Jamia Journal Independent Student-run News Website of Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University)
[Following is a Jamia press release dated Sept. 4, 2012]
The flash floods that devastated parts of Ladakh in 2010 drew the attention of the Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia. The Faculty has now decided to conduct an investigative field study in the region.
The intent of the field study would be to investigate the causes behind such disasters and to see what role do changes in the urban and ecological patterns play in such cases.
Prof. S.M. Akhtar, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics defined the aim of the exercise as follows: “The study conducted in Ladakh will aim at formulating a sustainable strategy for the urban regeneration of the place”.
A batch of students in their third semester of M.Arch. in Urban Regeneration will be conducting the field study under the mentorship of Dr. Nisar Khan. Dr Khan says, “Ladakh offers a unique lab for the students of Architecture and Urban Studies because of its distinct climate and culture. We will study in detail the synergy between ecology, culture and human habitation within Leh as also the matrix of rural settlements around it.”
The batch of both girls and boys from the Faculty of Architecture 7 Ekistics are very excited about the field study. They are currently working on their pre-visit study. “As part of our pre-visit study we are required to collect demographical data, prepare maps of the area, and gather other secondary information.” says Mr. Iqtedar Alam, a student.
Another student Ms. Mona Kauser says, “The batch is divided into groups of four students to focus on different aspects of our study such as: demography, ecology and sustainability, infrastructure and local governance. Also, before we go, we prepare a day wise schedule of our activities for achieving maximum efficiency in our field study.”
After the field study, students will analyse the collected information to arrive at conclusions which will entail sessions of deliberations and reviews by expert faculty. All this will lead to the formulation of proposals for the regeneration of the region.
