We who live in Delhi are lucky to have a relative abundance of open spaces. It seems that now the Delhi Development Authority plans to convert at least some of this into impressive parks. The aim is to create green spaces, which according to officials quoted in media reports, ‘lend identity to the city’ along the lines of London’s Hyde Park. These will be landscaped and embellished with trees, tunnels, artificial lakes, fountains and bridges.
Let us first deal with one very obvious point. If we are talking of identity, nothing could be more distinctive than, say, Lodhi Gardens. It has certain features–its beautiful historic structures. It is ironic that something like Hyde Park or New York’s Central Park could be considered as potentially lending identity to Delhi. Even the use of kitschy Indian style superimposed on these models will not help. Delhi in fact has many big and small groups of monuments surrounded by greenery, which if sensitively integrated, can be turned into excellent parks. Improvement of these existing spaces should be the first priority.
Another very important need in the North Indian climate is shade. That is why Mughal Gardens had so many trees. If we are looking for public spaces where people can come for recreation, a morning walk/jog, or just to spend their lunch break, shady green places will be appreciated much more than hard-to-maintain lawns, lakes and bridges. Careful planting with suitable native varieties of flora will improve the urban biodiversity.
We must also not forget the need for open spaces. Urban children often suffer due to lack of open spaces to play. Over the years, an increasing proportion of local parks in the housing colonies have been beautified with paths, hedges, flower beds and benches. I am sure there are must be huge maidans in Delhi where on a weekend you can see children playing football or cricket going on, but I can’t think of many.
So, the resources should not be spent on a few high maintenance parks, but on improving the city.