Thol:
Paradise
under
threat
Using
systems
design
methodology
to
counter
destruction
of
Thol
bird
reserve
due
to
rapid
urbanization
Bhaskar
MR
Assistant
Professor
Department
of
Industrial
Design,
National
Institute
of
Design
India,
Email:
[email protected]
Student
Participants:
Raveesh
Reddy,
Vikas
Johiya,
Harikrishnan,
Hemant
Kumar
Department
of
Industrial
Design,
National
Institute
of
Design,
India
Abstract
This
paper
examines
the
causes
and
effects
of
urban
pressures
on
Thol,
a
recognized
bird
reserve
on
the
fringes
of
Ahmedabad,
a
rapidly
growing
city
and
the
application
of
systems
theory
to
counter
the
effects.
Thol
being
located
within
the
immediate
vicinity
of
an
ever‐expanding
city
of
Ahmedabad
faces
immense
pressure
in
terms
of
loss
of
habitat.
Lax
governmental
controls,
illegal
land
acquisitions,
an
irresponsible
populace
and
a
new
emerging
aspect
of
living
culture
of
the
citizens
in
acquiring
farmhouses;
contribute
to
this
immediate
threat.
This
paper
examines
as
to
how
systems
design
methodology
can
be
used
to
intervene
and
bring
about
awareness.
1.
Introduction
1.1
Ahmedabad:
Past,
present
&
future
The
city
of
Ahmedabad
was
founded
in
1411
AD
as
a
walled
city
on
the
eastern
bank
of
the
river
Sabarmati,
now
the
seventh
largest
metropolis
in
India
and
the
largest
in
the
state
of
Gujarat,
India.
The
urban
agglomeration
(UA)
population
has
increased
from
3.31
Million
in
1991
to
4.5
million
in
2001.
Historically
Ahmedabad
has
been
one
of
the
most
important
centers
of
trade
and
commerce
in
western
India.
The
city
was
once
famous
as
the
‘Manchester
of
India’
on
account
of
its
textile
industry.
Ahmedabad
is
the
home
of
several
scientific
and
educational
institutions
of
national,
regional
and
global
importance.
The
city
has
a
great
architectural
tradition
reflected
in
many
exquisite
monuments,
temples
and
modern
buildings.
The
Ahmedabad
Urban
agglomeration
is
an
amalgam
covering
an
area
of
about
4200
sq.
Km
is
an
amalgam
of
4
distinct
territorial
divisions:
1.
An
area
of
190
Sq.
Km,
under
the
jurisdiction
of
Ahmedabad
Municipal
Corporation
(AMC)
2.
150
villages
in
the
periphery
of
the
city
are
under
the
jurisdiction
of
Ahmedabad
Urban
Development
Authority
(AUDA)
3.
9
Municipalities
in
the
periphery
of
the
city
are
under
the
jurisdiction
of
Ahmedabad
Urban
Development
Authority
(AUDA)
4.
Gandhinagar
and
the
surrounding
villages,
5.
Chatral,
Bopal
and
other
surrounding
villages
adjoining
AUDA
limits
The
population
in
the
AMC
limits
increased
to
35.15
lac
in
2001
from
28.77
lac
in
1991.
The
population
in
AUDA
area
in
1991
was
38.75
lac.
The
Ahmedabad
Urban
Agglomeration
(AUA)
housed
23.25
%
of
the
State’s
urban
population
in
1991,
which
has
gone
up
to
about
25%
in
2001.
Compared
to
other
metropolises
in
India;
Ahmedabad
has
a
lesser
degree
of
primacy
and
urban
population
is
spread
evenly
across
other
metropolitan
and
class
I
cities
in
the
State.
The
AMC
area
is
spread
over
190.84
sq
km,
the
AUA
area
is
about
350
sq
km
and
AUDA
area
is
1330.08
sq
km.
