Rethinking Publicness and Creating Equity in Development from the Lens of Spatial Justice: a Case of Contested Lakefront, Mill Lands and Public Engagement Spaces in the Heart of Nagpur

Abstract

“Asian cities long have labored under the shadow of developmentalism , expected to conform to the norms of North Atlantic urbanization. Yet these same cities are characterized by urban morphologies and livelihoods that continue to contest such norms.”(Relational Poverty Network) The city of Nagpur is currently under great transformation, which has triggered a financialization of urban real estate, pressure to privatize the land and ‘upgrade’ squatter and informal settlements – the increasing intra-urban inequality, the adoption of neoliberal subjectivities in all social strata. Focusing on the frontier where large-scale urban redevelopment projects rub against these settlements, where urban majority have carved out commons of distinctive segregation of public and privatized spaces, built environments and livelihoods. The city grew from the old core of Mahal which had shukrawari lake as the central lake for all the engagement activities of the public. From evening walks to ganesh visarjan this very own lake was man made lake with a sense of belonging to it. Nagpur being the city of the Bhonsle’s kingdom flourished during the industrial revolution and with the strategic location of being in the centre attracted and the king invited many industrialists to set up the textile factory and one such case is the empress mills of Nagpur. The land was given opposite to the lake and the industry flourished which attracted many communities along it. The industrialists lured workers through the provision of amenities and lakefront activities to work in the mill which offered live, work, play concept through major urban form determinants such as shukrawari lake, cotton market, railways etc. The cessation of operations at Empress Mill led to its demolition and subsequent conversion into a gated community, now owned by the Taj Group, which markets the hotel with a lakefront view. This transition has affected communities reliant on the mill and lake for livelihoods, resulting in migration and informal occupations. Consequently, the once vibrant lakefront has deteriorated, with the lake itself drying up, leaving a vacant area in the city center. Developers eyeing privatization pose a threat, necessitating intervention to preserve the waterbody's significance beyond mere revenue generation. The loss of mills and lakes as urban activators has diminished the sense of belongingness, leaving the area defunct and catering primarily to private investors. The reliance of communities on the mill and lake has diminished, affecting their access to living, working, and recreational opportunities. The evolving urban form of the city favors privatized gated communities that offer amenities based on affordability, shifting the city towards a privatized entity rather than a public one. As the city undergoes transformation, the once vibrant lake, a hub for socio-cultural activities, has lost its identity due to changes in land use, density, transit developments, and the evolving definition of the public realm. The thesis primarily explores the various dynamics of the cotton market, Shukrawari Lake, and mill lands, examining the injustices, levels of publicness, and informality within these spaces. It delves into how the waterbody and precinct can serve as vibrant and inclusive public engagement spaces, fostering equity, economic opportunities, and livelihoods. The study emphasizes the challenges posed by neoliberalism and spatial justice, with a focus on advocating for the right to the city and achieving greater publicness in urban environments. The urban design thesis, focusing on cohesive and sensitive spatial creation, will aid in establishing the precinct as a central hub for public engagement in the Indian city. By carefully considering the layers of the city's precious waterbody, interventions can enhance its ecological health, inclusivity, vibrancy, and community participation, while managing surrounding growth. Sensitively addressing mill lands and other key areas can promote equitable opportunities for all income groups, fostering thoughtful interventions that enhance the urban landscape cohesively. This project serves as a practical model for reshaping urban environments amidst rapid transformation and privatization trends, demonstrating how the lake can serve as a focal point for diverse activities. By revitalizing the waterbody, a sense of community belonging and civic engagement can be rekindled, transforming the precinct into a dynamic space that embraces ecological, informal, and opportunity-driven perspectives. This approach not only boosts land value and economic prospects but also fosters a more inclusive and public cityscape accessible to all residents.