Proposal for Ideal Green Spaces at Town and Neighborhood Level – A Case of New Chandigarh

Proposal for Ideal Green Spaces at Town and Neighborhood Level – A Case of New Chandigarh

Swati Sharma

1st Affiliation 1 (Author) Student Masters of Urban Planning

School of Planning & Architecture, Poornima University Jaipur, India

Ar. Urmila Pawar

2nd Affiliation (Author)

Architect, Urban Planner, Associate Professor School of Planning & Architecture, Poornima University

Jaipur, India

Abstract:- Green Space in urban area performs multidimensional functions and provides enormous benefits to the citizens. Importance is still more due to its limited availability in urban area as a result of urbanization. It not only performs the regulatory but also environmental and social functions and provides various types of benefits as per its location and size at various spatial levels. The hypothesis of this study is that the benefits and functions of Urban Green Space at various spatial levels perform differently. To examine this hypothesis and to evaluate extent of the green space benefits and functions at various spatial level, Chandigarh city is chosen as a case example and its implications in its expansion New Chandigarh . An intensive and in depth study of green spaces in Le Corbusiers master plan with respect to high and low density sectors. Specially analyzing how green space equity varies along spatial and socio-economic gradients, understanding the current status of green space distribution and its variations over different socioeconomic groups of urban residents to enhance the benefits of green space for all residents This paper intent to looks at quantitative aspects of Urban Green Spaces in terms of its benefits to user and giving proposals for green spaces at city and neighborhood level for New Chandigarh.

Keywords: Urban green space , urbanization , Green space equity

INTRODUCTION

The urban population of Chandigarh has increased by 340.32 % from 1971 to 2011 .The massive increase in the urban population among other factors has resulted in urban growth in Chandigarh and also in the surrounding areas. The surrounding region has witnessed encroachments on fertile agricultural land and vegetation cover due to development and expansion of urban areas in the recent past .The city has a great potential to attract people from all income groups due to high quality lifestyle and high development rate .

Chandigarh has the rare accolade of being one of the few cities in the world with planned landscape. Its Master Plan, a unique work of art, laid the foundation of what is now popularly called a city beautiful. Between the orderly chequered-mesh of the grid-iron road layout encompassing the sectors, lies a structured patterns of linear green belts and city parks.

With increased urban population and re-densified built forms in Chandigarh an extension of the city New Chandigarh has been proposed by Greater Mohali Area Development Authority to cater to the projected growth of Chandigarh. The conversion of green spaces into the built-up areas has become one of the major reasons for habitat destruction worldwide.

Through accelerating urbanization, mass demographic growth and expanding global consumption patterns, more and more open spaces in cities continue to be converted into industrial, commercial or residential areas. Green space has become an increasingly scarce resource, for which many competing forces battle for the right to control and manipulate it. The loss of Open spaces in cities will put tremendous strain on resources and threaten human health. Evidence indicates that the frequency of physical activity is negatively affected by a lack of greenery.

Thus public Green Space per Capita, as a landuse indicator can be valuable for examining the citizens daily wellbeing and quality of life. There is an urgent need to look after the issues related to the urban green spaces at grass root level or at local level.

Hence the main objective of this study was to analyze the urbanization impact quantitatively over the city green spaces over two major spatial levels i.e. City level(Macro level), and Neighborhood level(Micro Level) in terms of per capita green availability and also by mapping its benefits and functions.

STUDY AREA

New Chandigarh is a new planned smart city near Mullanpur in the Mohali district (SAS Nagar) in Punjab, India. It is designed as an extension of already crowded city of Chandigarh. It is developed by Greater Mohali Area Development Authority. New Chandigarh LPA lies in the state of Punjab and was planned within the purview of the overall vision of the Greater Mohali Region Plan 2008-2058.

The total area notified as Local Planning Area (LPA) for New Chandigarh is 6,109 hectares with key land uses as Residential, Mixed Use, Education and Health. Other supporting land uses include, City Centre, Commercial and Green & Recreational areas. There are no manufacturing industries proposed as per the notified master plan and proposed revised land use plan.

The New Chandigarh LPA has been planned to cater to an ultimate population of approximately 10 lakh by the year 2058. The

gross residential population density applicable to the entire LPA is 170 ppa (people per acre). The entire LPA is divided into three broad density zones :

• Low (upto 30 ppa) Low Density Zone(upto 150 ppa) High Density Zone(200 ppa).

Fig.1 New Chandigarh location

Fig.2 New Chandigarh regional connectivity

Fig.3 New Chandigarh physical features and boundary on satellite imagery Source : Detailing of Master Plan New Chandigarh

Table 1 New Chandigarh Landuse Map.1 New Chandigarh Master Plan Source : Detailing of Master Plan New Chandigarh

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Hypothesis:

The hypothesis of this study is that the benefits and functions of Urban Green Space at various spatial levels perform differently.

Scope and limitations:

Only structured (Parks ,neighborhood ,housing area parks , planned green avenues) are considered .Forest areas Catchment area, steep

hill vegetation Green on banks of nallah , road side plantation is not considered. Census data of 2011 is considered for population.

