The document discusses the concept of 'safe cities' with a focus on revitalizing canal front development in Vijayawada, aiming to reduce crime and enhance living conditions. It highlights the importance of intelligent design, the need for gender-sensitive public spaces, and the current issues with recreational areas and canal maintenance. The proposed improvements include better security, sanitation, and infrastructural changes to promote safe and active communal spaces.

1. School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
SAFE CITIES: A STUDY OF VIJAYAWADA
REVITALISING CANAL FRONT
DEVELOPMENT
XV Annual NOSPlan Convention

2. School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
Definition
Safe city is a community based initiative which leverages partnerships and
technology to help communities and reduce crime and create an environment
where people feel safe and secure.
The safe city goal is to ensure better quality of life and economic
attractiveness, through the right balance of safety, mobility and environment.
To succeed in a safe city depends deeply on the intelligent design of the
network and the smart solutions on top of it.

3. Introduction to the Theme
Considering the concept given by theories of Jane Jacobs , Bill Hiller and
Gender sensitive design (Vienna).
• A holistic approach which balances reduction of crime with other
objectives like enhancement of built environment.
• Well used streets and public spaces are the best defence against the
potential criminals.
• Mono-functional zones with little housing presence looses the pedestrian
activity at a certain hour which are less safe.
• Parks and play areas, particularly in densely built-up parts of the city, are
not only recreation areas for different groups, but also a space where social
interaction takes place taking into account the gender-sensitive aspects.
School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada

4. Introduction to Vijayawada
• The city lies in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
• Under VGTM-UDA (Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali-Mangalagiri
Urban Development Authority).
• Area : 61 sq. km.
• Population : 10,48,240 (2011 Census)
• Third largest city of Andhra Pradesh.
• There are 3 major canals :Bandar Canal
Eluru Canal
Ryves Canal
Advantages
of canal
Help in
Irrigation
program
Discharge
excess
flood water
Livelihood
activities
Recreation
activities
School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada

5. School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
Canal Front Development in Vijayawada
• 63% of total criminal activities of the city occur in the peripheral areas ,
whereas rest of the criminal activities occur in the mono-functional spaces
in the core area.
• Government land parcels availability along hill side and along the canals.
• Municipal authorities focused on the canal front recreational spaces
considering:
- Criminal activities in and around canal areas.
- Inefficient use of available recreational spaces.
- Declining women participation due to unsafe environment.
Source: Vijayawada Police Station
Reported crime against women 2011 2012
Harassment, eve-teasing & attacks 192 227
Chain-snatching 59 74

6. School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
• The available recreational spaces in
the city constitute only 3.33%
(205.82 hectare) of the total area
which was not being efficiently used.
• Issues faced:
- Improper maintenance of canal.
- Water pollution leading to health
hazards.
- Nuisance in the recreational spaces
prevents women to come.
Before Changes
Map showing the available recreational spaces.
A view of canal filled with garbage

7. School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
After Changes
Issues solved:
• Proper maintenance of canals.
• Hygienic environment.
• Providing security services at the
entrances.
• Gender sensitive design ideas.
• Provision of parking facilities.
• Increase in the catchment area by
providing more entrances to the
recreational space. Concept diagram showing increase in functionality of the area
A view of the canal after changes A view of the canal front near One Town

8. Advantages
• Transportation: Modal shift from Private to Public transport.
• Regulate the flow of water by the construction of flood gates.
• Prevents unstable and degraded waterways such as:
- Weed Infestation
- Encroachment
- Vegetation Loss
- Eroded zones
- Water Pollution
School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
Use of canal for Transportation
Polluted water front Weed Infestation