08/03/2020
One of our initial projects in Kashmir, Restoration and Refurbishment of Pratap Park in Srinagar. Post floods of 2014, Pratap Park was in total dismay like the most parts of the city. Restoration was carried out for the landscape part, considering that this park acted like an oasis of public use in the otherwise busy Commercial Business District of Lalchowk, Srinagar, the initial concept was to bring out the greens to the concretes of adjacent walkways and roads by planting climbers for most part of the fence on the boundary of the park. Part of the plantation was deliberately proposed close to the boundary so as to provide close proximity and shade to outside vicinity of the park. Boundary wall was punctured with modules of planters for entrance/non-entrance where planters were raised and aromatics proposed. These modules also incorporated seats within as well as outside the park so that people from outside would also feel connected to the landscape. Dense plantation grooves were proposed within the park considering the fauna (birds). Plantation proposed was purely endemic that would sustain to the local topography and climate without much need for maintenance. Sub-surface drainage was proposed keeping in mind the high water table of the area. Irrigation through sprinkler system was incorporated to make the park a low maintenance system. Lighting along the internal pathways would keep night users safe and internal pathways were laid as per the movement pattern of users as was observed. The famous fountain pond was found damaged and breached by muddy subsurface water, aquatic lily beds within the pond were incorporated. The project was a low budget project with all the systems to be restored or incorporated within 80 lacs only. The project was a proud one for the firm.
