Manali and its Sub-Region - Government of Himachal Pradesh

VISION DOCUMENTManali and its Sub-RegionDepartment of Urban DesignSCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

SECTION 1The New Vision for Manali

Contents 15ContentsBackgroundThe New Vision for ManaliStrategies And RecommendationsRestructuring ManaliUrban Design GuidelinesMission Projects And Further ActionAnnexure131224536972

Background 1BackgroundThe Manali Vision Document is an outcome of a sequence of tasks initiated after thesubmission of the development outline proposed by the School of Planning andArchitecture and subsequent signing of agreement between the Government ofHimmachal Pradesh and School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.After the first visit to Manali for ground level assessment of existing conditions andsubsequent preliminary discussions with district officials, town administrators,elected representatives and government departments, the contours of awholesome vision for Manali and its sub-region were conceptualized. An Overallframework of development strategies as well as possible future directions ofchange were deliberated upon. Within the alternative choices of developmentsdiscussed, the idea of a poly- nodal city structure revolving around distinctive focalpoints of activity, engagement, image along with a movement strategy based on apublic transport oriented loop emerged as the preferred option. Existingopportunities provided by site- based ground conditions as well as some verypositive initial moves already made by the town administration (for e.g.Pedestrianization of a part of the Mall Road, decision to shift the existing busterminal to the city edge, re-alignment of existing NH-21 from within the heart ofthe town to the urban forest edge along the right bank of the river) allowed theformation of a town- level restructuring agenda.The preparation of the vision document involved a series of consultations, meetingsand discussions at various stages of its formulation held with various levels in thegovernment hierarchy .Some of the significant steps in the discussion process are listed below:Discussion of preliminary restructuring concepts for Manali town and subregionapart from ideas on Mall road with DC Kullu and SDM Manali on Feb7th 2010Presentation of preliminary vision ideas from sub regional level to ManaliMall Road level made to the Honorable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradeshand other state officials on the 7th Feb, 2010. Public display of drawingsrelated to the above vision ideas for inhabitants and visitors of Manaliagglomeration who had gathered for the inaugural ceremony of the Annualstate carnival of Manali Town. The ideas expressed in the presentation werewell received by the Honorable Chief Minister, officials, peoplerepresentatives and the general public alike.Discussion with chief engineer, executive engineer and assistant engineer of

Background 2PWD along with the landscape architect of Himachal Pradesh PWD on theproposed schematic layout of the pedestrian stretch of Manali Mall Road.Meeting with Additional Chief Secretary, TCP at Himachal Bhawan, N e wDelhi on the proposed conceptual frame for Manali Town and sub-region.The ideas expressed in the draft plan was well received and further time linewas fixed for the present project.Site visit to Manali by architects and urban designers as professionalmembers of School of Planning and Architecture study team from 3-9March 2010 to carry out detailed Urban Design surveys in consonance withthe stated conceptual frame for the town.Participation in stake holder meeting organized by the SDM Manali at theCircuit House to discuss a wide ranging set of issues on up-gradation,beautification and management of Manali Town and its vicinity.Presentation of overall vision for the agglomeration and poly-nodal conceptfor the town along with ideas of development for the Mall Road itself.Meeting with Divisional Planner (Mandi) on various planning, urban designand implementation strategies with respect to the vision document.Preparation of Manali Vision document based on the conceptual frame of apoly-nodal city structure set in harmonious balance with natural assets andequitable regional inter-relationships.Discussions on salient features, recommendations and Urban Design ideasas encapsulated in the draft vision document with Additional ChiefSecretary, TCP on 28th March 2010 in Shimla.Submission of Draft vision document to Goverment of Himachal Pradesh on14 November, 2010Presentation of Draftdiscussion on the sameVision Document to stake holders in Manali andEmanating from the above mentioned consultations, the present proposed VisionDocument has evolved into a wholesome exercise that reflects the aspirations ofthe multiple stake holders involved in defining its directions.

Vision 3The New Vision for ManaliThe New Vision for Manali is pegged in seven anchors. These anchors have grownout of the Development Plan Report prepared by the TCP, the primary surveyscarried out by the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi and theprojections of the vision for the town by its current leadership.1234567Restoring the balance between environment and developmentRegional equity through dispersal of economic opportunitiesDefining horizons of growth - new opportunities and limitationsfor expansionA new functional base for ManaliMultinodal urban structure - new civic spaces and publicplacesReinventing the role of the river to integrate the right and leftbanksEnhancing Manali's image structure

Vision 41 Restoring the Balance between Environment andDevelopmentManali is gifted with some of the finest assets any Himalayan town can aspire for.A fertile valley traversed by a perennial river of clear clean water, diversity ofvegetation, orchards and agricultural fields, a climate that is beautiful both insummer and winter. The human ecology of Manali and its surroundings are alsodiverse with many sacred spots surrounding it and the peaceful presence ofBuddhism and Hadimba Devi in its urban core.These assets have turned Manali to one of the most sought after touristdestinations in the Himalayan region. Tourism is a double edged sword. It brings inwith it, prosperity for the local people while the impact of tourism-led growth canbe negative on the town's physical environment.In the case of Manali, the damages to its environment have been five fold:a) Progressive erosion of environmentally vulnerable slopes and vegetationthrough development. The shifting of apple cultivation to higher and higherslopes is a case in point.b) A decrease in agricultural activities and land holdings consequent to increaseddevelopmental activities.c) Higher air and noise pollution due to unbridled increase in automobilemovement (with maximum diesel vehicles).d) Rapidly escalating demand on resources like drinking water and energy due toovercrowding of the limited land area of the valley.e) Generation of disproportionate amount of solid waste and sewage incomparison to the present carrying capacity of treatment systems.A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis for ManaliTown is as follows:StrengthsScenic view of the hills, forest and river.Temperate climate having tourism potential round the year.Offers rare conglomerate of ecotourism, pilgrimage, adventure, culture, heritage,leisure and wilderness.Small but committed resident population.Well connected by road networks.WeaknessesAir and rail connectivity are poor.No new tourist destination has come up in the sub-region in the recent years.During peak season high tourist inflow is there but inadequate tourisminfrastructure.

Vision 5Limited land availability for developmentExcessive through traffic generated by highway (NH 21) generating high airpollution, noise and parking demand.Overcrowding of tourism facilities, commerce and local government functions inthe town centre.OpportunitiesTo integrate eco-tourism development.To harmonize growth needs of the town with its natural assets.To promote small scale non timber based industries within this region.ThreatsChanges in horticulture pattern and produce.Alarming growth of unplanned development.Poor disposal of waste on hilly terrain.Progressive erosion of environmentally vulnerable slope.The Regional Environmental Plan for Manali and its sub-region aims at remedyingthe above environmental problems through a series of differentiated moves. Theself regenerative capacity of Nature needs to be abetted by planned, long termmoves that will simultaneously deal with issues of agriculture and urban design.The final vision is that of a Manali whose growth is harmonized with its ownnatural assets. A sustainable urban system would also help realize the fullpotential of the human network within it. The key to spiritual health of a societylies in the intensity of its relationship with nature. Ensuring the conflict resolutionthat would be needed to diffuse the negative impact of tourism (high wastegeneration, high consumption of scarce resources like land and power etc.) on theinterests of the local environment and poorer sections of the population is aprimary goal of the vision document.

Vision 62 Regional Equity and dispersal of economic opportunitiesNew-magnetsof growthManali Agglomeration is nested in a network of smaller settlements with differinglevels of development. Each settlement has it's own strength either emanating fromits location, history or connectivity. Investment has a tendency to move to where itcan be recovered fast and this has led in the past, to a disproportionateaccumulation of wealth in Manali town, often depriving the adjoining settlementsof a fair share of their development. Much of the problems of overcrowding andstrained infrastructure that one finds in Manali town can also be eased by creatingnew magnets of growth within the Agglomeration as well as in the sub-region. Thestrategy towards this would be to create tourism assets in these regionalsettlements as well as by improving the connectivity to them. This will also induce abalanced economic growth in the economically depressed areas and create anetwork of healthy dependencies between the settlements that is mutuallybeneficial.Within a democratic framework, the autonomy of each settlement to choose thetourism asset that it would like to absorb should be ensured. A participative processled by Manali could involve the various Panchayats in the region in a dialogue. Thiswill ensure the ownership of projects by the local population and hence a moresustained up keep.Local economicgainThe wealth and opportunities thrown up by tourism are many fold and the tourismsector has the capacity to connect in an economic web, local assets to globalinvestments as well as the capacity to connect across the economic and spatialdivide. Revenue and resources generated from the huge consumption levels andconsequent trade that are characteristics of the tourism sector as well as theinnumerable service sector opportunities embedded in it should be trapped intothe local economy. This will ensure increased direct economic benefit to the localpopulation and bring the tourism industry largely into local control, while thewealth generated would remain in local hands, against the present flight of revenueto other states.The Himalayan region has long standing traditions of natural medicine andtreatment systems. This can be harnessed at the household level and atGovernment level to create a new dimension to Manali's tourism. Apart from a newwing on traditional / Tibetan medicine to the existing hospital complex, educationand training for local youth in traditional medicine is a distinct possibility.The Manali region is rich in fruit and vegetable cultivation and the town is a majorcenter for apple distribution. Agro-industries in the small scale sector as well asaddressing tourism based need for jams, pickles marmalade etc. Through householdbased cooperatives can be facilitated in the proposed Vision Document.Flatted factories at the N.H. level and small industry sites at the sub-regional levelcould help the agro industry sector find physical expression.

Vision 73 Defining horizons of growth - New opportunities andlimitations for expansionCompact urbanformNew linkagesWithin the fragile eco system of the Himalayan region and in the physical limitationsof the valley formation, Manali town has grown to a highly concentrated, compacturban form. This compactness has been a great asset in reducing commutingdistances in Manali as well as creating an intensity of growth that lends vibrancy as atourist destination. However the natural propensities of growth of a touristdestination of growing popularity demands that the threshold of growth beestablished, both in terms of physical extent and in terms of population.The rural settlements within Manali Agglomeration at present are physicallysevered from the town but enjoy a proximity to amenities the town can provide.These settlements are on the higher slopes that surround Manali and are logicalpartners in its projected growth. The bifurcation of vehicular movement to eitherside of the valley in order to free the town centre from excessive traffic could be thenew lifeline for the growth of these areas. The location of new arteries on thesloping sites automatically create inhibitive conditions for unwanted expansions,while opening up opportunities to bring into the developable segment, certain landparcels that lie between the town and these villages. Protection of water channelsand utilisation of current pathways under use by the villages would yield thestructure of the new movement system, while defining areas of growth as well aslimitations to urban expansion.The strategy of economic dispersal outlined in anchor no: 2, would facilitate boththe increase in development of areas within Manali Agglomeration while limitingspread of the Agglomeration within the context of growth and diversification of thelarger region.ChangingpopulationprofileThe population profile of present Manali town is also expected to undergo changeas per the new Vision Document. The present predominant dependency on thetourism sector helps the economy of the town in multiple ways. However, educatedyouth and women find themselves left out of the economic cycles and a largenumber migrate in search of other white-collar jobs. The diversification of theeconomic base would ensure larger opportunities within Manali for the young andthe educated, slowly changing the composition of society.

