Pune: BNCA team surveys area near Deccan Gymkhana for sustainable changes

PUNE: Students of Dr Bhanuben Nanawati College of Architecture for Women (BNCA) conducted a detailed survey of the area around Deccan Gymkhana and suggested some changes considering the behaviour of citizens, encroachments and other issues.
The study was a part of a global classroom initiative by Jefferson University, Philadelphia, that included 15 renowned universities from all over the world.
The suggestions put forward by the students included a skywalk to connect JM Road and Fergusson College road, revitalizing of Deccan Gymkhana bus stop to control traffic and enable pedestrians to walk freely, creation of small plazas and seating areas, natural alternatives to roofs of small shops in the lanes and bylanes of the area.
As many as 35 second and fourth year students from BNCA participated in the study. The area of Garware underpass, Goodluck Hotel and areas around Prayag Hospital, along with Deccan Gymkhana bus stop were chosen for the study. After studying the area, BNCA presented the study on September 28 through a global classroom.
The project was conducted under the guidance of Shruti Joshi, head, BNCA International Cell. Joshi said, “The Deccan Gymkhana area has tremendous social and cultural importance and the use of roads here is changed during Ganesh Visarjan and Palkhi procession. The area was inspected and proposals made without changing the traffic. Changes, facilities and suggestions were added to the plan considering the behaviour of citizens in the area, encroachments and other problems. We also interacted with local residents and shopkeepers in the area.”
Sidewalks for pedestrians were studied around the Deccan Gymkhana area, which consists of several small lanes and shops. Students also suggested places where senior citizens can sit for a while after walking or shopping in the area. Mohini Bhosekar, a student participant, said, “The difficulty faced by pedestrians, commercialization of the area, shopping experience was considered and the situation before and after the pandemic was also compared. In this study, we suggested things like artistic changes, use of colours in specific areas, natural alternatives to the roofs of small shops in Hong Kong lane and other small lanes, etc. The changes may help control traffic and help pedestrians walk freely.”