Recreational analysis & development along Agra Canal, New Delhi, India Faheem Mohd*, Suneja Manavi** *Lecturer, College of Architecture Design & Planning, Qassim University **Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Online published on 11 April, 2014. Abstract Delhi is the capital city of India. It has an overwhelming density of 11,297/km2 according to Wikipedia. This ever-increasing density is posed to have a far-reaching adverse impact on the lives of the urban dwellers. Paradoxically increasing densities guarantees habitation to many but leads to decline in the per person recreation space available. Reduced lung spaces affect the life of cities. Further, yet another development that is adversely influencing the life of city dwellers is the emergence and rapid growth of unplanned colonies. People living in these unplanned colonies do not have adequate recreational spaces. Owing to the paucity of recreational spaces and recreational infrastructure, the recreational demand of people living in these areas is not fulfilled. This adversely affects the lifestyle of people. People living in these unplanned colonies suffer from ill health both physically and emotionally. Further, owing to the limited/non-availability of open spaces in these unplanned colonies people end up with psychological disorders. The unplanned colony of Okhla illustrates this point amply. This unplanned colony faces many issues. The recreational demand of people is not being fulfilled in this unplanned colony. This colony is characterized by limited recreational infrastructure. It presents a unique case wherein the population pressure is immense, & so are the recreational demands but the open space is limited. In order to understand the problem facing this area the recreational demands of this area need to be analyzed and studied. The reason being, only after studying and analyzing the recreational demands of the populace of Okhla only an appropriate solution for the study area can be suggested. Further, the purpose of this study is to understand how spatial equity in the provision of urban recreation opportunities can be achieved by capitalizing on the otherwise left over spaces flanking the canal. In fact, the space along the canal can be the premium space for recreation that can be open to all. This can play a vital role satisfying the the recreation demand of the populace. The study will determine the recreational demands of the people & suggest ways of enhancing the recreational potential of the area under study as well as suggest compatible recreational activities. Top Keywords Open spaces, unplanned colony, recreational demand, landscape, urban green spaces, demand and supply. Top |