Revitalizing the neighbourhood of Burud Ali, Pune

Revitalizing the neighbourhood of Burud Ali, Pune

Revitalise a neighbourhood with urban inserts and pause points along the street such that the street and the neighbourhood become active and the street is accessible by all user group of the society.

Introduction

In olden times, there were various artforms which were specific to a community and which, even still, define the culture of a community. These communities usually develop around the capital region. In case of Pune, it was around Kasba Peth which was the original centre of Pune during the Mughal time, that the supporting trades got located. Thus, it is no doubt why we find Tambat ali, Kumbhar wada, Burud Ali, Bardan Ali, Bohri Ali, etc. near Kasba Peth itself. Alis is a street or a group of streets inhabited by people of a community pursuing one trade. These Alis get the name of the profession/ trade that is being carried out. Urban Revitalization refers to a set of initiatives aimed at reorganizing an existing neighbourhood structure particularly in decline due to economic or social reasons. Urban revitalization initiatives generally include improving features of the urban environment, the need for improved community engagement and occupation of the public spaces, providing new facilities

Burud Ali, came up to be a community making bamboo and cane furniture and household items. Burud Ali sits right behind the New Mandai in Pune. Surprisingly, there is not much information about the origin and earlier trade practices of the bamboo artists. Attempts to record their life and times have revealed, by means of oral history from the present-day artisans, that the Burud community was part of Maharashtra’s now abolished caste and hierarchy practice of the Bara Balutedar system. With initially over 3000 artisans (based on oral history by artisans) practising, now only 60 artisans (14 families) are practicing the art form. With a ban over plastic, the demand for alternative items have boomed and demand for Bamboo and cane items and paper items have increased multi-folds. However, Buruds still struggle to get minimum income to suffice their family needs. Upon survey and interview, it was noticed that this decline is due to the lack of infrastructure and lack of motivation to continue practicing the artform. The new generation is not preferring to continue this occupation due to financial issues but it was also found that 80% people are ready to continue their family legacy provided some assurance that they are able to make income sufficient enough to run their family.

The Central Market, named after Governor Reay, now Jyotiba Phule Market, and referred to as Mandai, consists of a large octagonal central tower with Gothic features and arms radiating from it. It was designed by Colonel W.M. Ducat. R.E. This had become a common plan for 19th century markets all over India. The arms housed the vendors’ stalls while the tower was used for Municipal offices. This 80 ft (24.35m) structure was constructed during the British rule. Commissioned by Municipality of Poona in 1882 , it was opened to public on 5th October, 1886. Functioning as a vegetable market for over 100 years, it has around 1,438 stalls of vegetables and fruits. Source- pune queen of deccan

The neighbourhood of Mandai encompases multiple schools, colleges and restaurants within 500m radius. There are 2 bus stops within 200m of the site and is easily accessible. There are hospitals too in the neighbourhood but none are in 500m radius. Tulsibaug is 400m away from mandai.