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Showing posts from May, 2012

Mumbai Zoo

Laid out in 1861, on an area of 48 acres, is the present Jijamata Udyan or the "Mumbai Zoo". Sadly, the zoo is in a pathetic condition with sad-looking animals, (whatever are left) in ill-maintained enclosures. But, in spite of the horrible state of affairs, the zoo is usually crowded. Not surprising because Mumbai is so much starved for open space, that these 48 acres partially fills in the need. On the positive side, the zoo is quite well laid out and landscaped and probably has the highest number of mature large trees per acre anywhere in Mumbai. The zoo boasts of some of the best and rarest species of trees and plants, and is a haven for botanists and tree lovers.  Another hidden jewel in the zoo is the Bhau Daji Laad Museum, restored to its original glory by INTACH . It is the oldest museum in Mumbai and has some very interesting artifacts and archaeological collection. My suggestion is to develop a new, state-of-the-art, modern zoo/ animal park...

Delhi BRT Debate

This is a very interesting debate about the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) System in Delhi. The BRT was launched in Delhi in 2008, and has been surrounded with controversies and hurdles right from the beginning - from accidents to inefficient use of the limited road space. In fact, BRT has been implemented in various cities around the world, and has many variations in the way it is implemented, with varying degrees of success (and failure). There is no single BRT formula that can be applied to all cities. And especially, looking at the unique traffic conditions of India, an equally unique BRT System will have to be thought out, along with an effective traffic management system. One thing definitely comes to light is that in a fast developing India, though there is a need to have a strong and effective public transport system, the needs of the private vehicles cannot be ignored totally. Also, I strongly believe that the issue of traffic and transportation should not (and cannot) be addr...