2017 synopsis radhika

Developing the Ecological Networks A case of Naya Raipur

Radhika Gajjar PA200515 Guided by: Prof. Deepa Maheshwari

Thesis 2017 | Synopsis

CEPT UNIVERSITY

Thesis 2017 | Synopsis

CEPT UNIVERSITY

Developing the Ecological Networks: A case of Naya Raipur

Synopsis What be a world without nature? What be a man in the world without nature? Nature is the reason for life on earth. Protecting and conserving nature and natural elements on earth is a quite responsible job for every human being. Men and nature has to go hand in hand for a better liveable environment. Not only for himself but for the other living components of the ecosystem as well.

Binding man and nature in a process where the development and ecological take cares of each other.

“Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect the man “. Stewart Udall.

We are living in an era of urbanization. The growth rate in which new cities are developing is an area of concern. In the process of urbanizing it is the land which gets affected at the first and slowly the other elements of the ecosystems. It leaves its impression over the natural landscape. Rather than just developing the concrete cities, one must also acknowledge a parallel growth of the environment that a city will need in the future. Urbanization along with an aspect focusing on the quality of environment of a city will contribute a significant difference in giving a better future to the planet. As a city, it’ll require to maintain a balance between the built and the natural. It is not only affecting the natural landscapes and its settings but it’s also changing the climatic conditions rigorously. In the era of urbanization and development the upcoming cities are losing a grip on the ecological factors that must be addressed. There has been an ecological gap due to rapid urbanization. How can landscape perspective play an important role in the planning strategies for the upcoming cities?

Need of Study The world is changing and so are its requirements. A tool is required with which the areas of natural landscape importance can be conserved as well as managed for the ecosystem services they provide. Through the lenses of landscape, ecology can be seen in a perspective to give a different outlook to the city developments. Urban ecological networks can be one such element which can help in contributing towards bridging the ecological gap in the developing cities. Urban ecological networks follow the principles of landscape ecology including the urban ecology.

Landscape ecology in planning urban ecological networks to conserve nature in urban landscapes and to develop a sustainable use of urban lands. Compared to the classical planning approach based on socio-economic land suitability, the principles of landscape ecology are helpful simultaneously conserving the ecological processes of landscapes and their steady changes. Ecological networks can bridge the paradox of preserving conservation and development.

Thesis 2017 | Synopsis

CEPT UNIVERSITY

1

Developing the Ecological Networks: A case of Naya Raipur

Region of Study Naya Raipur One of the new cities that is coming up rapidly in the terms of development on the principles of urbanism is Naya Raipur. It is located towards the southeast of Raipur at about 15 km distance, close to Mana Airport.

This future capital city for the state of Chhattisgarh has a number of locations of landscape importance which gathers one’s attention and concern for the conservation of such sites while the city is taking up its shape and can have greater impacts to the land however moulded in the current stage. This thesis focuses on the opportunities and challenges of developing some urban ecological networks in a present development stage of Naya Raipur.

India

Chhattisgarh

Raipur and Naya Raipur

Figure1: Maps showing location of Naya Raipur.

Research Question How Urban Ecological Networks can play an effective role in the planning strategies for the upcoming cities?

Aim Developing ecological networks for conserving and managing the areas of natural landscape importance which works within the urban city.

Objectives • • •

Identifying and studying various tools applicable to urban scenario.

Understanding of urban ecology and its importance.

Site analysis and identifying regions of ecological importance.

Thesis 2017 | Synopsis

CEPT UNIVERSITY

2

Developing the Ecological Networks: A case of Naya Raipur • •

To establish key constituent for preservation and conservation of the identified regions/areas of the city.

Generating a landscape perspective for planning a future city.

Methodology Stage 1: • • Stage 2: • • Stage 3: • • Stage 4: • •

Establishing the argument of thesis.

Premise of the study.

To identify the importance of urban ecological networks and its importance in present day scenario.

Case studies supporting the benefits of ecological networks.

Identifying solutions for developing the ecological network system.

Site analysis and Data analysis Developing an Urban Ecological Network.

Implementations and guidelines for the development of future cities.

Scope & Limitations • • • • •

Linking up all the built and natural landscape areas of the city.

Conservation of all the areas of natural landscape importance.

The study will be limited to the selected city. All the existing areas within the city boundary shall be the considered.

The present state of development of the city remains constant.

But the areas discovered to be critical can undergo alterations and modification.

Thesis 2017 | Synopsis

CEPT UNIVERSITY

3

Developing the Ecological Networks: A case of Naya Raipur

Analytical Framework

Literature Study Various theories of landscape and ecology relating to the urban context is taken into considerations. Theories of ecology, ecosystems, landscape ecology, urban ecology, urban ecological network were studied in order to generate an understanding to achieving the aim of the research. Pickett marked the differences between “ecology in the city and ecology of the city.

Ecology in the city deals with ecological sciences; the core includes studies of flora, fauna and other biophysical environmental factors such as climate, hydrology and pedology in urban areas and its surroundings. However, ecology of the city, regards the city to be an ecosystem built by human activities and supported by natural and man-made functions and processes over time.”

(Pickett et al. 2001) Case Studies 1. Richmond City - Several analyses using the vegetation mapping, watercourse, shoreline, and park system information were undertaken to identify the components of the EN. The main analysis focused on identifying the largest areas of natural vegetation. These were termed “hubs” because of their essential role in sustaining the EN. Hubs are essential for sustaining urban biodiversity, as well as providing other ecosystem services such as capturing, storing and infiltrating rainfall. Smaller natural areas were called “sites” and connections between EN were called either “corridors” or “connectivity zones” depending on their size and configuration. Shoreline and riparian areas, as well as parks

Thesis 2017 | Synopsis

CEPT UNIVERSITY

4

Developing the Ecological Networks: A case of Naya Raipur

and greenways were added to the EN because of their importance as green space for both biodiversity and people.

2. Edmonton City - The City of Edmonton has identified eight planning areas within its ecological network. These planning areas are based on biodiversity core areas and natural ecological linkages, shown on the map on the next page. It is important to note that these planning areas are all interconnected and not meant to be considered as discrete ecological units but rather as strategic areas for conservation planning. Each planning area contains a least one biodiversity core area (including regional biodiversity core areas) and likely contains several natural and semi-natural linkages.

Site Analysis

Conclusion and Proposal

Thesis 2017 | Synopsis

CEPT UNIVERSITY

5