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Shivani Singh

UP4002

Nikol: A Stagnant Gam- The ingrained inhabitants of Niko

The city of Ahmedabad is divided into east and west by Sabarmati River. The eastern part is older than western and densely developed in terms of residential, commercial and industrial plots. Even after the recent developments in terms of job opportunities in areas like Navarangpura, Thaltej and Memnagar, eastern fringe of Ahmedabad still provides jobs to many older residents of the city. The “Understanding the City” Foundation Studio 2019 helped to study the city looking at it through various lenses. Each student was given a square kilometer of precinct to study the various aspects. The precinct documented in this study is Nikol, on eastern fringe of Ahmedabad and lying between Naroda and Odhav GIDC. The study was done through different Qualitative and quantitative methodologies such as, by engaging with the local communities through surveys, mapping, physical documentation etc. The study was done on various parameters like evolution, housing and travel choices, infrastructure, streets, etc. This publication looks at the precinct through the lens of lack of authority, due to which it hasn’t undergone a great productive development and how the inhabitants are deeply rooted to their thought process of functioning like a village till date, promoting illegal developments.


Report Content

Overview- A dense residential area inhabiting residents since 1980’s.

Evolution of Nikol- Agricultural land changing to residential patch of land with no green areas.

An attempt to move towards betterment of Land- Upcoming TP Schemes in the precinct giving hopes for development

Housing Typologies & Choices- Hub of Semi-detached Houses

Travel & Transport Choices- Two-wheelers better than any other public transport

Job Generation & Livelihood- Small scale household industries involving all members of any household.

Public Realm- Nikol Gam Road Market: Only hope of residents to meet each other

Streets- The abandoned streets of Nikol

Infrastructure- Misuse of roads and canal at all times

Conclusion- A sneak-peak into Nikol