Vision 84 New Functional Base for ManaliManali as amulti- functionalcenterNew socialvibrancyTourism“Spin-off”Manali is at present largely dependent on tourism for its economy apart from a fewservice jobs the town offers. Tourism is indeed a natural direction for a place so wellendowed with natural beauty and a unique cultural profile. However the economicbase of a town requires a certain diversity of content in order to take responsibilityof the fall out of tourism on environment and society. Manali town aspires to growinto a leadership role in the sub region by becoming a centre for modern health care,education and research, a transportation hub for the higher Himalayas as well as aspiritual destination. Apart from bringing in wealth throughout the year (not only inthe tourist season) this widened economic base would lead to a more responsiblegreen tourism as well as generate a higher level of intellectual discourse on thenegative fall outs of growing tourism. This type of counter point is necessary toensure checks and balances to guard the fragile Himalayan ecology fromdegeneration.The above direction of growth will bring in youth and younger families into thevalley from other parts of Himachal State and the rest of India resulting in a newsocial vibrancy in the town. With longer time period of commitment to the localitysuch a population profile will bring in better upkeep of the town where all othergovernmental programs like healthcare, women and children's development,primary education etc. aimed at the citizens of Manali stand a better possibility ofsuccess.If Manali's tourism were to move into the Green Tourism mode, recycling ofmaterials for the tourism industry can become a part of the 'soft economy', enablinghigher earnings at the household level. A large segment of women who are onlyhome-makers at present, can participate in this economic process, if organized at acity level. The tourism industry requires a large number of products for use likepaper bags, coasters, toiletries and other accessories which are best met throughrecycling. If produced as house-hold income improvement strategy, this wouldresult in women from poorer sections being harnessed into the tourism industry.The social multiplier effect this additional income would have on the health andeducation of children, along with the higher respect that women would commandas wage earners, has been amply demonstrated in many parts of India. Manali townadministration could provide the leadership in this with the collaboration of thetourism industry, NGOs and the citizens themselves. Tourism can be the mosteffective bridge in attracting high-end capital investment to bring benefits at thelevel of the households in the long term.

Vision 95 Multi - nodal urban structure - New civic spaces and publicplaceRe-organisingfunctionaldistributionNew city- levelpublic spacesHigherconnectivityThe Manali town center has, over the years grown into a highly mixed, over crowdedcacophony of architectural forms. All major functions at town level, fromadministrative buildings to the main bus terminal, hotels to retail/wholesaleshopping and cultural buildings are gathered here, overtaking residential functions.In this town center, city level functions and local area functions overlap, somehowinhibiting the expansion and expressions of both. As the town is growing in size andcomplexity, it is imperative that some functions at town level move out to areaswhere larger foot prints of buildings are possible, thus releasing the space in the citycenter for tourism as well as the celebratory events of the city.Besides, the linear structure of the town is traditionally organised along the highwaythat cuts through the center and this has brought in excessive traffic to thepedestrian dominated area. The linear form, however, opens up the opportunity tostring new public spaces of city level functions along this spine within easilyaccessible distances. As the northern parts of Manali are high in land profile and theland parcels get smaller and smaller as a result of this geography, the natural growthdirection for the town is towards the South, where larger land parcels can be found.The length of this new linear center can be within 2.0 Km distance which is easilywalkable. Introduction of an electric public transport vehicle with low floor andopen sides can enhance this center, making it possible to move passengers withluggage and tourists. This connectivity between main town level functions wouldalso provide for effective accessibility to the citizens of Manali, to their newlycreated civic nodes and recreation centers.The other major urban design moves are the creation of a new pedestrian bridgeusing an iconic suspended form and a second vehicular bridge that would connectthe institutional areas on the left bank with the proposed bus terminal and SciencePark. By improving the link between the two banks of the river, the opportunity tocreate new public spaces and functional centers across to the left bank opens up.Coupled with the proposal for creating a by pass for the N.H. 21 along the river edge,Manali would become a well connected multinodal town where the convenience offunctional segregation would exist along with a high level of connectivity. From theGreen Tax barrier in the south to the Hidimba temple on the northern hill, the townwould enjoy four separate linear connectivities (Three vehicular and onepedestrianized with public transport) in the north-south direction. Along with this,vehicular bridges and a highly imageable pedestrian bridge would connect the towncenter to the new center of the left bank. Altogether, ten new urban nodes would becreated within this well connected movement network.The vision here is for a new well-integrated and connected, but functionallydisaggregated morphological structure for the town of Manali and its sub-region.This vision is to simultaneously address the current problems along with variousproposals already mooted by the Government, while infusing a physical growth thatdoesn't challenge the genius of Manali.

Vision 106 Reinventing the role of the River to integrate the Right andLeft BanksThe Beas River that runs through the heart of Manali is its life line, the single mostimportant environmental entity. The presence of this river deep in the northern partenjoys immediacy towards the south where the valley comes down close to thewater level. The fast moving fresh water river is also a very important economic andvisual asset to the town. The riverine ecology is crucial to the ecological balance ofthe city and the new vision must be driven by this fact. The fury of the last floods isfresh in the towns memory and the sensitivity required in dealing with the river cannot be over emphasized.Left bankdevelopmentRe-connectingthe river withManali TownThe newsuspensionbridge acrossthe riverThe new vision plan recognizes that the presence of the river and its nature has beenlargely instrumental in creating the unbalanced divide between the Right and LeftBanks. By virtue of the land form and consequent connectivity the Right Bank hasreceived more than its share of tourism and wealth. The left bank by virtue of itslocation on steeper slopes and comparatively lesser accessibility enjoys lessorpotential for commercialization. As a result a number of institutions have developedon the left bank apart from some housing, hotels, commercial concentrations etc.The Vision Document proposes a more active use of the river as an asset byincreasing access to the riverbed as well as by proposing new connections andaccess across it. The proposal is also to bring the river into the psyche of the town byenhancing its value as visual resource for the town centre and converting part of theflat riverbed in the south to a tourist camp with tents and appended facilities. Theseare two different opportunities inherent in the relationship between the landformand the river in Manali.As mentioned earlier, the river as a visual resource would be celebrated by a highlyimageable suspension bridge to connect pedestrians across the river from theproposed central city plaza to a newly proposed Museum node on the Left Bank.The delicate, minimal presence of this suspension bridge would not challenge themajesty of the mountains or the flowing river below, but would remain in thememory of the visitor by its fragile skyline coupled with the gushing sound of theriver.Civic buildings are proposed on both ends of this bridge, a public library andHimalayan Ethnography Museum on the Right Bank and a Museum of Geology,History and Heritage on the Left Bank. On the Right Bank, the library building sitsfloating above the riverbed affording magnificent views of the mountains,appended to the central plaza that would be created at the old bus terminal. Twopublic lifts on the Right Bank would take people down to the riverbed where limitedaccess to the water can be explored. The site that abuts the present guesthouse ofHimachal Tourism can be developed into a river-side restaurant above the floodplane. On the Left bank, the land form does not permit access to the riverbed andconsequently a new urban node above the Left Bank road level is proposed.

Vision 11Continuingwater channelsto river bedThere are a number of water channels that naturally flow down from the mountainson the western edge of the Right bank and into the town center. The possibility ofcontinuing them directly through the forest on the river bank needs to be explored.These channels can also be organised as 'pagdandis' leading people to the riverbed,through the forest. There are three such potential spots for entry into the forest,which would be designed as quiet, unobtrusive structures giving full respect to theforest. As the forest touches the river edge at a great height above the water, smallcantilevered wooden platforms can be created to afford an intimate view of theriver. These spots could become popular with the young as well as the large numberof honey-moon couples who visit Manali every season.Bringing the river into the psyche of the town without as much as touching it directlywill be the first step towards reuniting the Right and the Left Banks in order toequitably distribute the development potential to both sides. This is furtherstrengthened by the proposed strategic location of the main regional and local busterminal on a loop road that garland the river along with the settlements on bothsides. An eco-friendly public transport system with strategically located stops wouldembrace all the three elements (the river, Right and Left Banks) and villages withinManali Agglomeration in one experiential sweep across this varied landscape.

SECTION 2Strategies And Recommendations

Strategies 13Strategies And RecommendationsStrategy1Environment, Ecology And EnergyTo uphold the interests of the regional ecology and environment of Manali byharmonizing growth needs of the town with its natural assets through a seriesof pro-active, differentiated policy and design moves from macro to microlevels that reinforce the symbiosis between environment and development.Strategy2Sub-regional NetworkingTo strengthen physical, functional and socio-economic networking betweenManali town and surrounding rural settlements in the sub-region towards revitalized,efficient and inter-dependent collective of mutually beneficialcommunities.Strategy3Functional BaseTo establish a dynamic set of new functions serving the sub-region as a wholein compliment to the existing tourism activity and beyond so as to catalyze andreinforce inherent local productivity while ensuring diversity of economicchoice towards long term social sustenance and growth.Strategy4Circulation And Movement SystemsTo promote connectivity across all constituent settlements throughincorporation of an efficient, reliable, environment-friendly, public transportsystem at the sub-regional level while prioritizing walkability, universal access,non-motorized and public modes of transport over personal motor vehicles attown level.Strategy5Urban Character And ImageTo add new elements of imageability through development of civic nodes,orientation markers and character zones towards imparting a distinctive urbancharacter, memorable identity and positive association of Manali town and itsenvirons to its citizens and visitors.

15 StrategiesStrategies 15Strategies 151bio-gas, etc. at all levels of the development process, right from demandmanagement and connected measures, along with regulatory mechanismsto optimize energy consumption at the settlement level..7 Formulate and notify specific building regulations addressing sustainablebuilding practices using principles of Vernacular architecture and aesthetics,through use of local material, and technologies or environmentallysensitive innovations, contextually appropriate for corresponding ecozones.

Strategies 16Strategy 2 Sub-Regional NetworkingRecommendationsTo strengthen physical, functional and socio-economicnetworking between Manali town and surrounding ruralsettlements in the sub-region towards re-vitalized, efficient andinter-dependent collective of mutually beneficial communities.2.1 Construct a new loop link road at an intermediate level above the Left andRightBank arteries.Advantages:a) Improved sub regional connectivity.b)Provides impetus to new economic activities in the region with highertransport dependency such as agro industries.c) Diverts movement away from the core of Manali.d) Provides outer limit definitions for urban growth.e) Creates an imageable “Garland of light” around the valley at night.222.2 Introduce an eco-friendly public transit system along the proposed ringconnecting all settlements and Manali town with strategic stops along theway.Advantages:a) Increases daily connectivity for peasants and tourists.b) Affords a new view of the valley.c) Helps distribute amenities in the sub region..3 Ensure net connectivity with optical fibre in Manali Town and virtualplatform of wireless networking across the sub-region.Advantages:a) Helps enhance the tourist trade.b) Links Manali to Shimla and other centers.c) Promotes soft economic development.d) Enhances local economic base..4 Through participative consultation, develop a differentiated strategytowards defining individual roles for each settlement as support/ serviceeconomy to the tourism sector as well as possible centers of rural ecotourismaround Manali town.Advantages:a) Strengthens democratic governance.b) Redistributes economic benefits as per demand.c) Promotes balanced growth.d) Brings in larger tourism resources.

