Revitalisation of Historic Core of Meerut city/

Abstract

This thesis sets out to examine the case for revitalisation of the historic core of Meerut city, Uttar Pradesh in terms of sustainability aspects. Indian cities are facing deteriorating quality of life due to rapid urbanisation. Historic urban centres within these cities with natural and manmade environments embodies the value of traditional urban centres. However, these are being threatened, degraded, damaged or destroyed in terms of physical, social, economic and cultural aspects. These historic cores have continuously been the beating heart of flourishing economic activities and social interaction. Meerut is the largest city in NCR after Delhi and is one of the vibrant commercial centre and at the same point the core city is the point of discontent with the low quality of life. This study shall analyse the current driving forces of change and problems it faces and work out the strategy for its revitalisation in terms of sustainability, dealing with all pillars of sustainability. The aim of the study is to improve the quality of life while preserving basic character of the area. There is a need to create a culture of resource allocation that places the needs of vulnerable groups and individuals on an equal footing with the interests of those who are better off. The idea is to retrofit the old character of the town to accommodate contemporary living and working while retaining the positive characteristics. For revitalisation of historic core, this thesis explores a methodology that uses various strategies which suggest different priorities, modes of implementation which includes community planning, mercantile planning and transit oriented development. Thus, this is an attempt to develop an integrated plan which considers the congruencies and conflicts of the different strategies. In simple terms, this would be a revitalisation of an average city centre with almost no external fundings. The research is a qualitative exploratory case-study, based on the interviews of primary actors, rapid survey, and observation supported by photographic documentation. Secondly, the need of stakeholders are being catered to through various enabling mechanisms, such as informal sector, social support and institution of collaboration. Thirdly, the area have much potential in terms of economy however, it’s degrading because of unavailability of loans and schemes and infrastructure. Paradoxically, the physical proximity of different inter-related land uses is typical of the small scale industries; if these parts are separated in space, the system would not be able to function. Based on the analysis, there is a need of improvements in the existing conditions and uses of the area. Above all, it requires an integrated plan that is based on an understanding of the contribution of people and stakeholders to that system and incorporates the area’s existing functions with inter zonal and city wide linkages. Based on this understanding, proposals and recommendations will be given in this study.