Model Urban Village

Vatavaran has pioneered the concept of a Model Urban Village. We decided to work with urban villages in a holistic manner; we worked not only for environmental causes but tried to work with their lifestyles in ways that would benefit them, as they saw fit.

THE SHAHPURJAT PROJECT

This was where we started and developed the whole process. Here’s a brief overview of what w did.

Systematic research was carried out in the village, it was mapped, and we collected data from various sources that helped us understand the village better. We worked with the government, with Municipal Corporation of Delhi, with the Archaeological Survey of India and other such organizations to help better the area. We also worked with the people – the men, the women, the children. Some of the particular things we managed were:

• Requested Archaeological Survey of India to repair the historic monuments
• Pressurized the government of National Capital Territory Delhi to remake roads
• Municipal Corporation Delhi to remove tons of ‘melba’ or rubble
• Planted road side trees, household plants and some medicinal plants
• Distributed protective gears to the waste collectors coming from a far off slum
• Held a local fair called ‘ShahpurHaat’ with the cooperation of Max-India Foundation
• Held medical talks, general health camps, undertook special treatment of ill, operation of children with congenial problems like split lip for the residents of BalmikiSamaj and the waste collectors of ShahpurJat
• Undertook academic classes for dropouts from schools
• Counselled alcoholic men who abused their wives
• Counselled women on self-sustenance, economic upliftment and their rights.

The project has done what it could, and has hopefully improved some lives if not the façade too much.