2.5 Develop new vehicular linkages across the river at least at two strategiclocations that1) Connects NH21 on the right bank to the new institutional node and Aleovillage area on the left bank via the New Bus Terminal complex.2) Connects Old Manali village and area further north to the left bank acrossthe river nest to the link road junction that leads to Vashitha Village.Advantages:a) Creates a well defined public movement structure as key to regionaldevelopment.b) Improves tourism potential of out lying areas.c) Brings the image of the River Beas into public memory.d) Helps de-congest the city core.Strategies 17

Strategies 18Strategy3Functional Base and DistributionTo establish a dynamic set of new functions serving the sub-regionas a whole in compliment to the existing tourism activity andbeyond so as to catalyze and reinforce inherent local productivitywhile ensuring diversity of economic choice towards long termsocial sustenance and growth.Recommendations33333.1 Identify and develop centers of supplementary tourism activity in the subregion with individual thrust areas - Religious and cultural tourism in Vashithand Jagatsukh, adventure tourism in Solang Nalla, retreat and long staytourism in Naggar and so on..2 Distribute and encourage complimentary support roles to other non- touristrural settlements of the Agglomeration as per individual choice andopportunities expressed through participative dialogues across all GramPanchayats and Manali town administration..3 Allocate new institutional functions catering to both tourism and nontourismsectors for balanced growth of the region as well as for overall socioeconomicdevelopment of the sub-region. Health, higher education,vocational training, technical skill up-gradation, craft and design, agrobasedhousehold/ small- scale enterprise, management and marketing skillsetc. are some of the many sectors of knowledge, skill and capacity buildingthat could be incorporated in the institutional structure of the sub-region.(For a list of suggested institutions list of suggested institutions for Manaliand the sub-regions to select from, refer Annexure No. 4).4 Distribute specific 'interface' institutional functions like agro- industries, etc.along the urban-rural delimitation zones as nodal points of interchangebetween rural wisdom and local skill with urban expertise andenterprise. These institutions would also serve as custodians of the greenbelt proposed all along the urban boundary..5 Introduce pivotal functions of city scale within the inner core of the townthat helps at one level, to catalyze public activity and collective engagementand at another, imparts to the town, new markers of orientation andexperience. Some of the chosen functions at strategic locations in the innercore of the town are;1) Centre for Science and Astronomy, adjacent to the new Bus Terminal2) City Hall and Ayurveda Hospital at the Civic Square3) City Library at the main city square along the river edge.

Strategies 193334) Museum for Himalayan Ethnography at the main city square and Museumof Himalayan Geology, History and Heritage across the new pedestrianlink on the Left bank (conceived as a twin destination with one ticket).5) Youth Center at the river edge.6) Heritage Interpretation Center at the Hidimba temple precinct..6 Develop and create a framework for the Scheduled Caste and ScheduledTribes groups and the under privileged through new house-hold industryand the tourism market..7 Incorporate specific functions targeting empowerment and skill upgradationof youth and women. New options for higher studies, technical orotherwise, career-based capacity building, vocational training, sports andgames etc., all this should be distributed around the town as necessarycounterpoint to tourism driven demands for this target group and for longterm asset building of the local population..8 Add new urban functions attracting diverse social and intellectual profilefrom the fraternity of academia, research, arts, science, civil society etc. soas to induce new directions of thought, engagement and involvement withthe town and its region beyond the existing singular spectrum of tourismrelated options that characterize this place. Provision for centers foradvanced research, technical and professional institutes, and conventionand seminar facilities apart from new housing stock would go a long way inharnessing appropriate talent, expertise and enterprise external to the cityand region to become new participants in the developmental paradigm ofthis area.

Strategies 20Strategy4Circulation and Movement SystemsTo promote connectivity across all constituent settlementsthrough incorporation of an efficient, reliable, environmentfriendly,public transport system at the sub-regional level whileprioritizing walkability, universal access, non-motorized andpublic modes of transport over personal motor vehicles at townlevel.Recommendations44444.1 Establish a sub- regional, road based, eco-sensitive, public transport systemeither run and managed by the tourism or transport department of thegovernment or through a partnership model. This would serve to connectinhabitants of constituent settlements of the agglomeration as well asto transport tourists and visitors easily and comfortably to the diversifiedtourism options offered by the sub- region..2 Divert all through vehicles destined for areas other than Manali town alongthe Left Bank road or by the proposed NH-21 by-pass and using the two newvehicular links that connect across the river. Stop entry of all heavy vehiclestrucksor buses into the town center apart from carriers of essentialcommodities and as per restricted timings of entry and exit..3 At the agglomeration level, execute measures enlisted under Sub-regionalNetworking (Strategy 1) mentioned earlier..4 Organize all resident parking for Manali town in designated pool parkingareas - both existing and proposed. Restrict on-street parking only todesignated stretches of existing roads and in designed parking zones.Introduce park and ride facilities in tourist season from general/visitorparking lots at Green Tax Barrier, new bus terminal, civic square and maincity square locations..5 Extend the pedestrianized zone of Mall Road from present Ibex Chowklocation to the government hospital next to old Aloo Ground. Allowrestricted vehicular access up to the hospital plot on Mall road from New BusTerminal. Introduce and operate a hop-on and off electric shuttle service(bus or tram) on the Mall Road from new Bus Terminal to Ram Bagh Chowkand back.

Strategies 21444.6 Construct pedestrian walkways as per guidelines prescribed hereinincluding provision for universal access with clearly demarcated zones forI. Static pedestrian activity areas along shop and plot frontsII. Unhindered barrier free movement areas as defined in theproposed plan.III. Multi-utility areas for street furniture, amenities like toilet blocks,drinking water, phone booth, info- kiosks etc..7 Extend selected pedestrian paths and walkways traversing through theinner city area across adjacent urban forest zones to designated spots alongthe river edge so as to integrate the river, forest, city and the hinterland as acohesive experiential whole for visitors, especially honey-mooners..8 Develop the existing water channel traversing the inner town area as apositive element of open space and pedestrian linkages by appropriatelandscaping along these areas and/or covering necessary stretches of thechannel as newly designed pedestrian walkways so as to connect the lowermall to the Hidimba Temple, for the resident population.

VEHICULAR NETWORKPEDESTRIAN NETWORK0200N0200N50500m50500mM A N A L I V I S I O N D O C U M E N TMOVEMENT SYSTEMS 3SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

Strategies 22Strategy5Urban Character and ImageTo add new elements of imageability through development ofcivic nodes, orientation markers and character zones towardsimparting a distinctive urban character, memorable identity andpositive association of Manali town and its environs to its citizensand visitors.Recommendations5555.1 Delineate character zones and districts across the town fabric andsurrounding areas with differentiated Development Guidelines for each.This is to include both Ecological Zones as well as Historical Zones..2 Identify 'Image Corridors' based on hierarchy of movement and activityand develop them through image specific guidelines so as to promotestronger imageability across the urbanscape. Landscape design, urbansignage and lighting should complement the desired image both fordaytime and night time experiences..3 Insert singular iconic buildings and structures at strategic locations withinthe urban fabric and sub-region to perform as orientation markers fortown dwellers and visitors as well as to impart greater significance andmeaning to the overall urban experience..4 Develop urban and civic nodes at various locations of the town as centersof public activity and city level destinations for all users.

URBAN NODESPUBLIC & COMMUNITY SPACE NETWORKCity GardenHadimba TempleHeritage PrecinctRam Bagh ChowkInner ResidenalSpineMain City SquarePedestrianizedMall RoadLandscapedWater ChannelRiver-SideRecreaonCivic Square andCarnival MaidanUrban ForestScience Park andPlanetarium0200N0200N50500m50500mM A N A L I V I S I O N D O C U M E N TURBAN SPACE SYSTEM 4SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

RETAILIMAGE CORRIDORS20500120080004400RETAILSECTION 1-1SECTION THROUGH BUS STAND PARKingRETAIL1900 30005700 120080006900SECTION 2-2SECTION THROUGH GOZISAMRAT HOTELRETAIL1200 9000 2000 4900SECTION 3-3SECTION THROUGH SAMRAT HOTELRETAILRETAIL1200 700 6500 800 19200SECTION 4-4SECTION THROUGH PICCADILY HOTEL0200NRETAILRETAIL50500mINSTITUTIONAL120073001500 4600SECTION 5-5SECTION THROUGH BANK OF BARODAM A N A L I V I S I O N D O C U M E N TIMAGEABILITY 5SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

SECTION 3Restructuring Manali

23Re-structuring ManaliStructure Plan0200N50500m

Re-structuring Manali 24Restructuring ManaliThe proposed structure plan for Manali town and its immediate vicinity is anoutcome of the vision and strategies set out earlier in this report. This is articulatedthrough the following five trajectories:123456Regional environmental plan for ManaliDelineating urban limits for physical expansion of the townDeveloping a network of regional and town level linkages with a clearpriority towards the non-motorized and public form of transport.Identifying existing character zones of built-open configurations, towardsguiding future development scenarios within such areas.Creating specific urban “places” of collective engagement, diverseparticipation and unique appeal as nodal insertions for re-structuring thecore of Manali town.Adding new visual anchors of identity beyond that provided by theHidimba Temple so as to strengthen the character of Manali as a specialdestination for visitors as well as to create memorable association with thetown for citizens of Manali.

25Re-structuring ManaliRegional Plan

Re-structuring Manali 261 REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLANThe Regional Environmental plan for Manali should provide for developmentalguidelines.The proposed Regional Environmental Plan for Manali to comprise of thefollowing policy guidelines:· Land Management· Ecotourism· Solid Waste Management· Sustainable construction· Transport· Energy· Water Conservation· Economic Regeneration and growth· Ecological RegenerationIn addition, there will be separate aspect-wise plans· Urban Forest management Plan· Watershed management PlanLAND MANAGEMENT POLICYHills have considerable development potential because of the views andattractive setting they provide. However, hill slopes are prone to environmentalhazards such as soil erosion and landslide as is evident from past incidences,resulting in loss of lives and property. This is always aggravated by improperhuman intervention. Future management decisions on hill slopes developmentshould also be based on the principles of sustainable development.Development on hill slopes shall be based on the following principles:· To maintain as well as to conserve important and sensitive hill areas inManali to support Sustainable development· To plan and implement prudently all development activities on hill slopesin order to minimized adverse impacts, and to conserve the physical,biological and cultural values of these areas as well as to maintain thenatural landscapesECOTOURISM POLICY· To promote ecotourism within the region.· Incorporation of sites of tourist importance, both natural and manmadeheritage.

