The Nullah Project
About P. K. Das
Architect-Activist Mumbai, India P.K. Das is popularly known as an Architect – Activist. His priority has been to establish a very close relation between architecture and people by involving them in a participatory planning process.
His wide spectrum of work includes organizing slum dwellers for better living and evolving affordable housing models, engaging in the policy framework for mass housing, reclaiming public space in Mumbai by developing the waterfronts, Re-envisioning the Open Spaces of Mumbai, urban renewal and conservation projects along with an architectural practice involving urban planning, urban design, architecture and interior design assignments across the country.
With an extremely strong emphasis on participatory planning, he hopes to integrate architecture and democracy to bring about desired social changes in the country.
About PUDDI
Participatory Urban design & Development Initiative (PUDDI) by PK Das.
PUDDI is an organization started by concerned citizens under the leadership of the late Daryll D’Monte (Former Editor, The Times of India). The initiative is conducted under the guidance of the urban architect Mr. P.K Das
The Irla Nullah Re-invigoration Project (2013-ongoing)
P.K. Das & Associates (PKDA), along with the Participatory Urban Design & Development Initiative (PUDDI- a charitable trust) have initiated a study of a plan to formalise an institutional participatory framework and budget allocation to undertake the re-invigoration plan across Mumbai's watercourses.
Mumbai is a city on the water, with a vast expanse of natural assets. Sadly, the city has turned its back on them and considered them dumping grounds, both physically and metaphorically. This has led to their degradation risks such as flooding and pollution.
This initiative addresses the abuse and exclusion of over 300 km of watercourses, including four rivers that have been turned into nullahs or drains. It brings to light the continuing degradation of 140 sq. km. of natural areas in the city, including mangroves, wetlands, creeks, rivers, lakes, and the need to restore the symbiotic relationships among them.
Their plan, which is a part of a larger citizens' movement advocating the 'Vision Juhu' Plan, focuses on cleaning a polluted natural watercourse in the coastal suburb of Juhu, into a vibrant public space.
The vision of PUDDI through this project is to transform Mumbai's landscape. Furthermore, they aspire to transform how Mumbai's institutions approach open space and provide equitable access to ecosystem services for millions.
The Nullah Project
December 2017 - February 2018The first year BMM students worked on a 3-month long research project about nullahs in Mumbai and the settlements that have developed around it. A group of 28 students worked together to investigate the nullahs as well as talk to settlers around them for environmental journalists—Darryl D’monte, and Nidhi Jamwal.
The process involved tracking places where nullahs flowed. The students were asked to form a questionnaire comprising two parts: the first part for the interviewer’s observations included noting aspects like edge conditions of the nullah, the vegetation near it, and the type of settlements around; the second part comprised questions for the respondents that the students sought, living around the nullah.
The questionnaire revolved around gauging people's thought and knowledge of nullah, and about taking initiative to clean it. It also provided an understanding of what the process of cleaning the filthy water bodies did to the invisible class divide in the area. This was followed by fieldwork. The observations were diverse as many were reluctant to talk, not wanting to draw attention to them. This project exposed the students to live work culture and gave them an understanding of reality.
One of the Nullah sites in Mumbai visited by the student participants.
The Mogra Nullah at Andheri
Student Takeaways
The experience was humbling as we weren't used to such an atmosphere. Talking to people there was an eye-opener to understand how lives are lived.
-Aaditi Kulkarni
The channels which are meant to serve the purpose of rainwater disposal are now used as nullah, and astonishing is the fact that hardly anyone is aware of it.
-Venesa Paul
This allowed us to see a different side of Mumbai which although a part of the urban area, is disconnected from the image of Mumbai. These nullahs are not only changing the look of the city but also the people who live around these nullahs.
-Sakshi Karande
Field Reports
Report by Amanda Crasto
Compiled Nullah Report - Amanda Crasto-converted.docxReport by Melissa D'sa
Compiled Nullah Report - Melissa D'sa-converted.docxReport by Lavina Carval
Compiled Nullah Final Report - Lavina Carval-converted.docx