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productive-urbanism
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Research & Practice

Shilaj Lake (conceptual proposal)

  • Tags

    Shilaj lake, lake destruction, conceptual proposal, lakes in ahmedabad, biodiversity

Team: Sahir Patel, Mansi Shah, Jugal Patel, Elangkumaran

Shilaj Lake is a vast 54 acre natural ensemble in Ahmedabad. It has a huge catchment and is home to several species. The run-off from the abutting roads and the site feed into the lake, which can hold up to 1422059 cubic m (Kaun Tejwans Surinder). The site was selected for development by AMC. The proposal met much resistance from the locals, who contested the project and demanded an ecological approach to protecting waterways, tree cover and habitat. To address these concerns, PUC and Metabolic office proposed a conceptual plan focusing on on-site conservation and restoring the original plantation. The proposal is based on 4 key ideas 1. Retain (existing ecological), Revive (Productive infills), Rejuvenate (Social and cultural spaces) and Remodel (utilitarian facilities).

 

Existing images from site
The view showing works in progress and difference in existing contour and removed soil.
Trench constructed around the lake
Trees burnt on site, native and invasive.
Loss of terrain, native species, and habitat. The view shows the areas already uprooted. Shilaj lake is a huge catchment but was also a home to a large number of species. The recent development is not supported by the local community who wish for a more ecologically-just plan
Aerial imagery showing the disruptions around the lake and its edge
Cleared vegetation and the impact on the riparian edge
Loss of native vegetation and topsoil
Trench around the lake edge
Conceptual proposal in line with ecology and recovery of the landscape

The key strategies includes- Retain (Existing Ecological), Revive (through functional and productive landscapes), Rejuvenate (to add minimal social and cultural facilities) and remodel (common shared areas around the lake)

Conceptual proposal

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