CEE, along with CEPT and ITDP celebrates Ahmedabad's first PARK(ing) DAY
On 16th of September, Centre for Environment Education (CEE) in collaboration with Institute for Transportation and Developmental Policy (ITDP), Bakeri Urban Development Private Limited (BUDPL) and Centre for Environmental and Planning Technology (CEPT) University students conducted the Park(ing) Day for the first time in India. It was organized near Vijay Cross Roads, Navrangpura. On either side of the road, the stages were set up by the CEPT students. . The objective was to celebrate the value of high quality public spaces and equitable street design in the city. Coupled with effective parking management, such initiatives can help City reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
Two of the places near Vijay Char Rasta were designed by the students of CEPT in such a way that demonstrates its use for a socially equitable place of interactions. The effort was to engage citizens in the precincts of the selected site to participation in an interactive way.The atmosphere were bubbling with enthusiasm and dynamism. Students and SAYEN members both worked away willingly and with full fervor to celebrate this event.
On one side, Children play area was the theme while Coffee house was put up on the other side. Various activities and games were placed. Carbon Calculator and Body Mass Index were the mathematical games that enlightened people about their vehicle’s carbon emissions and Body Mass Index ratio. Origami, clay modeling, puppetry and a few other games were organized which was greeted with much exuberance by children and elders alike.
Mr. Guruprasad Mohanpatra, Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, Mr. Kartikeya V Sarabhai, Director, CEE and Professor Chaya, CEPT were the guests for this event. Mr. Mohanpatra appreciated the efforts taken by the team to bring this awareness campaign for the common public and also suggested that he would like the team to implement such a novel concept in some selected places of Ahmedabad.
The audience was enthralled about the quiz that was taking place simultaneously. They had a chance to brush up their knowledge about traffic rules. Also, they eagerly put up their view on the wishing tree, as to what changes they dream and how they will substantially contribute for it.
There was a gathering assembled as the crowd grooved to the music of guitar. The passers by also were also gripped by the mood of the event, and were glad to participate.
Overall, the event not just was fun, but it also helped in instilling in all of us a sense of traffic awareness.
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