Wednesday, March 30, 2016

‘Our unique urban-agricultural identity must be protected’


City-based mechanical engineer, Naresh Bhadakwade, is fascinated by the city's unique identity in which agriculture thrives in urban areas and works towards preserving it through his construction business. In an interview with TOI's Abhilash Botekar, Bhadakwade talks about sustainable development in the construction industry

What must be kept in mind when considering construction in the city?

The growing needs of city are putting the natural resources in the rural areas under pressure. It is time that the citizens pay attention to this situation. The city's water shortage this year is an unprecedented event. The city's infrastructure development should now focus on sustainable development in real sense. This means groundwater recharging activities should be carried out on a very large scale. Jalyukta Shivar campaign should not be limited only to rural areas where there are less resources, instead they should be carried out in the city and even be made compulsory.



Aren't such measures usually expensive?
If executed well the cost of ensuring better water, solid waste management and other measures would at the increase the budget by a mere two percent at the most - a very negligible price for the continued benefits these measures offer. Generally, sustainable development is termed as an costly affair, however, it is nothing but commercial remuneration of the idea or concept. The citizens should value the conservation appropriately.


What do you think the city needs most?


For me sustainable development is the top priority. I had the privilege of access to greener places in the city, to visit wells in the vicinity, to aim at mangoes, tamrinds and other fruits on the trees for seasonal fruits and having them at my will. My children and probably the future generations will not have these simple joys. Therefore, our unique urban-agricultural identity must be protected.



Why did you choose Nashik for your career?


Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the fact that the urban city like Nashik has agriculture amidst the (then) tall buildings. I loved it and wanted to be part of such a city despite my chances for career abroad or even in Mumbai for 12 years, I returned to Nashik to be closer to the nature.

Source : TOI 

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