Spatial
distribution
of
this
population
within
the
city
over
the
decades
shows
that
up
to
1981
most
of
the
new
population
added
to
the
city
was
concentrated
within
the
old
AMC
limits
itself,
especially
in
the
eastern
part.
Expansion
of
the
peripheral
areas
began
in
the
1980s
and
has
continued.
Earlier
only
the
eastern
parts
and
particularly
the
eastern
periphery
registered
faster
growth
rate,
but
since
the
1980s
even
the
western
periphery
has
grown
rapidly.
[1]
1.2
Thol:
Location,
history
&
significance
“
Thol
is
unique
due
to
the
fact
that
owing
to
its
small
size,
it
offers
a
much
desired
opportunity
for
enthusiastic
bird‐watchers
to
see,
identify
and
study
waterfowl
at
close
distance.
The
bund
around
it
facilitates
an
elevated
observation
point
to
bird‐watcher
who
is
eagerly
scanning
across
flocks
of
waterfowl
through
pairs
of
binoculars.
In
winters,
Thol
water
body
offers
to
see
a
large
number
of
a
variety
of
waders
and
ducks
besides
terns,
gulls,
herons,
stork,
flamingos,
pelicans,
raptors
and
migratory
cranes.
Thol
and
its
environs
is
a
heaven
for
the
Sarus
Crane,
which
is
a
globally
vulnerable
species”
H.S
Singh,
Director,
GEER
Foundation,
India
[2]
A
shallow
water
reservoir
and
predominantly
open
water
area,
without
island,
reed
beds
give
Thol
a
distinct
ambience.
This
man‐made
wetland,
declared
as
a
sanctuary
in
November
1988,
has
high
conservation
value.
The
tallest
flying
bird
of
the
world
Sarus
crane
inhabits
this
area
and
is
found
in
good
number.
Large
number
of
waterfowls
gets
attracted
to
this
site
due
to
the
agricultural
fields
surrounding
the
lake,
which
provide
sufficient
food
to
them.
Good
tree
covers
also
surround
the
lake.
There
are
more
than
80
species
of
waterfowls
reported
at
Thol.
[3].
Thol
lake
Wildlife
Sanctuary
is
popularly
known
as
Thol
Bird
Sanctuary
due
to
its
rich
Aquatic
bird
life.
Thol
comes
under
Mehsana
district,
which
is
one
of
the
top
food
grain
producing
districts
in
Gujarat.
This
is
largely
due
to
a
well‐developed
irrigation
system
consisting
of
wells
and
irrigation
tanks.
In
1968‐69,
Mehsana
district
had
1422
irrigation
tanks,
of
which,
213
were
in
Kadi
taluka.
Thol
water
body
is
one
such
irrigation
tank
in
Kadi
taluka,
which
was
built
in
1912
by
Gaekwad
rulers
during
the
reign
of
the
then
Baroda
state
over
the
area.
It
was
built
to
prevent
erosion,
flooding
and
to
store
rainwater
for
irrigation
purpose.
Owing
to
its
unique
avifauna,
Thol
was
declared
a
bird
sanctuary
on
18
November
1988.
2.
The
issues
Research
began
by
talking
to
people
who
could
share
basic
information
on
THOL
before
we
actually
visited
the
place.
This
included
people
from
Animal
Help
Foundation,
Ecology
research
institutions,
wildlife
experts
and
ornithologists.
At
a
later
stage
the
Gujarat
Forest
Department,
Wildlife
conservationists
and
nature
lovers
were
questioned.
A
series
of
visits
revealed
detailed
information
that
was
hitherto
undocumented.
The
issues
that
Thol
faced
could
be
concisely
pinpointed
as:
•
Rising
incomes
of
the
citizens
have
encouraged
people
to
look
into
alternate
means
of
investment
into
real
estate
beyond
the
‘first
house’.
It
is
interesting
to
note
that
in
the
middle
of
an
economic
slowdown,
the
Ahmedabadi
appetite
for
farm
estate
on
the
fringes
of
the
city
continues
unabated.