27 Re-structuring Manali

Re-structuring Manali 28· Upgradation of tourist facility and infrastructure.· All the facilities to be accessible cater to physically challenged.SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY· The solid waste disposal shall be carried out as per the provisions of the MunicipalSolid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000.· Segregation of solid wastes into biodegradable and non biodegradablecomponents at source . The biodegradable material may be recycled preferablythrough composting or vermiculture and the inorganic material may be disposed inan environmentally acceptable manner at the site identified after suitabilityanalysis.· Through appropriate legislation and continuous monitoring ensure solid waste andsewage disposal systems by hotels and other tourism dependent facilities atsource.SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION POLICYFormulate and notify specific building regulations addressing sustainable buildingpractices using principles of Vernacular and aesthetics, through use of local material andtechnologies or environmentally sensitive innovations and contextually appropriate.TRANSPORT POLICY· Proposal for transport to cater the different modes of transport with emphasison battery operated car, strong pedestrian infrastructure etc· Develop an eco-friendly public transport system with strategically located stopsto curb the use of personal vehicles.ENERGY POLICY· Renewable energy technologies like wind and solar power offer carbon freeenergy and the lowest possible environmental impact.· Promotion of decentralized, based model of renewable energy.· Articulate a differentiated Energy Policy for the sub region prioritizing renewableand alternative sources of energy like solar, wind, micro hydel ,biogas etc at alllevels of development process.ECONOMIC REGENERATION POLICYThe generation of employment opportunities in the region is one of most crucialproblem and certainly the most pressing social issue facing the society today whichneeds to be addressed immediately.

29 Re-structuring Manali

Re-structuring Manali 30Keeping in mind the existing pollution only non-polluting, non-hazardous cottageindustries and service industries, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture or agro-basedindustries producing products are to be encouraged.WATER CONSERVATION POLICYProposals for protection of natural water courses/water bodies, water falls, watersprings, watershed development for recharge of ground water.Proposals for rainwater harvesting and recharge of ground water shall also incorporatestorm water drains and sites for structures as percolation and storage tanks and othermeans.URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANUrban forests need to be managed for multiple purposes, so that they can fulfil theirpotential roles in recreation, water sources protection, biodiversity conservation,atmospheric CO2 sequestration, air pollution reduction etc. The urban forest to act aninterface between urban areas and rural areas. By managing the forest better andstrengthening the forest system it can enhance the natural tourism potential of the area.(UFMP) consists of identification and analysis of the structure and nature of the urbanforest (including identified areas for enhanced protection, such as historical areas and/orareas with high quantity of threatened species) and the effectiveness of specificationsand policies impacting said urban forest. The plan will include the following:1. Prescribed precautions to protect ecosystem health and mitigate theprobability of catastrophic events such as fire.2. Prioritize planting locations.3. Identify maintenance issues and practices and define protocols and standardsto measure urban forest conditions and health.4. Address operations and management of the urban forest.5. Recommend education and marketing options to promote the plan.WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLANWatershed management is the process of addressing water related issues upon all landthat drains to a common body of waterThe main goals are to:···Develop strategies (including the establishment of Water ConservationObjectives) that will support sustainable use and management of land and waterresources of the watershed;Identify land uses that could adversely affect the future sustainability of thewatershed and propose strategies to address these land use issues;Improving Ecosystem Conditions by restoring the active river channels

31Re-structuring ManaliUrban Growth Zone050200N500Left Bank Development RiverBeas Reserved ForestOld Manali Village NH-21 Site for New Bus Terminal

Re-structuring Manali 32Balancedtourism- ledgrowth2 Delineation of Urban LimitsThe Structure Plan proposes a discernible periphery along the western edge of thetown stretching from the new Bus Terminal location in the south to the Old Manalivillage in the north. The eastern fringe of the town along the river bank is definedfirst by the existing reserved forest edge and further by the banks of River Beas. Thecontainment of the urbanizable area within this east-west delineation is a primarymove towards achieving the felt need for balance between urban growth and thenatural resource setting within which Manali is situated. The fragile Himalayan ecosystemthat nourishes and supports human habitation in such areas requiresprotective measures for a long-term sustainable future while consideringinherentnecessary growth demands for tourism oriented development areas in thisregion and across the state.Cultivation and orchard areas that form the backbone of the rural economy, naturalwater shed areas, streams and springs, forest reserves and upland pastures are all tobe brought under protective measures beyond the suggested limits of urbanizationin the structure plan.TransitionalZonesThe western edge of the urban boundary would fall along the newly proposed uppervehicular link, connecting the highway to the south and the Hidimba Temple Road tothe north. One plot along the upper slopes of this road would form the westernlimit of the urban zone of agro- based economic activity beyond which a belt ofalpine vegetation would constitute the threshold to the rural and natural hinterlandaround the city. A similar strategy would stretch along the settlement on the LeftBank also, where the immediate layer of land use along the road would be guidedwith specific codes for design and development. Guidelines for the next layer oftransitional urban development upto the upper limit of the eastern fringe link road,would limit urbanization to define the eastern edge of the Manali Agglomeration.The exact alignment of both the western and eastern fringe road networks must bedefined locally by the authorities, in consultation with the School of Planning andArchitecture, based on ground realties like land use, ownership, feasibility,contours, environmental implications, land component cost, etc. These proposedroads could be named after individual personalities connected with the history ofManali and its sub-region, in order to bring in a level of ownership of these new linksby Manali Citizens.

33Re-structuring ManaliVehicular Network050200N500NH-21 Green Tax Barrier on NH 21 Site for New Bus TerminalExisting Parking area for Taxis Municipal Parking Lots on Mall Road An inner street within the town core

Re-structuring Manali 343 Linkage Networks and Movement SystemsThe vision for an equitable regional economy is contingent upon primarily thechoices of accessibility and connectivity that exist between constituent settlementsof the region and the world outside. While NH-21 and the Left Bank road serve aslife-lines of sub-regional connectivity, there is still a clear need for strongernetworking between Manali and the existing rural settlements, as well as upcomingedge developments along the highway and Manali town itself. The proposedstructure plan puts forward a strategy for improved physical linkages of vehicularaccess to the string of rural settlements around Manali town while discouragingthrough movement of heavy vehicles and traffic within the town core.Sub-RegionalPublicTransportationGoodsMovementSystem aseconomicimpetusRevolving around the new bus terminus, strategically located to the south of Manalitown-center on the right bank, a circular loop of an eco-friendly publictransportation system connects surrounding villages, starting from Vashisht at oneend all the way around via Aleo, Prini, Bhansari, Nasogi, Sial etc. to old Manali andback to Vashisht. This new sub-regional public transport system is expected to play apivotal role in the resurrection of latent economic potentials vested within the ruralconstellation around Manali town. Two sets of buses moving clock-wise and anticlockwisealong the loop simultaneously ensure continuous connectivity to all partsof the sub-region. Three subsidiary bus terminals, one at old Manali village, thesecond at Vashisht and the third at Naggar apart from the main bus terminal, feedthe loop to provide an efficient public transportation option to the sub-region andManali town. Strategic stops along the public transport loop provide access to theimmediate group of functions and corresponding rural settlements that lie in thevicinity of the transport corridor.Goods movement in the town is proposed to be restricted to LCV’s and small pickup/cargovehicles at specific times of day and night. Regional movement of goodsare coordinated from the newly proposed Wholesale Center and Truck Terminaladjacent to the city entry close to the Green Tax Barrier. This terminal with modernfacilities for loading and unloading, short and long term parking, trade outlets andoffices, workshops and garages, driver’s amenities and welfare blocks, boardinglodges and guest rooms cater to the necessary requirements of all goods movementin the region. A fully equipped control room to monitor and track such movement isalso included in the proposed scheme. Another subsidiary truck terminal needs tobe located to the north of the sub-region so as to cater to areas across the RohtangPass of Lahaul Spiti region etc. No heavy vehicular/truck movement is permittedwithin the inner town area apart from those transporting essential commodities

35Re-structuring ManaliPedestrian Network050200N500Pedestrianized Stretch of Mall RoadVehicular Bridge across River BeasA reference image for proposed pedestrian bridge

Re-structuring Manali 36Left and RightBank ConnectorsPool ParkingPrioritizing thePedestrianLateral linkagesto the RiverbedA new proposed vehicular bridge across the River Beas links the left bank to first thenew bus terminal at the southern end of this loop, while another proposed bridgeconnects across from old Manali village down slope to NH-21 on the Left Bank road,next to the Vashist link road junction. These two connectors are seen not only asvital stitches to achieve the desired Left and Right Bank integration but also helpsimportantly, to release the over-whelming pressure of through traffic within thetown core. This would also decongest especially, the only existing pair of bridgesnear the northern end of the Mall Road. The proposed diversion of traffic at the subregionallevel, away from Manali town center as well as from the central Mall Roadallows for significantly greater ease of movement, encouraging a free andunhindered pedestrian network across the majority of the inner core.A disaggregated parking strategy is proposed, in order to distribute vehicles in smallpool-parking courts nested within existing built clusters or as central points for newdevelopment. This would help facilitate vehicular access to most parts of residentialpockets and would streamline vehicular flow within the inner residential zone.Some of these pool-parking lots are proposed as underground parking inbasements, with paved courts and garden on the top for pedestrian activity above.Tourist buses, especially during the peak season, would be required to park at theGreen Tax Barrier or new bus terminal parking lots and transfer passengers tosmaller non-polluting vehicles for accessing various hotel zones scattered withinthe town fabric. This would ease current vehicular pressure within Manali townespecially during tourist season. The Mall road would be the exclusive domain ofpedestrians with amenities and provisions for the entire range of pedestrian activityin the area. This pedestrianized area is proposed to extend from the existingmunicipal hospital to the southern end of the Mall Road upto Ram Bagh Chowk.A non-polluting electric public transport system is proposed to complement thepedestrianized area along the entire stretch for ease of movement for the elderly,physically challenged, children and families, tourists with luggage etc. Finally, thepresent street structure of the town center would be laterally extended to findconnections with the river at selected intervals, starting from the proposed iconicpedestrian bridge connection with the left bank at the main city square. Furthersouthwards, at regular intervals more pedestrian-riverbed linkages can beestablished through the existing urban forest zone. The presence of the river as theprimary ecological component of this unique setting would thus find renewedassociation in the everyday living cycle of the residents and visitors of Manali.