Method adopted for Quantitative Analysis:

Calculation of Per capita green space is adopted for quantitative analysis.

As per WHO norms minimum per capita green requirement is 9 m2 per/person and as per UDPFI guidelines it is about 10-12 m2 per/person.

Per capita Green = Total area under green / Total population

LITERATURE REVIEW

The parks, green spaces, open areas and playgrounds within an urban area influence the quality of the urban environment for residents, contributing to the overall health of the city environment. Green spaces symbolize peace, minimal stress and a cleaner environment for many people, which are considered as important factors in making a city livable, pleasant and attractive for its citizens and guests. The major functions performed by Urban green space are as follows:

Table 2 Functions of green spaces

Source : Chandigarh Urban Green Guidelines2014

Major benefits obtained through urban green spaces are categorized under two perspectives i.e. tangible and intangible they are as follows:-

Tangible Benefits Ecological Benefits :

1. Green spaces have been to absorb pollutants, moderate the impact of human activities for eg. Absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.

2. They contribute to the healthy urban environment by providing clean air, water and soil.

3. They improve the urban climate and maintain the balance of the citys natural urban environment.

4. UGS provide safe play space for children & contribute to their physical, social and mental development.

Benefits at Planning level:

1. A network of high quality green spaces linking residential areas with business, retail and leisure developments can help to improve the accessibility and attractiveness of local facilities and employment centres.

2. It encourages people travel safely by foot or by bicycle for recreation.

3. Well-designed UGS provide a barrier to noise and can function as a visual screen.

Economic Benefits:)

1. Research all around the world shows that the property owners value the urban forest by the premium they pay to live in the neighborhood UGS and urban parks. For e.g. Just one km increase in the distance to the nearest forested area leads to an average 5.9 % decrease in market value of the dwelling.

2. Study on effects of neighborhood parks on the transaction price of high rise private residential units in Hong Kong indicated that neighborhood parks could lift price by 16.88%, including 14.93% for availability and 1.95% for view. Comparing with

   other landscape elements, Neighborhood parks induced the heaviest investment intention in the home buying behavior.

   INTANGIBLE BENEFITS

   Social Benefits:

   1. Green spaces provide a refreshing contrast to the harsh shape, colour, and texture of buildings and stimulate the senses with their simple color, sound, smell and motions.

   2. Well managed and maintained green spaces contribute to social justice by creating opportunities for people of all age groups to interact.

   3. Encourages volunteerism, Promotes stewardship,

   4. Promotes individuals with disabilities.

   5. It supports seniors ,helps in development of youths and enhances education

   6. They enhance cultural life by providing venues for local festivals, civic celebrations and theatrical performances.

   7. Reduces crime, Strengthens community by reflecting the different communities they serve and meeting their varying needs.

Health Benefits:

Decrease obesity, Boosts immune system, Relieves stress, Life expectancy, Reduces depression.

Improves Quality of life.

1. Recreational activities are a medium in which participants can change their self-image and gain personal satisfaction. Quality of life benefits from recreational activities include:

2. Enhanced self esteem through improved feelings of selfworth, reliance and gain personal satisfaction.

3. Personal growth

4. Enhanced expression of and reflection on personal spiritual ideals and feelings of satisfaction from ones personal, neighborhood and community life.

Case study

Chandigarh was the first planned city in India post-independence in 1947 and known for its impeccable urban green spaces . Chandigarh is a union territory in the northern part of India that serves as the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. As a union territory, the city is ruled directly by the Union Government of India and is not part of either state.Chandigarh is located near the foothills of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas in northwest India. It borders the states of Haryana and Punjab. The exact geographic coordinates of Chandigarh are 30.74°N 76.79°E.

Map 2 Existing Chandigarh Master Plan Source: Chandigarh Master Plan 2031

Fig.4 Location of Chandigarh

Table 3 Chandigarh landuse

Source: Chandigarh Master Plan 2031

Chandigarh Green Space Typology

As per Chandigarhs master plan green spaces are subdivided into four major divisions:

1. City level Public Green Space with artificial waterbody – that attract people from outside the city and may

   have national importance.

2. Free Flowing Green Spaces connecting the entire site – Green belts, forests surrounding the city

3. Semi Private Green Areas for Neighborhood pockets – attract people from residential units across the city, have a number of

   facilities and features and hold neighborhood events.

4. Private Green Areas for Residential units – used by the local community, with limited facilities.

Map 3 Chandigarh green space typology Source: Foundation Le Corbusier

Map 4 Chandigarh green space at city level Source: Chandigarh Master Plan 2031

Table 4 Comparative Analysis Hierarchy of green space in Chandigarh with URDFPI norms.

Macro Level Analysis

• Green Area Available Within The Sectoral Grid = 2342 Acres.

  • Green Area Available In Manimajra = 71 Acres.

  • Botanical Garden = 180 Acres.

  • Total Planned Green Area = 2593 Acres.

  • Forest Area In U.T. Chandigarh=3436Ha.

  • Total Green Area Including Forest = 3828 Ha. (9455 Acres).