Innumerable
real
estate
developers
have
mushroomed,
catering
to
this
phenomenon.
The
average
rate
for
farmland
hovers
around
2500
INR
(40
Euros)
per
square
yard.
Average
plot
sizes
rage
from
600
sq
yards
to
as
large
as
15000
sq
yards.
The
pricing
makes
it
very
attractive
for
Gujarati
Non
Resident
Indians,
settled
in
(Pic
illustrating
the
claim
of
Sterling
Developers
of
having
their
property
“touching”
the
lake
–
www.
http://www.sterlinggreenwoods.com/township/Thol_Location_Map.htm)
North
America,
Africa,
Europe
and
Australia.
Today
these
development
schemes
stretch
as
far
as
eyes
can
see,
with
none
being
occupied.
They
are
held
as
an
‘investment’.
•
Residential
plots
coming
closer
to
the
command
area
of
the
sanctuary,
farmers
selling
off
their
land
to
builders
for
better
fortunes.
Villagers
are
selling
their
lands
to
builders
for
immediate
profit,
but
this
is
an
unplanned
sale.
40%
of
the
farmland
has
been
sold
to
builders
and
construction
companies.
The
common
trend
is
to
then
secure
the
money
with
banks
and
look
for
menial
jobs
in
surrounding
industries.
The
recent
relocation
of
the
Tata
Nano
Car
plant
has
further
boosted
this
trend.
•
Lack
of
urban
laws
that
prevent
movement
of
farmhouses
to
the
periphery
of
Thol
•
Conflict
between
Forest
department
under
whose
current
jurisdiction
falls
and
the
Irrigation
department,
which
uses
the
water
resources
of
Thol
for
irrigation
of
agricultural
land,
•
Resentment
of
locals
against
Forest
Department
•
Industrialization:
The
catchment
area
of
Thol
Sanctuary
is
dotted
with
Industrial
estates
and
independent
industrial
units
at
Kalol,
Kadi
and
Khatraj.
There
are
many
small
and
medium
units
such
as
chemicals,
pharmaceuticals,
metallurgy,
plastics,
textiles,
ceramic
etc.
Some
large
units
like
IFFCO
and
Arvind
mills
are
also
located
in
this
region.
Industrial
development
is
progressing
at
a
fast
rate
and
poses
many
potential
dangers
ranging
from
pollution
of
pond
water
to
bioaccumulation
and
ground
water
contamination.
•
Negative
Impact
of
Tourism
at
Thol
Bird
Sanctuary:
Most
Tourists
make
noise,
play
games
and
walk
along
the
Bunds,
all
these
causing
disturbance
to
birds.
Many
tourists
leave
their
rubbish
(which
range
from
plastic
bags,
paper
plates,
tissue
papers,
food
remains
and
beer
cans),
which
causes
degradation
of
the
aesthetics
and
organic
environment
of
the
site.
3.0
The
Design
approach
After
the
research
phase
we
looked
at
possible
interventions
and
their
possible
effect
on
the
Thol
Bird
sanctuary
and
its
Stakeholders.
This
was
done
with
the
help
of
a
tool,
CLD
(Causal
loop
Diagram).
This
revealed
to
us
underlying
relations
between
different
elements
of
Thol
as
a
system.
Based
on
all
the
relationships
thus
developed,
we
attempted
to
illustrate
the
same
through
a
model,
which
covers
all
stakeholders
and
the
underlying
relationships
with
Thol.
Thol
Lake
has
been
placed
at
the
center
of
the
model
and
elements,
which
are
associated
with
Thol,
are
placed
around
the
center.
The
Elements,
which
have
control
over
the
Thol
Bird
sanctuary,
are
the
Forest
department
and
Irrigation
department.
These
two
Governmental
departments
are
in
conflict,
which
is
represented
with
a
red
double‐headed
arrow.
The
blue
arrow
shows
the
flow
of
water
regulated
by
the
Irrigation
department.