37Re-structuring ManaliPattern ofBuilt-Open050200N500Vernacular architecture of RuralSettlementsNew ConstructionArchitectural vocabulary of newconstruction in Manali CoreUrban Expansion Zone Intermediate growth zone (D3) Inner area transition zone (D2)

Re-structuring Manali 384 Character zones of Built-Open ConfigurationsNatural andman-madeheritageSituated within a beautiful green valley surrounded by lofty peaks and the bubblingRiver Beas, Manali town along with its surrounding village clusters, enjoy a uniqueand memorable setting that attracts thousands of visitors each year to the region. Atthe sub-regional level, the beauty of nature, complemented by traditional buildingand other crafts as well as layers of cultural heritage give this area its spectacularidentity as a destination to cherish and a place to live in. Over time, this inherentquality of the sub-region is however being steadily eroded due to insensitivetransformations, additions and insertions in not only the built character of the subregionbut also, steadily to the natural ecological setting as well. The most visibletransformation of regional character has been the rapid pace of change in the builtexpression of individual pieces of architecture, both in terms of materials andtechnology. In terms of building-type, volume, height and relationship withadjoining areas, massive transformation can be seen. Recent built expressions inmost cases have been largely indifferent to the rich vernacular building tradition ofthe area, allowing indiscriminate import of architectural references from the citiesof the plains as well as sudden and disjointed replacements of earlier architecturalvocabulary. This has led to a cacophony of all kinds of façade articulations andelevation experiments, that undermine original character of Manali.Within the inner core of Manali town, the above scenario of confused anonymity ofoverall town character is immediately discernible and discomforting to the eye.Random heights of buildings in disproportionately narrow plots or large voluminousbuilding bulk of newly constructed hotels jostle for space and recognition againstthe earlier, more modest built form. It is evident that a lack of coordinated guidanceat all levels of the building process has resulted in the prevailing scenario of afaceless, chaotic, disorderly urban expression as a counterpoint to the majestic andbeautiful natural setting within which Manali is located.Against this prevailing scenario, the town and its vicinity is proposed to embarkupon a series of differentiated moves towards addressing the problems cited above.As a tourist destination, the proposed strategy calls for a detailed assessment ofpresent characteristics and then formulate case-specific guidelines for futuredevelopment in this area.

39Re-structuring ManaliEcological Zones050200N500

Re-structuring Manali 40For the purpose of ecological conservation and regeneration the manali town hasbeen divided into four Ecological ZonesE1 BEAS RIVERINE ECO ZONEE2 URBAN FOREST ECO ZONEE3 WATERSHED AND WATER CHANNEL ECO ZONEE4 OUTER AREA AGRICULTURE RESERVEEcologicalConservationZonesE1 Beas Riverine Eco zoneThe Beas River that runs through Manali is the city’s life line and one of the mostimportant environmental entities. The Riverine ecology is crucial to the ecologicalbalance of the city and the region. A water shed management plan is required forrestoring the active river channels. Future development should incorporate thenatural aspects of the rivers and their environs in a manner that protects andenhances their quality.E2 URBAN FOREST ECO ZONEManali vegetation ranges from agricultural fields bordered by thick forest at higheraltitudes. Therefore protection of vegetation depending on the type of vegetationi.e. orchards, reserve forest needs to be adopted. Manali city has an urban reserveforest that needs to be integrated and developed further. A urban forestmanagement plan, based on recent tree inventory data and analysis need to beconducted for Manali urban forest.E3 WATERSHED AND WATER CHANNEL ECO ZONEThere are number of water channels that naturally flow down from the mountainson the western edge of the river into the town center. The integration and revival ofsuch kuhul' need to be strengthened with improved pedestrian access. Thepotential to develop these into nature trails to enhance tourism also needs to beexplored.E4 OUTER AREA AGRICULTURE RESERVEAgriculture is very important for sustenance of any ecosystem. In this context theagricultural area surrounding the Manali town becomes very important. The HillState of Himachal Pradesh had diverse agro- climate conditions, which are varyingfrom low hill sub-tropical regions to high hill alpine regions. Due to heavydependence on agriculture, the limited land and agriculture.

41Re-structuring ManaliOpen SpaceNetwork050200N500Reserved Forest Park Open space used by touristFallow Land Manu Rangshala Drainage inside the settelement

Re-structuring Manali 42CoherentArchitecturalCharacter andDevelopmentGuidelinesThe proposed structure plan recognizes identifiable zones of specific character,encompassing prevailing built and open configurations, activity and use,architectural expression and stylistic features apart from land form, topography andlocation. Each identified character zone is analyzed and understood with respect toits inherent principles and characteristics for an assessment of ground conditionsreflected therein. A set of guiding principles for future developmental directionsfrom the precinct level to the unit and architectural level is suggested for eachspecific character zone. These guidelines layout the strategy for directingdevelopment towards achieving a coherent character over a projected time span.The components of built form covered by the proposed guidelines at the level ofthe precinct are:1. Development Pattern2. Position3. Street Structure4. Views and SkylineAt the unit and architectural level, the development guidelines addresscomponents such as:1. Built Character and Land Use2. Plot type and configuration3. Building Heights4. Roof Form5. Façade Character6. Proportions of façadecomponents7. Openings and balconiesThe proposed guidelines would, over time, regulate and re-direct some of the adhocadditions made to the physical form of the town, leading to greater coherence,legibility and identity of each of the character precincts and eventually the town as awhole.

43Re-structuring ManaliWater SystemNetwork050200N500Beas RiverOpen DrainChanneled DrainCovered and Channeled Drain

Re-structuring Manali 44Public andCommunity SpaceNetworkCity GardenHadimba TempleHeritage PrecinctRam Bagh ChowkInner ResidentialSpineMain City SquarePedestrianizedMall RoadLandscapedWater ChannelRiver-SideRecreationCivic Square andCarnival MaidanUrban ForestScience Park andPlanetariumN050200500Proposed Civic Square Site Reserved Forest Hadimba TempleProposed Main City Square Site Ram Bagh Chowk Mall Road

45Re-structuring ManaliUrban Nodes050200N500Left Bank Development Site for Main City Square Plaza Site for Civic SquareCity Entry (Green Tax ) View of Ram Bagh in City Chowk Hadimba Temple as focus of heritage square

Re-structuring Manali 465 Urban Place-MakingThe vision for Manali town incorporates the need to promote conviviality in cityspaces as areas of collective participation, engagement and exchange. Urban placeswithin the city allow for greater degree of vibrancy, identity and association of itscitizens and visitors with the town itself. Presently the city's lack of memorableidentity is compounded not only by recent additions of faceless architecture butalso in the lack of imageable and functional urban nodes. Apart from the linearspace of the pedestrianized mall itself, Ram Bagh chowk and Hadimba temple zone,the idea of popular collective destinations within the inner town core isunfortunately not present.Civic NodesThe proposed structure plan for Manali town envisions the creation of ten nodeswithin the central area of the town and along the fringes, as new catalysts forrestructuring the existing urban fabric as well as infusing new life and vitality intoManali. Each of these ten nodes are proposed to play pivotal roles in not onlyreducing the present anonymity of the city experience but also as focal points fordiverse functions, city-level magnets, imageable and iconic buildings allcontributing to a renewed sense of place and legibility for the town.(For proposedfunctional content of some of the nodes, please refer Annexure 3)Proposed nodes are distributed along the main movement spines of the town onboth Left and Right Banks, offering a sequential assembly of experiential pocketswhile traversing the length and breadth of the town area and immediate vicinity.These nodes in order of entry to Manali town are:1 City Entry Node at Green Tax Barrier2 New Bus Terminal and Science Park3 Civic Square at Old Aloo Ground4 City Plaza at Old Bus Stand5 Ram Bagh Chowk6 City Eco- Park7 Heritage Square8 Club-house Node9 The Museum Node (Left Bank )10 Institutional Center (Left Bank)

47Re-structuring ManaliCivic PlazaEXISTINGGOVERNMENTHOSPITALUNDERGROUNDPARKINGMUNICIPALGUEST HOUSEAYURVEDAHOSPITALCITY HALLFORESTDEPARTMENTCIVIC COURTFORESTDEPARTMENTEXISTING RESERVED FORESTSEMINAR/CONFERENCECENTERHOTELKENNIELWORTHN0 20 5010 30100mProposed Plan: Civic SquareAerial view of SiteEye-level view of site

Re-structuring Manali 48City EntryOFFICE BLOCKDRIVER’SAMENTIES BLOCKGARDENNH-21TRUCK PARKINGCAFÉTOURIST INFORMATIONCENTERRESTURANTFORE COURTNProposed Green Tax EntryTOURIST CAR& BUS PARKING0 20 501030100mEye-level view of Green TaxEye-level view of Aloo Ground

49Re-structuring ManaliImage Corridors050200N500Reference image for Proposed ScienceCenterHadimba TempleReference image for Proposed Pedestrian Bridge

Re-structuring Manali 506 Strengthening IdentityThe lack of memorable image giving elements in the urbanscape of Manali hasresulted in the absence of a collective sense of identity of the town. For thethousands of tourists who flock to Manali and its sub-region each year and equallyimportant to the residents of this area, this issue of identity for the town assumesgreat significance.Hill settlements all across the country and more so in the state of Himachal Pradeshitself, are characterized by some of the finest examples of built responses andartistic expression in consonance with the natural and cultural setting to which theybelong. Kullu district within which Manali is located is endowed with a magnificentrepertoire of vernacular architectural forms. Intricate workmanship,environmentally sensitive adaptations and time-tested solutions to earth-quakeand other hill specific considerations, characterizes the architecture of the area.As mentioned earlier, Manali's prevailing urbanscape depicts a complete departurefrom the locally evolved system of built expression. The indiscriminate use of'modern' materials like brick, cement, concrete, steel and glass along with stylisticapplied decoration inspired from external influences have rendered this hill townand sub-region a confused identity of mixed genré without reference to its ownregional as well as past roots.Manali needs a rediscovery of its own identity while adding to the palette of builtexpression, the inevitable mark of today's time. The town's future identity asdefined by the proposed structure plan rests on this duality. Iconic buildings atstrategic locations anchor the image structure of this town and serve as memorablemarkers to citizens and visitors to the place. The awe-inspiring cascading templeform of Hadimba Mandir set within dense Deodar forests to the north continues tobe a popular point of reference for the town. At the other end to the south wherethe entry to Manali is heralded at the Green Tax Barrier, a bold new addition of amulti-storieyed watch tower and gateway is proposed. This becomes the pivotal,vertical marker amidst the vast expanse of the valley to the tourists as well as to thenumerous inhabitants in village hamlets that surround the spot. Inspired by theawesome grandeur of Chaini Fort in particular and other palace/quila typologiesthat exist in Kullu district, this focal element would incorporate “best practices” ofthe by-gone era dovetailed with up-to-date materials and technology systems as anappropriate example of the dual references of identity mentioned earlier for Manalitown.Between the two ends of the town, marked by the Hadimba temple and the newGateway Tower lies the third proposed marker – an iconic pedestrian bridgespanning across the River Beas connecting the two banks. This strategic connectionbetween the hotels on the Left bank and the main city square would undoubtedly

PROPOSED STRUCTURE PLAN0200N50500mM A N A L I V I S I O N D O C U M E N TSTRUCTURE PLAN 6SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

