'Urban acupuncture’: HUL inks MoU with MAUD to enliven neglected open spaces

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Urban Lab Foundation (HUL) has signed MoU with the Department of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) to promote sustainable urbanization and tackle the issue of neglected open spaces.

Under the initiative, HUL will collaborate with local stakeholders, private organizations, architecture students and colleges, non-profit organizations, and philanthropic sectors to promote well-thought-out design solutions for informal settlements such as slums, abandoned and open spaces, stepped spaces, and places experiencing rapid urbanization.

The plan includes making neglected open spaces in localities, including slums, safe for women and children, efficient public toilets, rejuvenating local markets, clearing garbage and construction debris dumps, and reclaiming such lands. The initiative follows the concept of urban acupuncture coined by Jaime Lerner, which aims to heal, improve and create a positive chain reaction in the urban environment.

Anant Maringanti, the leader of Hyderabad Urban Lab Foundation, presented the detailed plan to Minister of Municipal Administration and Urban Development K T Rama Rao on April 15th, in the presence of Spl CS MAUD Arvind Kumar, Commissioner GHMC Lokesh, and all Zonal Commissioners.

According to the plan, the MAUD department, along with the revenue department and GHMC, will identify and inventory all such land parcels and develop them over a period of time into meaningful public activities such as libraries, play areas, and social gathering places, as well as a point for economic convergence. The effective use of urban designing and architecture can set the plan for development for such sites, in consultation with local stakeholders so that ownership is there.

The citizens are encouraged to contribute to this initiative by sharing the list of neglected or misused open spaces in their neighborhoods that are at risk of encroachment. They can reach out to the local Dy Commissioner or Zonal Commissioner of GHMC or share the details on Twitter at @TSmaudonline or @ghmconline. The objective of this initiative is to transform these spaces into lively and functional areas, including playgrounds and libraries, using cost-effective intervention methods.