The
Forest
department
is
responsible
for
the
policies,
utilizing
funds
and
creating
revenue
through
Tourism
at
Thol
bird
sanctuary.
Local
willing
to
sell
their
farmland
constitute
a
part
of
the
locals.
There
is
an
ever‐increasing
pressure
by
locals
on
the
Irrigation
department
for
more
water.
Locals
depend
on
Thol
for
firewood
and
fish
but
they
are
indifferent
towards
the
conservation
of
the
Sanctuary.
The
arrow
from
locals
to
Forest
department
represents
the
resentment
of
locals
towards
the
Department.
Visitors
to
Thol
have
both
the
positive
and
negative
effect,
NGOs
and
Photographers
increase
awareness,
and
publicity
and
recognition
of
Thol
and
Researchers
and
bird‐watchers
provide
the
Forest
department
with
information
and
recommendation.
On
the
other
hand
majority
of
the
visitors
who
come
to
Thol
for
recreational
activities
are
responsible
for
the
negative
effect
on
Thol.
Surrounding
Industries
cause
pollution,
which
in
turn
disturbs
the
ecology
of
the
Sanctuary.
Industries
and
locals
have
a
give
and
take
relationship
as
Industries
provide
employment
to
the
locals.
As
the
city
is
moving
towards
Thol,
the
locals
are
willing
to
sell
their
land
to
builders
for
monetary
benefits.
City
populations
of
Ahmedabad
who
are
largely
unaware
about
Thol
constitute
the
outer
most
circles.
3.1
Opportunity
Mapping
During
this
phase
we
identified
the
gaps
in
the
system,
which
could
be
filled
by
adequate
interventions.
Once
this
was
done
it
was
verified
through
Causal
loop
diagrams
whether
intervention
would
cause
a
positive
effect
in
the
system
or
not.
Out
of
the
many
opportunities
identified,
many
required
intervention
at
a
policy
making
level.
For
opportunities
which
required
Design
intervention,
ideas
were
generated
using
various
tools
like
brainstorming,
mind
mapping
etc.
The
opportunities
identified
mainly
dealt
with
creating
awareness
amongst
city
population
towards
Thol
and
involvement
of
the
locals.
Awareness
amongst
city
population
will
bring
about
a
positive
effect
in
the
system
as
it
would
put
light
on
Thol
sanctuary
itself
and
also
issues
related
to
it.
Involvement
of
local
will
create
a
sense
pride
and
ownership
in
locals,
as
they
are
the
most
important
stakeholders
of
Thol
sanctuary.
It
will
also
reduce
the
resentment
of
locals
towards
Thol
being
a
recognized
Bird
sanctuary
now.
3.2
User
surveys
A
survey
was
conducted
across
Ahmedabad
to
identify
people’s
attitudes
and
perceptions
about
Thol.
The
results
were
startling.
The
surveys
were
carefully
based
on
the
following
categories
–
•
Schools
(Both
public
and
private)
•
Colleges
•
Institutes
of
higher
learning
(Indian
Institute
of
Management,
NID,
CEPT,
MICA)
•
Working
professionals
A
overwhelming
percentage
of
people
in
colleges
and
schools
had
never
heard
of
Thol.
Amongst
the
aware,
working
professionals
and
college
goers
used
Thol
as
a
getaway
to
spend
time
with
girlfriends
/
boyfriends.
There
was
no
effort
by
the
government
or
other
institutions
to
educate
the
people
about
the
avian
jewel
in
their
midst.
Different
questionnaires
were
prepared
for
different
categories.
The
questions
mainly
focused
on
knowledge
of
existence
of
Thol,
experience
at
Thol,
Way
finding,
amenities
at
Thol
and
recognition
of
Thol
as
a
spot
of
national
ecological
heritage.
4.0
Analysis
and
directions
Once
the
information
and
user
survey
results
were
collated,
they
were
divided
into
relationship
categories.
