STRATEGY , OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR BATHING GHATS OF RELIGIOUS TOWN - HARIDWAR

Abstract

The objective of a planned development is not to restrict any kind of activity but channelise various activities into a proper manner so that the original character is enhanced. This can be achieved by formulating guidelines for the management and development of the ghat areas of these towns in future so that they remain cherished places of cultural heritage. This development pattern envisages: 1- Preservation of religious and architectural aspects of the place. 2- Create what is lacking in terms of infrastructural facilities. 3- Integrate the new development with the existing. 4- Derive basic information on planning & design of ghats. The major criteria in the strategy for land water interface development are: * Activisation of the physical edge by developing a thematic. continuity of form and spatial structure oriented towards the river. * Preserving existing temples & religious buildings i on ghats and focussing city or them in terms o.Z architectural character. -2- * Upgrading urban ameneties: Providing for the inadequacies of the existing infrastructure to lend better support to the religious and social activities keeping in mind the religious status of the place. * Facilitate heritage tourism: Envisaged both as, economic activity and a messenger of cultural awareness. It justifies restoring the elements and uses which have historic, symbclic and associational values. I * Enhancing the quality of environment which involves: - Restoring of the rich mix of building types- The co-existence of the symbolic and functional (the resting places/dharamsalas) and business/ commercial, places. This facet being integral to the nature of the organic Indian environment. - Locating new element in the traditionally accepted vocabulary to enhance the territorial definition and identity of the ghats. - Pollution abatement and environmental planning of ghat areas. With the restoration and introduction of compatible uses, the land-water interface could play a new and more integral role in the regeneration of cultnnre.