S.k.aathirai

1594

Vadnagar is a historic urban town located in Mehasana district, Gujarat. The ancient town has strong relationship with the nature. The topography of the town provides unique experience while walking within the town. The fortified town is located around the water body,’Sarmista talav’.People say, ’there are 360 talav, 360 kuwa and 360 temples in and around Vadnagar’. During Solanki period, water structure like kuwa, vav, kund and talav had been built. The culture and architecture has evolved in response to the topography and water bodies. The recent Archaeological excavation has revealed the historical significance of this fortified town to Buddhism. The tourism board involves to connect the ancient Buddhist monastery as a part of development program. Being a potential site for tourism, the ancient historic town is facing the challenges of development and urbanisation. The town has been growing outside the fort wall. High rised buildings are coming up to facilitate the town in various ways. There is a threat to the traditional water system and people’s association with water bodies, because the new buildings are built irrespective to its natural landscape. The place is losing its sensitivity towards the nature. As a part of sustainable development, the idea is to ensure the enhancement of cultural landscape of Vadnagar through the conservation proposal. It mainly includes the regulations for the development plan. The concern is to understand the intrinsic relationship between people and the natural landscape .so that, it ensures the tangible and intangible values that people are associated with the place.