The
design
directions
were
framed
as
questions,
which
targeted
the
gaps,
tangibles
and
intangibles
in
the
systems
model.
The
questions
that
mainly
emerged
were:
•
If
people
were
not
going
to
Thol,
how
does
one
bring
Thol
to
the
people?
•
How
could
one
prevent
people
from
taking
personal
cars
to
Thol,
which
adds
to
noise
and
pollution?
•
How
could
we
improve
the
accessibility
of
Thol
through
way
finding?
•
Once
the
visitor
reaches
Thol,
what
amenities
could
be
provided?
Based
on
the
above,
4
main
design
interventions
emerged.
4.1.
Bringing
Thol
to
the
city
The
first
concept
for
display
structures,
to
be
used
for
exhibitions
in
city.
It
would
display
images
of
variety
of
birds
at
Thol,
their
names.
Purpose
of
the
structure
is
to
show
the
variety
of
birds
at
Thol
sanctuary
and
also
to
create
a
mood
of
a
bird
sanctuary
with
more
visuals
that
text.
The
form
is
inspired
from
a
leaf.
The
second
concept
for
display
structures
is
to
be
used
for
exhibition
of
issues
related
to
Thol
bird
sanctuary.
Being
an
exhibition
for
awareness,
it
will
talk
about
issues
like
Industrialization,
construction,
tourism
etc
and
how
they
are
effecting
the
ecology
of
Thol
sanctuary.
Designed
to
be
quickly
assembled
at
public
places,
it
would
educate
people
about
Thol.
4.2
Way‐finding
th
Although
being
one
of
the
most
major
bird
sanctuaries
in
the
country,
lying
in
the
path
of
the
4
most
vital
migratory
bird
flyway
and
also
being
closely
located
to
the
major
city,
Ahmedabad,
has
a
poor
signage
system
that
could
direct
a
tourist,
bird‐watcher
or
a
bird‐lover
to
the
sanctuary.
Most
tourists
to
Thol
come
in
from
Ahmedabad
situated
about
45
km
west
of
the
sanctuary.
All
the
major
maps
of
Ahmedabad
an
undeviating,
narrow
road
from
S.G.
highway
connects
Thol
to
S.G
highway
if
Thol
is
approached
from
the
city,
this
road
is
25
km
long.
Signage
to
Thol
can
be
classified
into
two
sections,
one
within
Ahmedabad
and
the
other
along
the
highways
close
to
Thol
and
around
Thol
itself.
The
existing
solution
is
to
include
directions
to
Thol
existing
road
signage
systems
within
the
city
limits,
the
highway
and
areas
surrounding
Thol,
which
has
been
poorly
implemented.
The
primary
function
of
way‐finding
is
to
assist
tourists
to
their
destination,
but
the
possibilities
go
beyond
regular
signage,
Thol
can
be
promoted
and
advertised
through
banners,
public
structures,
while
they
serve
the
primary
function
this
in
turn
brings
more
people
to
Thol,
including
local
citizens
and
visitors/tourists
from
foreign
states
and
countries.
Design
Brief
•
To
design
a
structure
that
can
assist
in
way
finding
keeping
in
mind
the
following:
•
Primary
function
of
the
structure
is
way
finding.
•
It
is
a
hybrid
structure
so
that
it
is
more
functional.
•
It
serves
as
way
finding
within
the
city
and
to
Thol.
•
It
also
serves
as
a
checkpoint
for
travelers.
•
Creating
a
structure
that
is
iconic
so
that
it
creates
a
instant
connection
to
the
bird
sanctuary,
thus
promoting
it.
Also
a
lost
traveler
can
find
the
way
to
his
destination
by
looking
for
this
structure
in
his
vicinity.
•
They
can
be
placed
throughout
the
city
and
along
the
way
to
Thol.
An
icon
is
a
person
or
a
thing
that
is
regarded
as
a
representative
symbol
of
something.
An
iconic
design
is
one
that
stands
apart
and
can
be
recognized
and
the
association
is
made
immediately.
