SEMINAR REPORT 2024- 25

SUBMISSION NO : 3 DATE: 03/10/2024

GROUP - 4
(NAMAN KHANDELWAL , NAMAN SHARMA , MONEY JAIN)

RESEARCH GUIDE: PROF. SARIKA NARAYAN || PROF. SAUMYA KOHLI

Architectural intervention for redevelopment of drainage system of

Barapullah,New Delhi.

Modern cities face challenges from rapid urban growth and a lack of resources. Increasing

human migration to metropolitan areas due to natural and man-made disasters puts

additional pressure on these cities. Although cities are trying to adapt to new technologies,

they struggle to meet the quickly changing demands. An important but often overlooked aspect

is the unused spaces within urban areas. These voids can significantly influence the future

design of cities. Therefore, including open spaces in city planning is an opportunity that should

be embraced.

The new urban landscape needs to be more responsive not only to environmental

challenges but also to the need to renew urban areas. This research aims to create a concept

that utilizes the transformative potential of these underused spaces, addressing the core

problems that rendered them ineffective. It’s not about quick fixes with green areas but about

finding lasting, functional solutions.

CANALS AS EMBLEMS OF PROSPERITY
SOURCE - https://images.app.goo.gl/atipDrE3Vi2eEqia7

The research will showcase the practical, economic, and creative possibilities of these urban

voids. By examining how these abandoned places can be improved, this research highlights the

potential of these spaces to contribute both functionally and aesthetically to the city. A main

focus will be the redevelopment of the Barapullah drain, a neglected area with great potential

for change. Improving this space will tackle issues like pollution, flooding, and poor

sanitation, while also creating green spaces for healthier living.

DELHI NULLAH INTO ECO CORRIDORS

SOURCE - https://www.downtoearth.org.in/
The ultimate goal is to find new ways to transform these voids, specially the Barapullah drain,

into engaging mental landscapes—spaces that enhance the beauty of cities and promote

social interaction, well-being, and sustainable growth. This research aspires to a future

where these overlooked areas are seen as opportunities for creative urban projects that build

community and inspire imagination. By focusing on the redevelopment of the Barapullah

drain, this study will illustrate how such changes can provide practical solutions and beautiful

urban environments.

HISTORY

From Drains to Canals: The Forgotten Dreams of Delhi’s Waterways

There was a time when water was more than just a need; it was like a living presence in the
city. In ancient Delhi, people respected and celebrated the waterways, treating them as part of
everyday life. What we now call drains were originally meant to be canals, flowing through the
city with water and the hope of a growing civilization. Today, these drains tell a story of lost
beauty and missed potential.

THE LOST BEAUTY

The change from canals to drains is a story of lost dreams, once alive in society but now hard
to bring back.

When Delhi was being planned, the idea of canals wasn’t just about managing water; it was
about creating something beautiful and useful. These waterways were meant to improve the
landscape, support trade, provide irrigation, and add beauty to the city for people to enjoy.

HOPE FOR RENEWAL

SOURCE- https://pavitra-ganga.eu/en/demonstration-sites/new-delhi-barapullah-drain

CURRENT SITUATION

The Transformation: From Dreams to Drains

The transformation of the Barapullah Canal into a drain is a story of disappointment and lost
hope. As Delhi grew and modernized, the dream of beautiful canals was replaced by the harsh
realities of urban growth. Canals that were once meant to be the city's lifeblood became
simple drains—functional, but lacking the beauty and promise they once had.
DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION

IMG SOURCE - https://www.dutchwatersector.com/news/

Like many other city waterways, the Barapullah Drain began serving purposes it was never
meant for. This once useful and scenic channel started collecting sewage and industrial
waste. As a result, a struggle to fight pollution and neglect began. The emotional impact of
this change is hard to describe. What was once seen as a jewel in Delhi's landscape has now
become a symbol of missed opportunities and broken dreams.

FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES

Hope for Renewal: Reclaiming the Dream

Yet, amidst this struggle, there is hope. The cleaning and rejuvenation of the Barapullah
Drain reflect a larger desire to reconnect with the city's waterway heritage: projects that would
reduce pollution, improve the handling of waste, and restore its ecological balance present
an awesome glimmer of what could be.

Such efforts have immense emotional resonance. It is not a mere technical challenge but the
expression of a desire to reclaim what was once beautiful and promising in the city. The
Barapullah Drain, although far from the grand canal it was meant to be, is nevertheless part of
the story of Delhi—a story still being told.
But the future of Barapullah Drain lies with the memory and real actionability of just those
dreams. It's about reconnecting to the vision of a city where waterways were more than
functional channels but vital, vibrant parts of urban life. The road to revival is littered with
obstacles, yet the emotive drive to bring back beauty and purpose to such waterways is
formidable in appearance.

