The Times of India 17.04.2013
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation plans landscape design for Janpath
BHUBANESWAR: The busy
stretch between Vani Vihar and Rajmahal Square, better known as Janpath,
could wear a different look this year. The artery was expanded
recently.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed that the median of Janpath be given an aesthetic makeover on a PPP mode. The private party, which has been entrusted with designing the median, has been instructed to make it contemporary and blend it with the city's urban look.
After Janpath was widened, sonari saplings were planted along the median. "The sonari trees will be uprooted as they may not go with the landscape. Besides, trees with large pods don't look too good on busy roads. The designs would mostly probably reflect the architectural splendours of temples in the city," said an architect, who is part of the makeover team.
The landscaping is also expected to replicate monasteries of Puri, the crafts of Raghurajpur and Ekamra Vaan of the old town area, said BMC commissioner Sanjib Mishra. "Traditional artworks will be redesigned to give them a contemporary look. The landscaping will also boast of greens and flowers to break the monotony. But we may do away with railings as they could disturb the beauty of the new landscape. The designing will be done in such a fashion that it becomes self-sustainable," said Mishra.
Janpath sees heavy traffic and is dotted with shops and markets, jewellery stores, hotels, cinema halls and hangouts. "The stretch is strategic and beautification will enhance its importance," said urban planer Piyush Rout.
The stretch connects the railway station and intercity bus terminal. "Earlier, we gave a proposal to the BMC to create an exclusive pedestrian plaza for walkers. We feel city roads need to have enough space so that pedestrian walkways can be built to facilitate walking, shopping and recreational activities without vehicular intervention," said Rout.
He said small kiosks, food joints and benches can also be placed along the plaza.
A city architect said, "The stretch requires careful planning long stretches of greenery interspersed with designs wherever there is change in median width."
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed that the median of Janpath be given an aesthetic makeover on a PPP mode. The private party, which has been entrusted with designing the median, has been instructed to make it contemporary and blend it with the city's urban look.
After Janpath was widened, sonari saplings were planted along the median. "The sonari trees will be uprooted as they may not go with the landscape. Besides, trees with large pods don't look too good on busy roads. The designs would mostly probably reflect the architectural splendours of temples in the city," said an architect, who is part of the makeover team.
The landscaping is also expected to replicate monasteries of Puri, the crafts of Raghurajpur and Ekamra Vaan of the old town area, said BMC commissioner Sanjib Mishra. "Traditional artworks will be redesigned to give them a contemporary look. The landscaping will also boast of greens and flowers to break the monotony. But we may do away with railings as they could disturb the beauty of the new landscape. The designing will be done in such a fashion that it becomes self-sustainable," said Mishra.
Janpath sees heavy traffic and is dotted with shops and markets, jewellery stores, hotels, cinema halls and hangouts. "The stretch is strategic and beautification will enhance its importance," said urban planer Piyush Rout.
The stretch connects the railway station and intercity bus terminal. "Earlier, we gave a proposal to the BMC to create an exclusive pedestrian plaza for walkers. We feel city roads need to have enough space so that pedestrian walkways can be built to facilitate walking, shopping and recreational activities without vehicular intervention," said Rout.
He said small kiosks, food joints and benches can also be placed along the plaza.
A city architect said, "The stretch requires careful planning long stretches of greenery interspersed with designs wherever there is change in median width."