E.g.:
the
black
and
yellow
color
combination
of
the
Bombay
taxi,
or
the
unique
form
of
the
Volkswagen
Beetle
or
the
Lambretta
scooter.
An
iconic
design
in
any
form,
such
as
a
map,
structure,
product
can
instantly
bring
an
unique
identity
to
Thol.
This
iconic
structure
well
placed/distributed
among
people
will
make
it
stand
out,
noticed
and
thus
will
only
make
it
more
iconic.
An
iconic
design
able
to
perform
a
essential,
vital
function
will
then
ensure
its
continued
stay
among
people.
An
iconic
structure
fulfilling
the
above
mentioned
descriptions
whose
primary
function
is
to
assist
way
finding
within
the
city
and
to
Thol
is
the
solution
to
the
various
problems
of
way
finding.
Its
secondary
functions
can
include
shelter
to
a
person,
lighting
and
serving
as
a
checkpoint
or
resting
for
travelers
etc.
Inspired
by
the
Sarus
crane,
the
most
famous
avian
resident
of
Thol,
the
final
structure
was
designed.
4.3
Accessibility
The
lack
of
sensitivity
of
citizens
in
driving
all
the
way
to
the
edge
of
the
lake;
disturbing
the
birds
is
due
to
complete
lack
of
other
forms
of
transportation.
A
survey
was
conducted
to
identify
and
plot
the
main
routes
through
which
a
dedicated
transportation
system
can
be
devised,
which
would
pick
up
visitors
and
take
them
to
the
sanctuary.
It
was
also
understood
that
the
bus
ride
could
be
the
perfect
opportunity
to
introduce,
educate
and
inform
visitors
about
the
sanctuary,
rules
and
expectations
of
good
behavior,
which
would
not
disturb
the
birds.
Though
Ahmedabad
has
seen
a
very
successful
implementation
of
the
Bus
Rapid
Transport
System
(BRTS),
the
western
fringes
that
has
the
most
urban
development;
has
been
ignored
in
2005
plan.
The
Bus
Rapid
Transport
System
(BRTS)
is
not
enough
to
fulfill
the
mobility
plans
of
mega‐city
Ahmedabad.
Transportation
infrastructure
for
the
city,
which
is
growing
by
leaps
and
bounds.
The
RRS
plan
was
shelved
after
Delhi
Rail
Metro
Corporation
Ltd
prepared
a
feasibility
report
for
Gujarat
Infrastructure
Development
Board
(GIDB)
in
August
2005.The
Gujarat
state
government
has
written
to
Rail
India
Technical
and
Economic
Services
(RITES)
Ltd
and
Indian
Railways
to
modify
the
2005
plan
to
suit
the
changing
face
of
Ahmedabad,
especially
on
the
western
side.
The
city
is
set
to
expand
to
new
western
areas
where
big
projects
like
a
new
international
airport,
Dholera
port
Gujarat
International
Finance
Tech‐city
(GIFT)
etc
are
coming
up,
which
will
require
transport
infrastructure.
Design
brief:
Design
a
guided
tour
to
the
Thol
bird
sanctuary,
which
gives
an
experience
closer
to
wildlife,
and
make
people
aware
of
the
rules
and
regulations.
It
was
also
assumed
that
the
visual
aesthetics
of
the
bus
had
to
be
unique;
which
would
invite
attention
and
awareness
from
citizens.
4.4.
Visitor
Orientation
Center
at
Thol
In
terms
of
public
amenities,
there
is
a
ticket
issuing
counter
and
check
post,
a
nonfunctional
information
center
which
is
used
only
for
renting
out
place
to
camp
tents
for
researchers
who
stay
overnight,
seven
benches
and
six
small
concrete
structures
along
the
edge
of
the
lake
for
shade.
Facilities
required:
The
Design
brief:
To
design
an
Information
and
Orientation
center
for
Thol
Bird
Sanctuary
which
will
be
located
just
before
the
entrance.