SITE

BARAPULLAH DRAIN CHANEL ROUTE

Barapullah drain was once the major storm drain. Because of deficiencies in urban
water sewage treatment, the Barapullah presently discharges approximately 1.25
million liters of wastewater per day into the Yamuna river, which accounts for 80% of
the stormwater transported to the Yamuna from the region. The drain is about 100 m
wide and 16 km in length.
THE STRETCH SELECTED FOR THE SITE.

The stretch selected for the purpose of this study lies in Zone 3 of the proposed
Barapullah basin, between Lala Lajpat Rai Marg and Barapullah Bridge on the other
side. The site shares its edges with Nizamuddin Basti, Nizamuddin West, Pant
Nagar, and Jangpura Extension, all in close proximity to Humayun's Tomb,
Nizamuddin Dargah, and Khan-i-Khanan's Tomb. The length of the stretch is 1.5
km.

KEYWORDS

Adaptive Reuse of Voids,Community Spaces,Neglected Areas,Drainage System,Water

Management,Green Spaces.

TOPIC: Detailing of the Research methodology for both qualitative and

quantitative analysis

INTRODUCTION

For this study, the selected stretch lies within Zone 3 of the proposed Barapullah Basin,
extending between Lala Lajpat Rai Marg and Barapullah Bridge. This 1.5 km stretch is
situated in a historically significant area, sharing its boundaries with Nizamuddin Basti,
Nizamuddin West, Pant Nagar, and Jangpura Extension. The site is notably close to
several iconic landmarks such as Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin Dargah, and
Khan-i-Khanan’s Tomb.

The stretch is crucial as it is the end node of the drain after which the water in it gets
drained directly into the Yamuna river. Years of contamination has led to the
environmental degradation and has posed health risks to the nearby residents. This act
has led to cultural and social disruption of the residents living along the barapullah drain
stretch.

LIMITATIONS

Limited Data Availability: Lack of sufficient or reliable data can restrict the scope and
accuracy of the research.

Time Constraints: A short timeline might prevent thorough analysis or long-term data
collection, affecting depth and completeness.

Physical Accessibility: Difficulty in accessing research locations.

Current Condition of the site (Source : The Indian Express)

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Land use
and road heirarchy map of the selected portion of the site (Source:Google maps)
Existing prominent interventions on the site. (Source: Google Maps)

PANTNAGAR

PLACE THEORY

It is a low income housing next to jangpura

STRENGTH

The mandir attracts a lot of visitors.strong community,people willing to spend time outdoors.
WEAKNESS

The closing of drains have caused the encroachment of squatter settlement along sides.

OPPORTUNITY

Reopening drain forming a pedestrian corridor towards lajpat nagar. Creating more fitness and
relaxing spaces

Existing prominent Cultural and community interventions on site ( Source : Google maps)
JANPURA-BHOGAL

Place theory

Bhogal used to be a village , a centre for the grain and vegetable trade , and in other agricultural
and household commodities.

Strength

Jangpura -bhopal is secular and diverse as it is home to a number of places of worship which
represent every major religion , including St. Michael's Church, Shahi masjid , gurudwara Singh
sabha.

Bhogal market serves the daily needs of the neighborhood.

Weakness

Weekly bazar Mandi that takes place on Tuesdays bazar causes traffic jam in bhogal and blocks
the main road.

Opportunity

Shifting Mangal bazar near the selected stretch will ease the traffic flow. Creating more spaces
for joy .
Existing context at the end node of the site, after which the water drains into the Yamuna river (Source :
Google Maps)

BARAPULLAH BRIDGE

PLACE THEORY

Built by Mihir banu agha. It has ten piers or arches but 12 pollahs. It is now amidst the fruit and
vegetable market behind the nizamuddin railway station.

WEAKNESS

It's barely visible today and overrun by squatters. The stretch accumulating garbage ,
encroachments and years of neglect have placed it in the danger of vanishing completely.
People living in slums throw garbage and household waste in the drain. Area lacks the
community space for holding any kind of function and open space for kids.
OPPORTUNITY

Rethinking the drain as an opportunity for building better community and market space.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
1. Resuscitating the Fez River in Fes, Morocco.
LOCATION - Fes, Morocco, Africa
PROPOSED IN - 2007

The concrete plaza being used as a dump and the blue marks indicate the location of the river (Picture
credits: Aziza Chaouni)
 What this portion of the river above will look like once it is uncovered, and the area shaded built
to create a public plaza. (Image: Aziza Chaouni)