An Eco-Modern Take

Name: Vedant Sanjay Hedau

Email: ved7561@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Every city has its own story and, this story is composed of the minute perspectives of people
living there. The main objective of this paper is to talk about the author’s perspective and the
tale of Eco-Modernism in the city of Nagpur. Nagpur is a city of people with various
backgrounds and traditions living together. Throughout all these years of living in this city of
oranges and being there to witness the evolution of Nagpur, the city has impacted the author
in various ways. The story of evolution of Nagpur is one of a kind, that author hope to convey
through this medium. The Eco-Modern take depicts the story of how Nagpur has evolved in
technology, whilst maintaining its natural heritage, in the eyes of the author.

INTRODUCTION

Nagpur is the winter capital of the state of Maharashtra, a fast-growing metropolis and third
largest city in Maharashtra. It has also recently been ranked as the cleanest city and the second
greenest city of India. It is also called the Tiger Capital of India or the Tiger Gateway of
India as many tiger reserves are located in and around the city and also hosts the regional
office of National Tiger Conservation Authority.

Nagpur city is one of a kind, people here are always hyped up. The city never lacks
enthusiasm, as it is in the genes of ‘Nagpurkars’. The memories of this city combined, for me
is a roller coaster of emotions. I was always fascinated by the landscape; parks, lakes, hills,
that are present all around the city, it emaciated my interest in nature. Over the years, city
underwent several changes; metro was introduced, residentials areas began to expand around
the edges of this city, but all this never affected the nature. With these developments several
gardens and plantations were also implemented to maintain the balance. In Nagpur according
to my understanding it is a give and take development. This is what makes it an Eco-Modern
society.

STORYLINE

My story starts at a very young age, from the days I remember; I was 3 years old
when my family moved to Nagpur, back then; I used to play a lot in the parks near
my apartment. Since those days I was always fascinated by the nature & buildings
in my surroundings; as the time passed clicking pictures out of curiosity and
interest became a hobby to me.
Gonds established the city of Nagpur, that later became the part of the Maratha
Empire under Bhonsles. This monarchy ended when Nagpur came under the rule
of British East India company & this was the time when Nagpur got its title of the
Tiger Capital of India. During all these years of cultural and technological
advancements, the city of Nagpur that we have in front of us is a society where
people take pride in the historical heritage, technology & natural heritage. Over
the years Nagpur has grown closer and closer to a metropolis, but this never have
a negative impact on any other aspects that makes up the city it really started as. In
Nagpur one can enjoy lakes (literally looks like ocean shores), zoos (houses many
exotic species), tiger reserves, hill treks all at the same time.
But, as years passed, with each and every picture I added to my collection I felt
closer and closer to this city. This made me realize the fact that Nagpur has come a
way to get to this point where it is a metropolis, but also is the greenest city. In my
eyes Nagpur is no ordinary city, but a bridge between development and nature that
happens to have over 2.5 million coexist on it.
One could view Nagpur as a perfect example of a city that has a very Eco-modern
development, but not many people know how both these sides of the Nagpur exist
today as it was earlier.

Fig.1- History & Pandemic Fig.2- History

Fig.3- Public Space Fig.4- Nature/Landscape

Fig.5- Public Space