Janhavi Sunilbhai Modh

LA4012

Revival of dying commons
Tangra, located on the eastern fringe of the city Kolkata was once a part wetland. The region lies on inter distributary marshes and deltaic plains. The anatomy of Tangra is such that it gives rise to various communities’ migration from different parts of the globe. These communities were either homeless or had not had many resources to survive in the city Centre. Initially starting with Armenians to British, followed by Chinese in the 18th century, it led to forming another Chinatown of Kolkata in Tangra. Later the migration from East Bengal, UP, and Bihar, the population expanded in Tangra because of lower land prices. hence disruption of many parts of wetlands started. Thus the wetlands are now a concrete jungle of luxurious hotels and high-rise residences. The project aims to resuscitate the dying commons revolving around the Pukur, Jheel, Canal, and Streetscape of Tangra. The idea is to introduce small-scale strategies that can balance the socio-cultural, and ecological fabric as well as remunerative measures. This would eventually curate a heterogeneous space weaved with the interconnectedness of different user groups and encourage commoning practices.