WATER SYSTEM NETWORKOPEN SPACE NETWORK0200N0200N50500m50500mM A N A L I V I S I O N D O C U M E N TNATURAL SYSTEMSSCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE1

SECTION 4Urban Design Guidelines

Urban Design Guidelines 53Urban Design GuidelinesIntroductionDevelopment guidelines normally contain two segments:1. Planning regulations that determine densities, land use, traffic plans, zoningetc.2. Building bye-laws that prescribe the ground-coverage, use, set backs,height, room sizes etc in order to ensure light and ventilation to buildingsand general, orderly development.Urban Design guidelines go a step further to regulate open space, built formrelationships, three dimensional relationships between buildings, street picture,overall architectural character and the image structure of the area. These areapplied specially to areas which have a special role to plan in the town, such as theMall road area in Manali, which is considered “the face of the town”. In order toensure that Manali retains its original charm and is not reduced to a faceless,tourism-invaded town, the Urban Design guidelines are proposed in simple butcomprehensive and enforceable language, leading to a cleaning up of existingconfused façades and creation of a harmonized face with local character befittingManali. Needless to say the cooperation of the existing buildings owners and itspresent users would be essential in carrying out this change.The proposed Urban Design guidelines are not to be rigid, but sufficientlyprescriptive to generate the desired character. For this a range of options would beprovided to the users along with regulations for the control of hoardings andsignage.Urban design guidelines are therefore a set of simple design rules that set out urbandesign parameters for an area. Based on a thorough understanding of a settlement'sintrinsic existing character, urban design guidelines help establish relationshipsbetween its various elements – both built and natural.In the case of Manali, urban design guidelines would be an effective tool to guideand manage the current trends of change as well as plan for a sustainable future.These not only comprise of aesthetic, architectural guidelines but also direct themore fundamental relationships between the town and its local and widerlandscape and settlement context, to retain and enhance the essence of Manali.Who should usethe guidelines?The urban design guidelines will have a varied group of users. They are to be used byindividual plot owners, developers, architects as well as local planning authorities.Landowners, developers and architects are to refer to the guidelines whenproposing and preparing designs for any new development or for makingalterations to existing buildings. Local planning bodies as well as policy and

54Urban Design Guidelinesdevelopment control offices are to use the guidelines as parameters for assessingproposals and planning applications. Both at proposal clearance stage and atcompletion stage the urban design guidelines are to be enforced by local body. Theguidelines also assist the local community to understand the vision for the differentareas of the town and to engage in the development of subsequent detailedschemes for specific sites.Urban design guidelines for Manali are based on Character Areas. Each characterarea includes a set of Precinct Level Guidelines as well as Unit/Architecture LevelGuidelines. The guideline document is to be read sequentially. Users with aninterest in a specific site or plot are required to identify the Character Area wherethe site is located in and then refer to both the Levels of guidelines for the project.Understanding the existing character of a settlement is essential for its long-termsustainable redevelopment. The character of a place is an accumulation of itsphysical aspects but equally also of its landscape, ecological and cultural context.Eight different character areas have been identified; four Urban Development andHabitation Zones and four Ecological Conservation Zones.How to use theguidelines?Character Areas(Code prefix: CA)Urban Development and Habitation Zones (CA/D 1...4) have been delineated,amongst others, on the basis of their position within the settlement of Manali, theirrelationship with the landscape and topographical context, their developmentdensity, character and primary land-use.The Ecological Conservation Zones (CA/E 1...4)have been identified on the basis ofthe type of natural system each is primarily composed of, their role in the largerecological and landscape setting of Manali and adjoining areas as well as theirlandscape and topographical character.

EXISTING BUILT OPEN PATTERNURBAN GROWTH ZONES0200N0200N50500m50500mM A N A L I V I S I O N D O C U M E N TURBAN FORM 7SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

Urban Design Guidelines 55CA/D1 – Special Core Re-Development ZoneThe Special Core Re-Development (SCD) Zone is centred on the Mall, a part of NH21that links Manali to Kulu to the south and Rohtang to the north. A primary trafficcarrier (for both town-bound and through traffic), the Mall is also the principalcommercial street for Manali and the heart of the town. Oriented north-south andoverlooking the devdar forest, this zone forms the 'face' of Manali for all residentsand visitors. A part of the Mall stretch has recently been fully pedestrianized as apilot project.CA/D1Special CoreRe-DevelopmentZone

56 Urban Design GuidelinesCA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Precinct Level: 1. Pattern of DevelopmentExisting CharacterThe Special Core Re-Development Zone is urban in character and comprises of acompact, relatively higher density street, forming a definite and contiguous streetedge to the Mall. The buildings are built-to- edge and the inner residential areasform well articulated courtyardsDevelopment GuidelinesUnderutilized land along this zone, particularly towards the south is to be developedto enhance this urban character. The present variable density of development thatchanges along the zone - Higher density to the north, Medium density in the centralarea and Lower density to the South is to be retained

Urban Design Guidelines 57CA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Precinct Level: 2. Street StructureExisting CharacterThe Mall is the primary access route for Ram Bagh. The extent of the zone is definedby the Chowk to the north and the northern edge of the present Municipal hospitalto the south. Secondary routes run east-west perpendicular to the Mall.Development Guidelines1. Future east-west linkages are to replicate and strengthen this characterespecially to the south where such/ linkages are necessary.2. New pedestrian routes are to be created through the forest in continuationto the existing local connections. These lateral connections are to bedesigned along with drainage channels to alleviate potential flooding of thetown due to over dependence on the existing water system within thesettlement.3. The junctions of key secondary routes with the Mall are to be designed asnodes and zones for higher intensity of activity.

58 Urban Design GuidelinesCA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Precinct Level: 3. Position of development with respect to surrounding landformand extent of growthExisting CharacterPositioned along the valley of River Beas, the SCD Zone is a valley-bottomdevelopment, forming the edge of town along its eastern limits. The zone extendsalmost parallel to the 1850m contour except along the northern end where it risesgently.Development Guidelines1. In order to retain its valley bottom character any further growth is to beplanned as a linear development, along the street, particularly to the south.2. Areas to the west of this zone are to regulated levels of mixed use.3. Any further development within the forest along the eastern edge isprohibited.

Urban Design Guidelines 59CA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Precinct Level: 4.Views and skylineExisting CharacterGaps in the built fabric result in views across the river valley as well as parts of thetown. Mountain ranges and snow capped peaks are visible further to the north andeast of the skyline. Looking west, the town reveals itself climbing up the hillside.Development GuidelinesViews from selected vantage points as well as key vistas to the west are to be retainedand enhanced. Specific care is to be taken not to block such view corridors withproposed/ upcoming new development. These locations also would contain publicfunctions so as to offer the view opportunities to public at large. Telecommunicationtowers, overhead water tanks if existing should be relocated away from the view conesto ensure pristine view of Manali landscape. Land areas falling within the view corridor,if degraded should be stabilized and planted with native species congruent with existingvegetation, both botanically and visually. Regulations towards this needs to be framed,notified and enforced by the authorities.

60 Urban Design GuidelinesCA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Unit Level: 1. Building Frontage and Street CharacterExisting CharacterThe SCD zone benefits from a strong spatial form in its linearity. A gently varying buildingline and openings at junctions with secondary streets create pause points along thezone. Certain sections of the zone suffer from a lack of frontage and therefore also froma lack of enclosure. This is a retail-led mixed-use zone. Vertical distribution of mixed-useis also evident.Development GuidelinesActive frontages are required in certain locations to create a more vibrantenvironment. Of particular significance are the area for the proposed new CivicSquare and City Plaza. Certain stretches within the zone may also benefit from ahigher degree of enclosure and activities. Therefore, 'build within zones' have beenindicated where informal street markets and hawking zones are to be incorporated

Urban Design Guidelines 61CA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Unit Level: 2. Building heightExisting CharacterBuildings vary in height from 1 to 5 stories, with a majority of 3-4 storey buildings.The few remaining intermittent 1-2 storey heritage buildings create variety and addto the rhythm across the zone as punctuation in the street experience.Development GuidelinesBuildings in the zone are to be up to G+3 storeys. The identified 1-2 storeyed‘heritage’ buildings are to be modified as special buildings fo conservation and areto be given use based and/ or fiscal incentives to ensure equity.Unit Level: 3. Façade treatment - (a) Building along a slopeExisting CharacterBuildings within this zone tend to step upor down along a slope.Development GuidelinesUsing the 'cut and fill' technique is a good precedent for building along a slope and isto be followed. The resulting stepped profile adds character and variety along thestreet.Unit Level: 4. Façade treatment - (b) Ground floor heightExisting CharacterGround floor height within the zonevaries considerably. This visualinconsistency is aggravated by signagemostly hung from the floor slab of the firstfloor.Development GuidelinesA consistently higher floor to ceiling height for ground floor uses is recommendedfor this zone.

62 Urban Design GuidelinesCA/D1: Special core Re- Development Zone (SCD)Unit Level: 5. Façade treatment - (c) Roof FormExisting CharacterA majority of buildings within the zone have flat roofs. A few buildings with pitched roofscan also be found intermittently.Development GuidelinesDue to considerations of the local climate and to reinforce traditional building techniquesand forms, all buildings are to have sloping roofs. These could either be aligned along thelength of the street or with gables perpendicular to the street.Unit Level: 6. Façade treatment - (d) Openings and balconiesExisting CharacterMany buildings within the zone to have balconies overlooking the Mall that create ahorizontal rhythm. Window openings vary in size as well as proportions.Development GuidelinesBalconies are permissible on floors above G+1. This will ensure appropriate enclosure alongthe more visible and public levels of the building while adding variety with a play of solid andvoid on the levels above. Balconies are to be of a minimum depth of 1.2m. The proportion ofvoids to solids in a facade will also need to be controlled for climatic, energy saving andaesthetic considerations. This, however, requires further study.

Unit Level: 7. Façade treatment - (e) Building proportionsUrban Design Guidelines 63CA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Existing CharacterA majority of narrow blocks give the zone a vertical architectural rhythm that gives the Malla distinctive character. However, larger blocks can also be found intermittently.Development GuidelinesPlots wider that than Xm are to have vertical accentuation through smaller bays in modulesof Y and Zm so as to continue and enhance the vertical rhythm of the zone. [Please note:This is subject to a detailed study to inform a elevational strategy for the Mall]Unit Level: 8. Façade treatment - (f) SignageExisting CharacterLack of consistency in the existing signage within this zone creates visual clutter and chaos.Development GuidelinesSignage along the Mall should be aligned with the top of the first floor slab and should be nodeeper than 750mm. [Please note: This is subject to a detailed study to inform a signagestrategy for the Mall]Unit Level: 9. Plot types, arrangements and boundary treatmentsExisting CharacterThe SCD zone is primarily made up ofterraced plots positioned at the edge ofpavement. Detached properties arelocated to the south. In most cases theboundary along the street is defined by astep up or down into the ground floorretail unit. Some detached propertieshave individual boundary walls alongtheir plots.Building positioned atedge of pavementcreates enclosure andcontribute to continuityin street experienceDevelopment GuidelinesTerraced plots are appropriate in this zone. Buildings are to be positioned at theedge of pavements to retain a sense of enclosure as well as create an activefrontage. The vertical separation of the external public realm from internal groundfloor uses could be used as a means of demarcating boundaries. Disability accessmust be given due consideration in all access conditions.

