Delhi Nullahs
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The Proposal: To use Delhi's neglected Nullah network to fundamentally transform the city. Delhi has 18 main nullahs with over 15,000 branches, which were constructed 7 centuries ago by the Tughlaq dynasty. The nullah network is 350km long, contiguous and criss-crosses the national capital. Currently, the nullahs are just unhygienic drains that are seen as a problem by the citizens of Delhi - they smell, breed mosquitoes, pollute the Yamuna and so on. However, a relatively small investment can turn the nullahs into a valuable asset for the common citizen. The initiative aims to reuse the neglected water drainage system of Delhi; the ‘nullahs’ to progressively bring about sustainable change within the city. These nullahs can be transformed to enhance the social, cultural and transport (pedestrian and cycling) networks of the city as well as restoring the River Yamuna. This can be done by using the existing waste and underutilized land to recycle and re-create. Water and green being natural attractors; the condition would be set to weave an eco-sustainable system through this network. The nullahs restoration project presents the hidden opportunity that lies within Delhi by establishing a green and sustainable network as an alternative and democratic source of engagement within the city of Delhi.