Finances are not a problem as I will willingly use my MP funds for the project,she added. “More than infrastructure,our civic sense has to improve,” she said.

Mangesh Dighe,Environment Officer,PMC,said,“The project is really good. Once completed,the plan will be sent to the civic body. After the approval,work will start in phases. If the project is successful,it can be replicated all over Pune.”

Corporator from Dattawadi Vinayak Hanamgar said,“People will not mind the changes. There will be some initial problems but it will help in the long run.”