http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=channel%3A5368c9cb-0000-2e3f-84e9-001a11398a46&feature=iv&src_vid=jUY38vnnDzQ&v=mrkayzn3Ysg
Some recorded portions are still available for viewing.
In conceptualising Rabindra Tirtha, I'd always felt that it should provide a digital platform in the internet cloud that will spread the spirit of Tagore to the Bengal diaspora throughout the world and especially the young generation. We have started designing the web site of Rabindra Tirtha accordingly. Today, through the real-time webcasting (well, there was a 20 second delay, I realised ) many across countries from Dhaka to Paris and London to New York could have a sense of Rabi Tirtha's Kobi Pronam on Pochise Baisakh itself. (My son Mourjo, who is studying in Nice, France, also saw a bit of it in spite of the time difference). Ms Abida Islam, Dy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kolkata, who was the Chief Guest today, also appreciated the effort. Some of my facebook friends have also given me feedback. I realise that there were some gltches in our maiden live webcast effort and we hope to cover it in our next programmes.
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| Anup Motilal, me, Abida Islam (Dy High Commissioner of Bangladesh): Rabindra Tirtha, 25 Baisakh |
In the afternoon, I met a 2-member delegation from International Enterprise Singapore at Eco Park. Th were Ms Magdalene Loh and Ms Tan Zhi Xian, We talked about the possibility of having co-operation in few specific projects in Eco Park. These could be water based (underwater aquarium, aquatic park or water skiing), land based (walk-through aviary) or energy based (solar globe). The way forward could be consultancy based, revenue sharing basis (50:50), PPP-based or design-build based. The delegates went around the Eco Park and would report back. A photo taken this afternoon:
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| Ms. Magdalene Loh, Ms. Tan Zhi Xian, P.S.Ghosh & me: at Eco Park |
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A clipping from today's Times of India:
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| Times of India dt 9.5.2014 |
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ReplyDeleteGood concepts, but why water skiing? Why do we want to turn such a peaceful area into an amusement park? Other ideas which you have mentioned sounds far better - aquarium, aviary, etc
ReplyDeleteA few water skis in the huge lake would not really affect the peace and tranquility much - and would bring in some good revenue for the park. But yes, there should be a speed restrictions (to reduce noise).
DeleteRevenue should never be an issue with myriads of other channels. It all depends on how you want to "theme" the park. Like, kayaking or paddle boating is good, but water sports is a different activity meant for different "themed" parks. Like if you see, Central Park in New York, they too have water bodies, but still they don't use it for such sports. Its not that since we have a water body, we should try out all possible events which is possible in water. In that case, it would be another typical amusement park, and not an "Eco" park.
DeleteDid we have any comments from the French town planners regarding the encroachment of footpaths in Salt Lake and New Town?
ReplyDeleteThe french political system and Bengal political system are entirely different. I am sure in developed and "clean" nations the political netas do not interfere with the administration enforcing basic laws. For more on this topic you might want to read this article - http://goo.gl/Wpfbej
DeleteThanks Sudipta for pointing out the link. I am aware of such developments like setting up of kiosks or permanent hawker slots. But I feel that town planning too can play a role in such cases. I can give you an example. Its nice to have wide footpaths but at the same time to prevent hawkers from setting up permanent structures on it, we can divide the footpath by green islands in between, alongside include roadside structures, and lot of other ways - so that people can walk across it and at the same time hawkers don't find enough place left to set up permanent structures. Also, there should be enforcement on mobile kiosks or shops which would be allowed during the office hours for business, but they need to move out after a certain time or evening/night hours. Not like the shops we see outside DLF-1,2 and Unitech buildings, and also in Sector-5.
ReplyDeleteSo, what I meant was, if there is no way we can stop this through laws, then its best to construct in such a way that it does not give you a roomful of space to set up a shop.
Having visited the park on a number of occasions last month, I was amazed by the size and scale of the park. It was also very nice to see how popular the spot has become as evidenced by the vast number of people there on weekends. This park is going to be a very popular site for both residents and visitors. I have a few observations.
ReplyDeleteThere should be more wheelchairs. I had noticed a physically challenged girl returning back dejected, as the one wheelchair was being used by someone else.
The tandem bikes should be kept off the main walkway (or removed altogether). I had noticed that there were some near mishaps because of the huge number of visitors.
Maybe there should be a separate track for cycling /tandem cycles and the Eco Carts.
Such a beautiful landmark should not go the way of Nicco Park or Nalban by being commercially exploited.
Also, I think that we should not think of any water sports at all so that this area and the huge water body can become a habitat for migratory birds. After all, it is Eco Park or Prakriti Tirtha.