Transforming Pune's Old Core: Reuniting the Old City with the River through Anchor-Driven Spaces

Abstract

Pune's rich history along the Mula Mutha River exemplifies the deep and historical relationship between ancient civilizations and water sources. The city's old cores serve as living testaments to the systems that fuelled civilizational growth, but have often succumbed to the incursion of commercial sectors. Pune's urban erosion has led to the loss of its unique identity and the need for a rethinking of urban development paradigms. Pune's growth narrative is paradoxical in balancing density and identity, with the core city clashing with the demands of the IT industry. The soaring population density on Karve Road and negative decadal growth rates highlight the intricate balance between development and cultural preservation. Redevelopment and cultural resilience are crucial, as they involve saving not just structures but the layers of history that define the city's unique identity. Social spaces of the old core are places with the most socio-cultural and historic importance in the old city. They play a major role in the image of the city. The Mula Mutha River, once Pune's lifeblood, has witnessed gradual estrangement over time, with the bursting of the Panshet dam in 1961 reshaping the riverbanks. This has led to the loss of ghats and a diminishing connection with the city. The river's historical and cultural significance has been ebbing, with the environmental impact of neglect and pollution emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to revive its cultural and environmental relevance. The urban edge along the Mula Mutha River emerges as a repository of cultural symbols, such as 14 ghats, temples, metro stations, and gardens. Leveraging these anchor points can create a cohesive urban edge, restoring lost connections and revitalizing cultural spaces. And each of these anchor points are connected with the city through social spaces and can help create a social network in the old core which can help enhance the identity of the core city. Challenges in riverfront development, beyond aesthetics, include ecosystem preservation and cultural sensitivity. By focusing on water, anchor points of the old core and social spaces as a unifying force, Pune can redefine its urban edge, fostering a resilient and culturally vibrant cityscape.