64 Urban Design GuidelinesCA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Sample study of street elevation along the MallExisting part elevation of the eastern face of Mall RoadPossible Re- articulation of facade in the above part elevation

Urban Design Guidelines 65CA/D1: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Sample study of street elevation along the MallPart Elevation Generated Using The Guidelines1 A consistently higher floor-to-ceiling height for ground floor (Actual heightto be prescribed)2345678Balconies permissible on floors above G+1Signage to be aligned with the top of the first floor slab and no deeperthan 750mmTimber-frame widows and exposed timber or stone lintels. Stone/timbersillsTimber or metal balcony posts with timber or metal in-fill panelsWall finishes: Exposed Stone / Brick / Plaster and Paint.Glass cladding systems are not permitted due to environmental andenergy considerationsAll roofs to be sloped. Materials: Slate / MetalBuildings of local architectural significance to be preserved and renovated

66 Urban Design GuidelinesCA/D2: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Precinct Level: 1. Development patternExisting CharacterThe Inner Area Transition Zone is the primary residential quarter of the town along withan increasing trend towards transformation of building uses to hotels and lodges apartfrom retail commerce. It is of relatively lower density as compared to the mall edge inthe eastern fringe.Development GuidelinesUnder-utilized land within this zone could be developed to increase housing capacityclose to the center of the town along with controlled levels of commercial and tourismfunctions in designated pockets.Precinct Level: 2. Position of development with respect to surrounding landformand extent of growthExisting CharacterRising to the west, this Zone is a part valley and foothill development. A primarydrainage corridor is aligned north-south and creates a unique natural feature for thezone. Other natural drainage channels run down hill slopes. The zone is characterizedby dwellings positioned along terraces. In addition, plots also step up along streetsthat run perpendicular to the contours.Development GuidelinesIn order to retain its hillside character further growth in the zone should be planned as aseries of terraced developments interfaced with a lateral grid of east-west streets thathouse dwellings stepping-up along the hillside. Existing drainage channels must beenhanced as key landscape and ecological corridors.Precinct Level: 3. Street structureExisting CharacterThe zone is characterizing by a loosely arranged web of north-south streets runningalong terraces and east-west streets along the hillside.Development GuidelinesAll new streets should be designed either parallel or perpendicular to the contours so asto respond to the natural lay of the land. Locally sustainable drainage systems could alsobe accommodated within street designs.Precinct Level: 4. Views and skylineExisting CharacterGaps in the built fabric reveal views across the Mall to the east. Streets running up thehill create key vistas.Development GuidelinesViews from selected vantage points as well as key vistas should be protected andenhanced.

Urban Design Guidelines 67CA/D2: Special core Redevelopment Zone (SCD)Unit Level: 1. Built character and Land-useExisting CharacterTo the south, the zone is characterized by detached properties organized in a linearformation along the main access route. To the north, the zone is mostly made up ofclusters of detached dwellings. Although primarily residential, the zone includessectors of mixed uses.Development GuidelinesThe zone provides opportunities for in-fill development to increase density and housingcapacity. To the south, a more continuous building line with boundary features alongthe main access route is recommended. To the north, the cluster formation charactershould be retained and replicated where necessary.Unit Level : 2. Plot types, arrangements and boundary treatmentsExisting CharacterTo the south, the zone is primarily made up of detached dwellings. These are set backfrom the streets. Boundary features tend to include low stone and brick walls or plinths.The northern areas within the zone are more urban in character with buildingspositioned along the edge of the pavement.Development GuidelinesTo the south, buildings should be set back within plots. Boundary elements should betreated as key design features. Low stone walls are recommended. To the north,buildings should be positioned along the pavement edge to strengthen the sense ofcontinuity along the streets.Unit Level: 3. Building heightExisting CharacterBuildings vary in height from 2 to 4 storiesDevelopment GuidelinesBuildings within the zone could be up to 3 storeys

SECTION 5Mission Projects

Mission Projects 68Mission ProjectsThe key to materializing the Vision for Manali and its sub-region lies in thesustained development inputs that this area needs to receive. Theseinputs, through identified Mission Projects are to be executed in a phasedmanner over time. Pilot and demonstartion projects in short term wouldtrigger the development path for Manali. While medium and long termprojects would steadily contribute to the needs and aspirations of thisplace towards the stated vision objectives, each set of the listed projectswould require detailed consultations with state officials, private sectorparticipants, town administration and civic groups so as to finalize thecontents, process and materialization of the same.It is to be noted that this report is a vision document reflecting broaderideas, strategies and proposals. Though a number of specific projectshave been suggested by various participants at the Stakeholder's meet atManali in Nov 2010, this document enlists the larger level proposals. Morelocal level proposals would be addressed through urban design schemesprepared at corresponding levels subsequently. For the most effectiveoutcome of this document, the preparation and realisation of detailedthree-dimensional urban design and landscaping schemes for each of thedesignated development zones as well as for local areas of the entire townneeds to be realized. A comprehensive strategy for such an exercisebecomes imperative at the outset for tangible demonstrations of thedesired vision outlined in this report.For this purpose, a diverse set of administrative and technicalmechanisms need to be put in place to enable the development processas per the Vision Document. It is suggested that an urban design cell, ledby a qualified urban designer to be created as a part of the TCPdepartment as a first step. This cell, in collaboration with other state andprivate agencies, institutions and professionals would take theresponsibility of preparation of detailed urban design schemes for Manalitown and its sub-region. Subsequently, the model can be extended toother cities in Himachal also.The office of the TCP department in Kullu and Manali needs to be furtherstrengthened with recruitment of additional technical man-power in thefields of planning, architecture, service engineering, landscaping etc, so asto provide all-round inputs at every stage of the development process.Capacity building and technical enhancement of in-house experts towardscontext specific planning and design methods for hill areas, energy andenvironmental responses, site planning, three-dimensional form, spaceand activity explorations as relevant especially to the needs of Manali hasto be arranged as a sustained and continuous program. Eventually theresponsibility of conceiving, designing and managing Manali’s urban futureneeds to be vested with an independent development authority whichcould be formed and operationalized in due course of time, with aparticipatory mechanism integrated with it.

Mission Projects 69The following projects have been identified as an introductory list ofMission Projects that could be initiated as part of the Vision Document.The list includes some of the projects already initiated or conceived as partof the Action Plan prepared by the Department of Town and CountryPlanning, Government of HP. The enlisted projects would be taken intoconsideration for effective projectization and coordination of the sameacross various concerned departments. The list could be finalized afterthe approval of the Final Vision Document and feedback on the same.List of Mission Projects is as follows:Urban Design and Landscape ProjectsA1. Detailed Urban Design Schemes for each of the designatedcharacter zones identified in the Vision Document.A2. Urban design and landscaping up-gradation of the pedestrianizedareas of the Mall, ManaliA3. Urban Design scheme for City Plaza in the location of present busterminus linking the Mall with the river edge and design of CivicBuildingsA4. Building façade redesign, especially along the Mall throughregulations and elevation controls.A5. Design of civic square in Aloo Ground adjacent to Court complex.A6. Design and development of new Entry to Manali town and TourismReception Center at Green Tax Barrier.A7. Up-gradation and re-design of Residential open spaces and parkinglots in the inner streets of the right bank.A8. Overall landscape strategy for Manali town.A9. Creation of new landscaped walkway along the water channelwithin inner pockets.A10. Develop new landscaped and pedestrian routes through existingurban forest to access new view pavilions along the riverA11. Design of vertical façades along both sides of National Highway.A12. Urban Design of Railway station area re-structured movementnetwork due to railway line. This is subject to proposal of the IndianRailways For Manali.A13. Landscaping and development of Nehru Point and Nehru Kund asspaces to commemorate urban memory.T1.Transport Related ProjectsConstruction of new loop road for proposed public transportationsystem (for Inter Village and Inter Town movement of ManaliAgglomeration), along with the creation of two new vehicular

Mission Projects 70bridges for the sameT2. Extension of Pedestrian routes to North and South of the MallT3. Creation of new bus terminus, parking facilities and commercialcenterT4. Designing of three new bus terminals in neighboring villages of OldManali, at Vashisht and NaggarT5. Design and development of New Truck Terminal and allied facilitiesin designated siteT6. Ropeway Projects at strategic locations after detailed feasibility andneed study.T7. Creation of Helipad at Green-Tax Entry PointT8. Construction of two Pedestrian Bridges across the river- one needold Bus Stand area and the other next to Hotel Beas of HPTDCT9. Creating pedestrian link along Van Vihar edge from Ram BaghChowk to Circuit House Civic and Tourism ProjectsC1. Improvement of facilities around Hadimba TempleC2. Multiple Tourism Magnets along the river bedC3. Design of Tourist Recreation Centres on left Bank at NewPedestrian Bridge Crossing and Mountaineering InstituteC4. Development of proposed institutional buildings for Manali and thesub-regionC5. Design and development of the Museum Node on the Right Bankand Left Bank as integrated structures across the proposedpedestrian bridge.C6. Construction of Seminar and Conference Center at the site of thepresent Sewage Treatment PlantC7. Adaptive Re-use of Manali Club-HouseC9. Development of Public Auditorium over Municipal CorporationParkingC10. Re-design of Manu Rangshala as part of Rambagh Chowk redevelopment

NCivic Square at Old Aloo GroundFunctional ContentVACANT LANDPROPOSED CARNIVAL GROUNDAND PLAY FIELDMUNICIPALGUEST HOUSECIVIC SQUAREEXISTINGGOVERNMENTHOSPITALUNDERGROUNDPARKINGAYURVEDAHOSPITALCity HallDistrict Administration officesGovernment Offices & Departmental offices. Revenue/ PWD/ Forest, etcCourthouseSeminar and Conference centerSeminar and Conference centerRetail Stores/ banks/ ResturantMunicipal Guest House/ Rooms, etcUnderground ParkingCarnival Ground and Play FieldCITY HALLEXISTING PLAN : OLD ALOO GROUNDNOT TO SCALEFORESTDEPARTMENTCIVIC COURTFORESTDEPARTMENTEXISTING SECTION : ALOO GROUNDNOT TO SCALEEXISTING RESERVED FORESTSEMINAR/CONFERENCECENTERHOTELKENNIELWORTH0 20 501030100mPARKING OF TRUCKS AND TOURIST BUSES AT SITEPROPOSED P L A N : CIVIC SQUAREPRESENT CONDITION OF SITEAERIAL VIEW OF EXISTING VACANT LANDEXISTING SITE PHOTOGRAPHSMANALI VISION DOCUMENTPROPOSED CIVIC SQUARESCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE8

