Environmental Context Site Features
The proposed park is sited along the drainage channel of the Bindal Khala, which runs north-south through the campus with an approximate gradient change of 40 metres. Bindal Khala is a feeder to the larger Bindal Rao channel that runs through Dehradun. The forests along the channel might have had a dense canopy of Sal trees at one point of time. Further North of Hathibarkala Estate, Bindal Khala passes through the Rajpur Reserved Forest. It is a dense forest with Sal as its representative climax species.
The site represents the typical natural history of the regional landscape. It has a seasonal monsoon nalla and remnants of the previous dense Sal forests. The micro-landscape types vary within the site. It has a relatively dense canopy on the northernmost part of the site. The density of the canopy decreases substantially as we move south. The site becomes an open scrubland of Lantana and Parthenium weeds on its southern edge probably due to excessive grazing, logging and erosion over the years.
The site is located in a moderate rainfall area, receiving close to 1600 mm rainfall, mainly between the months of June and September. The main nalla is a seasonal lower order stream and has an ephemeral character.
The slopes on the site range from 2.5 per cent to 10 per cent typically. The vegetation on the site is generally of species that are found in the moist deciduous Sal forest and is fairly varied. A part of the site on the north has retained its forest cover, possibly since it was protected from grazing, burning or deforestation for timber and fuel. This consists of mixed species of shrubs, weeds and grass. These parts of the site offer uninterrupted views of the adjoining landscape of the Shivaliks.
Landscape Concept
The design proposal envisages the creation of a unique urban park, which will celebrate the fascinating tale of The Great Arc within the natural matrix of the site. The story of The Great Arc is to be brought to life by the symbolic representation of The Great Trigonometrical Survey in the design of the park. The north-south linear configuration of the Garden of The Great Arc is a reminder of the journey undertaken by the intrepid surveyors from the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula to the northern reaches of the subcontinent at the base of the Himalayas.
The triangulated pathways traverse the garden connecting at the apex of the triangles in specialized small gardens. These will also become locations for specially commissioned sculptures depicting the story of The Great Arc. The design proposes an ecologically oriented approach that will:
- Restore and preserve landscape
- Preserve and enhance wildlife
- Value addition by providing facilities for visitors to enjoy the narrative which forms the theme of the park
The site proposed for the auditorium overlooks the South Park. It is recommended that the auditorium project be enlarged to include a conference center. Dehra Dun has a large number of public institutions requiring such a facility. The auditorium-cum-conference center can be clubbed as a project with the Garden of the Great Arc. This will provide a financially viable basis for the complete development.
Implementation
The execution of the project needs to be spread over a period of about three years. The project work is divided into phases with overlapping time periods.
- The site is cleared for detailed survey and technical studies. The boundary is fenced and work is almost in completion for the South Park and North Park.
- Detailed design is completed for the whole garden.
- Work is undertaken for the two sections of the North and South Park.
The entire garden will be opened to the public. The Garden of The Great Arc will provide an aesthetic landscape for local people and will also become a recreational spot for the visitors. Selection of species in the park will be made keeping in view several factors e.g. aesthetic value, spiritual consideration, habitat requirement of birds, butterflies, animals etc.
