The Hindu : Vasundhara exhorts architects to help in 'housing for all'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 21, 2003

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Vasundhara exhorts architects to help in 'housing for all'

By Our Staff Correspondent

JAIPUR DEC. 20. The Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, has called upon architects to play an active role in accomplishing the task of "housing for all by 2010'' conceptualised by the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She said that the architects, engineers and investors could help fulfil the housing-related aspirations of the poor and common people.

Inaugurating the three-day 20th national convention of the Indian Institute of Architecture at the B.M. Birla Auditorium here on Friday, Ms. Raje said the architects, while fulfilling their social commitments, could make a significant contribution with their practical knowledge in giving pace to development in the State.

While seeking the cooperation of all sections of society in implementing the Government's development initiatives, the Chief Minister said the convention's theme of "Continuity in architecture: From ancient to modernity'' had a contemporary relevance for Rajasthan and especially Jaipur.

"Town planning and traditional architecture have formed part of the Pink City's rich heritage and are a source of inspiration for the present generation of architects and town planners,'' Ms. Raje said, while describing the vision of the erstwhile ruler of Amber, Sawai Jai Singh, who established the Jaipur town in 1727.

Ms. Raje said the Pink City's planning and construction had been carried out with the cooperation of a young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, who envisaged the layout in a grid system with wide straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes and uniform row of houses and shops arranged in rectangular city sectors. Subsequently, another ruler, Ram Singh, and the princely state's Prime Minister, Mirza Ismail, carried forward the work.

The Chief Minister exhorted the architects to conserve the ancient architectural heritage while leaving their own legacy for the future generations.

"Special emphasis needs to be laid on adhering to the security and safety norms against natural calamities like fire and earthquake while planning the design,'' she said.

Ms. Raje also urged architects to pay attention to creating facilities of ramp, railing and audio-visual signals for disabled persons as well as constructing suitable water harvesting structures.

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