  • Green/Open Spaces (Percentage) = 33.5% Of The Total Area

    1. Average Green Available In 2011 (Sqm/Person)=17.4Sqm/Person (including all types of open spaces)

    2. Average Green Available In 2011 (Sqm/Person)=9.31Sqm/Person (including only parks and garden

    S.NO		URDFPI	Chandigarh	Remarks
    1	Area		114 sqkm
    2	Population		10,54,686
    3	Green space		9827000sqm
    4	Green space %	10-15%	8.62	Less
    5	Green space per capita	10-12 sqm	9.31 sqm	Less

    Table 5 Comparative analysis of green space in Chandigarh with URDFPI norms.

    Micro level

    High Density Sector

    Sector 20 is a high density sector .Major portion of the sector is residential having a mix of government and private housing of G+2 structure having school, college ,institutional buildings in its vicinity.

    Area	1.47 km2
    Population in sector	25901
    No. of Parks	48
    Total green area	52,478 sqm
    Per capita green sqm/person	2 sqm/person

    Area	1.47 km2
    Population in sector	25901
    No. of Parks	48
    Total green area	52,478 sqm
    Per capita green sqm/person	2 sqm/person

    Fig.5 Chandigarh Sector 20 Parks Source: Author

    Fig.4 Chandigarh Sector 20 Plan Source: UT Administration

    .

    Sector 4 is a low density posh area of Chandigarh. The sector is inhabited by the VIPs of the town having 4-8 kananl private housing and it has no nuisance of a market place though there is one in the neighboring Sector 9. Sector 4 is a walking distance from the Rock Garden and the Sukhna Lake which is the two icons of the city and above all it over looks the hills which are by themselves very scenic.

    Area	1.54km2
    Population in sector	12,234
    	12
    Total green area	41538 sqm
    Per capita green sqm/person	3.3sqm /per person

    Fig.6 Chandigarh Sector 4 Plan Source: UT Administration

    Fig.7 Chandigarh Sector 4 Parks Source: Author

    S.NO		High density	Low density	URDFPI norms	Remarks
    		Sector -20	Sector-4
    1	Area	1.47 sqkm	1.54 sqkm
    2	Population	25,901	12234
    3	Green space	52,478 sqm	41538 sqm
    4	Green space per capita	2 sqm/person	3.3 sqm/per person	10-12 sqm/person	Less

    Table 6 Comparative Analysis of green spaces in sectors with URDFPI norms.

    Inferences

    From analysis it was found that a planned city like Chandigarh at city level has sufficient provision of urban green ,though recreation spaces at city level is less than the norms laid by URDPFI .

    At sector level there is gap in green space equity among high density and low density wards.

    At sector level has per person green space 2sqm per person in a high density sector and 3.3 in a low density sector which is less as per URDFPI norms.

    As standards set by URDPFI are quite to achieve by cities due to increase rate of urbanization ,so urban green space standards , typology and hierarchy followed in Chandigarh as envisaged by Le Corbusier are taken into consideration for proposing ideal green spaces for cities.

    Existing Site

    As per Greater Mohali Development Authority Sector -22 is a proposed housing site in New Chandigarh. The site has an area of 106.2 Ha and is surrounded by proposed 60 m wide roads for connectivity. Sector-22 has village Palheri of 11 hectare in its central core and 2.5 hectare land reserved for group housing by Suntech city .The remaining site is proposed for government housing .

    Fig.8 Sector 22 location in New Chandigarh ,satellite imagery Source: Google

    Table 7 Proposed landuse by GMADA for sectors in New Chandigarh

    S.NO		Percentage area
    1	Residential	50
    2	Commercial	5
    3	Public-Semi Public	34
    4	Green	5

    Proposal And Recommendation

    At city level green spaces proposed by GMADA are as follows:

• Recreational = 157.54 Ha ( 2.58 %)

Parks = 2.45 Ha ( 149.79 % )

• Forests and Open Spaces = 197.56 Ha (3.23 % )

• De Notified PLPA Agriculture =1185.89 Ha ( 19.41 % )

• Total Planned Green Area = 159.99 Ha

• Total Green Area Including Forest = 1383.3 Ha

• Green/Open Spaces (Percentage) = 30.67% of The Total Area

1. Average Green Available (Sqm/Person)=13.83Sqm/Person (including all types of open spaces)

2. Average Green Available (Sqm/Person)=15.9 Sqm/Person (including only parks and garden

Total Area of the Neighborhood is 60 Ha Approx. and total population is 15,000 people.

*The recommendations mentioned here are based on the existing space standards suggested by URDPFI. The existing norms have been modified keeping in view the reduced speed of movement and comfortable outdoor time relevant for Indian climate

Table 28 Ideal green space recommendation

Ideal Green Space for a high density Sector22 , for New Chandigaarh

Total Population 200 PPA / 500 PPH 91.3 Ha x 500 = 45650

Distribution of green space

Total Population 200 PPA / 500 PPH 91.3 Ha x 500 = 45650

Green Space Per Person 2.4 SQM

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

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