The
center
will
house
the
following
activities
•
Communicate
the
code
of
conduct
to
the
visitors
•
Disseminate
information
about
the
sanctuary
and
birds
through
panels,
brochures,
kiosks
and
other
interactive
media.
•
Rent
out
equipment
meant
for
•
Issue
tickets
bird
watching
like
binoculars.
It
will
also
have
facilities
like
drinking
water,
lockers
and
light
food,
and
restrooms.
Managing
the
flow
of
visitors
using
bubble
flow
calculations
“The
building
is
the
message”
The
building
should
remind
people
about
alternative
building
methods
and
that
building
concrete
monsters
is
not
the
only
way
out.
Being
situated
in
such
an
ecologically
sensitive
area,
it
should
cause
minimum
disturbance
to
the
surroundings,
be
it
the
construction
or
it
its
existence.
Involvement
of
the
local
populace
in
construction
and
its
functioning
will
make
them
an
integral
part
of
the
system
which
would
in
turn
reduce
the
resentment
against
Thol.
Locally
available
materials
and
building
techniques
would
be
used.
For
the
building
research
was
done
on
various
indigenous
building
techniques.
In
the
final
concept
we
took
inspiration
from
Bedouin
tents,
Adobe
architecture
and
tensile
structures.
5.0
Epilogue
Thol
Lake
Wildlife
Sanctuary
is
today
a
dilemma
in
transition.
It
is
a
conflict
between
the
human
and
avian
interests
at
first
look
but
it
truly
is
a
conflict
between
our
old
and
new
values.
It
is
a
conflict
reflecting
our
changing
attitudes.
It
is
also
a
rural‐urban
conflict,
which
is
assuming
different
facets
with
the
growth
of
the
city.
The
hunger
and
insatiable
appetite
of
a
billion
strong
countries
is
reflected
as
a
microcosm
in
Thol.
The
callous,
self‐centered
human
consumption
culture
that
comes
with
rising
incomes
is
today
threatening
the
very
eco
system
that
sustains
human
growth.
As
the
city
rapidly
metamorphoses
into
a
global
destination
as
proudly
claimed
by
the
citizens,
it
is
hoped
that
it
recognizes,
nurtures
and
sustains
ecological
jewels
like
Thol.
In
a
small
way
we
hope
that
the
systems
thinking
approach
of
design
would
help
in
spreading
the
message
to
all
the
stakeholders
concerned
–
the
Government,
citizens,
future
generations
and
villagers.
References
[1]
Jawaharlal
Nehru
National
Urban
Renewal
Mission,
city
developments
plan
Ahmedabad
2006‐2012
Ahmedabad
Municipal
Corporation
&
Ahmedabad
Urban
Development
Authority
with
Technical
Support
from:
CEPT
University,
Ahmedabad
[2]
H.S
Singh,
Director,
GEER
Foundation,
The
Thol
Report
[3]
http://gujaratforest.gov.in/,
Department
of
Forests,
Government
of
Gujarat,
India
About
the
Author:
Bhaskar
is
an
Assistant
Professor
at
the
National
Institute
of
Design;
Ahmedabad,
India.
He
has
also
been
a
visiting
guest
professor
at
the
Wildlife
Institute
of
India,
which
trains
future
civil
services
officers,
speaking
on
design
in
conservation.
Bhaskar
has
been
actively
working
in
design
intervention
areas
such
as
new
product
development,
product
design
for
wildlife
conservation
and
education,
rural
healthcare,
rural
innovation
and
design
for
SME
and
micro
enterprise
sectors.
He
has
also
successfully
designed
and
implemented
projects
in
new
product
development,
transportation
design,
communication
design,
exhibition
design
&
strategic
design.
He
is
interested
specifically
in
the
emerging
areas
of
design
for
healthcare,
design
research,
design
ethnography,
local
cultures,
strategic
design
for
innovation
and
design
entrepreneurship.