City Entry Node at Green Tax BarrierOFFICE BLOCKNFunctional ContentDRIVER’SAMENTIES BLOCKTourist car/ bus parking6Halt and move baysAmenitiesYRIVERYVIEW 1WHOLESALECENTER. Drinking Water. Public Toilets. ATM'sTourist Information CenterGARDENNH-21TRUCK PARKINGCafé/ RestaurantsRetail Outlet/s45VIEW 2Medicinal Hub and Indigenous Flora GardenTourist Recreation CenterFood Court3Gateway Towerx11xCAFÉGATEWAYTOWERWholesale CenterFunctional ContentVIEW 3TOURIST INFORMATIONCENTERFORE COURTTruck parkingLoading/ Unloading BaysEXISTING PLAN : GREEN TAX ENTRYNOT TO SCALECITY ENTRYNODERESTURANTControl RoomOffices of wholesale dealers/ transportersOpen air storage areasDriver Amenities and Welfare BlockVIEW 4Amenities. Public ToiletsCAFÉ. Drinking Water. Maintenance WorkshopsBoarding Lodge and Guest HouseEXISTING SECTION XX: GREEN TAX ENTRYEXISTING SECTION XX: GREEN TAX ENTRYEXISTING SECTION YY: GREEN TAX ENTRYNOT TO SCALENOT TO SCALEEXISITING SITE CONDITIONSEXISTING SITE PHOTOGRAPHSVIEW 5VIEW 6TOURIST CAR& BUS PARKING0 20 501030100mMANALI VISION DOCUMENTGREEN TAX ENTRYSCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE9

SECTION 6Annexure

Annexure 71AnnexureAnnexureAnnexureAnnexureAnnexureAnnexureAnnexureAnnexure1234567Outline Proposal for Vision Document Project:Observations and IssuesProceedings of Stakeholder Meeting at Manali on Nov14,2010 on the Draft Vision Document.Existing Status Drawings for Mall RoadDrawings for Proposed Upgradation of Mall Road,ManaliFunctional Content for Proposed NodesList of suggested Institutions for the ManaliAgglomerationList of Drawing Plates

Annexure 72Annexure1Outline Proposal for Vision Document Project:Observations and IssuesMovement NetworksRenewing the UrbancoreUrban SpaceStructure and CivicinstitutionsSub-regional potentialBy virtue of being an internationally known tourist node, a commercial distribution center anda base settlement for the upper reaches of the Himalayan ranges, Manali town is invaded bya disproportionate number of automobiles, trucks and public passenger modes. Additionally,the presence of NH21 within the heart of the town brings in high levels of noise, atmosphericpollution and traffic hazards into the core of the town. Indiscriminate parking by tourists andcommercial vehicles has destroyed the peace and tranquility of the inner streets and spaceswhile the resurgent commercial base of the town has eaten into residential areas. Thepresence of taxi and bus parking in the heart of the town has further severed Manali from itslifeline, the Beas River. The need for introducing a traffic re-routing and parking strategy isclearly evident.The visit by the team was facilitated by the SDM, Manali, officials of Town PlanningDepartment from Kullu and the Nagar Panchayat, Manali who accompanied the teamthrough the visit for the inspection of various proposed and existing projects and helped theteam develop an overview of the functional components of the town. Independently, the teamalso surveyed different housing areas, inner commercial streets, institutions, tourism andheritage magnets in order to develop an understanding of the urban structure, potentialurban spaces, streetscapes and anomalous urban form resulting from the peculiarities ofManali's administrative boundaries. Manali appears to be a fit case for an intensive urbandesign based renewal including a re-design of the central area that has already been partiallypedestrianized by the authorities, exhibiting a long term urban design vision for thisinternationally renowned tourist destination.The architectural character of the town leaves much to be desired in its present form asManali has been subjected to extensive commercial abuse, subsuming local architectureand its indigenous urbanism. It is a right time in Manali's urban history for a comprehensiveUrban Design Vision that will at once promote orderly development while strengthening andimproving livelihood options of local communities as well as effecting aesthetic improvementin Manali's visual qualities. The imminent changes in the town present opportunities to createa new public space structure along with the potential to showcase the Civic institutions ofManali in strategic locations as part of this new space system.Though nestled in a valley in the midst of high peaked mountains, Manali town as a functionalentity is dependent on a sub-region consisting of valuable environmental and agriculturalresources along with a series of smaller settlements that surround it on the left and rightbanks of the river. Apart from the intrinsic social networking of the indigenous population,agriculture, trade and tourism link these settlements into a functional sub-region.Consequently, the developmental futures of these settlements are directly connected to theeconomic and environmental health of Manali town. The present tendency to concentrateinvestment in the Manali valley needs to be addressed from this view-point in order toachieve a relatively balanced development scenario that not only safeguards the fragileecological assets of the valley but also strengthens this network of settlements through astrategic sub-regional development scheme. In other words, one needs to maximize thedevelopment potentials of Manali town while reducing the negative impact of futureurbanization over the inviolable environmental resource base.The underpinning of such a sub-regional strategy should include the following:a. Environmental Design Strategyb. Development Dispersal Frameworkc. Regional Public Transport Networkd. Integrating Multiple Tourism Options

Annexure 73Manali Town Structure:Boundaries of Growthand Land-use controlThe fragile environmental and agricultural hinterland along with the sensitive riverineecosystem that surrounds Manali town today determines the limitations of growth and extentof future urban development. The ecological base of the sub-region along with all itscomponents - mountain slopes, forested zones, watershed areas, river basins and run-offpaths, highland pastures, bio-diversity habitats as well as cultivated land needs protectionand stabilization against continuous erosion and steady degradation due to human activities.Identification, recognition and demarcation of these eco-sensitive assets of the sub-regionas zones of natural conservation become imperative before strategizing growth anddevelopmental schemes for Manali town and adjoining human settlements paths, highlandpastures, bio-diversity habitats as well as cultivated land needs protection and stabilizationagainst continuous erosion and steady degradation due to human activities. Identification,recognition and demarcation of these eco-sensitive assets of the sub-region as zones ofnatural conservation become imperative before strategizing growth and developmentalschemes for Manali town and adjoining human settlements.Within Manali town, the present trend of commercial functions increasingly engulfingresidential areas of the settlement has created chaotic street conditions and overalldegradation of the quality of residential environment. The present regulation of permissible'mixed-use' for most planning zones is adding to the problem. Given the dynamic nature oftourism activities and heavy dependence on commercial functions for the same it isimportant that effective land-use controls be envisaged to protect residential pockets fromerosion of community spaces and social networks for children and the aged while addressingthe growing needs of the tourism sector.Intra-city movementPresently, the town core spreads itself on the western side of the main north-south spine ofthe settlement with lateral linkages connecting the inner recesses of the town to the spine. Anumber of interesting social spaces modulate this lateral movement network, at presentinvaded by random parking and goods movement. The proposed by-pass along the BeasRiver and the strengthening of movement networks along the left bank could assist in destressingManali town from most of the prevalent through-traffic that it encounters today.Unregulated and random roadside parking scattered along major streets as well as innerlanes has eroded the overall quality of the town apart from encroaching into vital walkingspaces for pedestrians. In fact, the loss of pedestrian areas for safe and carefree walking dueto incessant movement of vehicles within the town is one of the primary issues that need tobe addressed. The bus terminus situated in the central part of the core induces connectedconcentration of para-transit vehicular and goods movement apart from generating a rangeof activities all around itself thus contributing to the congestion and chaos of the alreadycrowded tourism center. Proposed shifting of this terminus by the authorities to a locationfurther south of the town is therefore a welcome move that could catalyze a series ofbeneficial changes in the heart of this tourist zone. However, the present market operationsadjacent to the bus stand catering mostly to local and sub-regional catchments need to beconsidered while formulating alternative proposals for such a shift, since the two arefunctionally interlinked.ServicesManali presently enjoys acceptable levels of some of the essential services including watersupply, electricity and basic sanitation facilities within the town. However, location of some ofthe infrastructural utilities like sewage treatment plant, garbage disposal areas, constructiondebris dumps as well as drainage and sanitation measures need to be re-looked given thesensitivity of such operations with respect to surrounding habitation and environmentalconcerns. Distribution of social infrastructure and civic amenities across the town also needsto be re-examined as part of the Vision Document exercise.The overall character of Manali town as an international tourist destination does not expressa distinctive and memorable image befitting this popular place. While the natural settingsurrounding the town creates the perfect backdrop to a spectacular urban landscape, the

Annexure 74Built form characterand Public Buildingsphysical presence of the town itself leaves lot to be desired. Sporadic attempts of 'modern'urban architectural vocabulary of commercial establishments and hotels with scant regard toa collective or indigenous language of expression synonymous with that of the region haveresulted in an unorganized urban form all across the town and most dominantly within theinner core. The town today lacks coherence in its experiential qualities and presents anindifferent, anonymous collection of built and open spaces enlivened more by the seasonalburst of activities rather than through physical ambience and beauty that should characterizesuch an international destination.The dominant presence of civic and public buildings that could add significance and meaningto urban locations as landmarks within the urban fabric is also absent. A few existinginstitutional building arrangements like the Buddhist monastery within the inner areas of thetown core, the tourism center or district administration offices have not been effectivelyutilized to form possible markers within the urban fabric so as to contribute to better legibilityand enhanced visual appeal of the place effectively utilized to form possible markers withinthe urban fabric so as to contribute to better legibility and enhanced visual appeal of theplace.The potential of a new image structure with diverse experiential paths and nodes for thewhole town starting from the notional entry to the city at the green tax barrier right up to RamBagh at the Main Chowk and beyond to Old Manali as well as the Left Bank, is a distinctpossibility through appropriate urban design measures and connected regulations.Public Spaces andNew Activity NodesCorresponding to the distribution of civic institutions within the town fabric, it is the publicspaces of Manali that could form the decisive ingredient for a vibrant, lively, effusive peopleorientedurban environment for this popular tourist town. The existing distribution andlocation of public spaces both along the primary movement spine of Manali as well asamongst the inner network of streets and pathways offer considerable opportunity togenerate an interlinked string of public arenas that could at once contain the multipleactivities of such a town as well as open new conditions of interaction, interchange andenterprise.Existing activity nodes could be complemented with the creation of new activity nodes suchas that being potentially available after the proposed shifting of the bus stand to its newlocation. The creation of a new pedestrian urban plaza connected to the main tourist spine onone side and laterally to the river edge on the other as the central hub of civic assembly andexchange, could potentially transform the present over crowded scenario at the heart ofManali's core. An altogether new space for leisure, recreation and assembly could come intobeing in the urban core through a proper urban design and landscape intervention.Pedestrianization andLandscapingThe recent attempt on partially pedestrianizing the Mall Road of Manali town by civicauthorities has ushered in a new phase of carefree and diverse spectrum of human activitiesalong the busiest stretch of this tourist spine. Such a move, apart from extension to all areasof the inner core needs to be complimented with sensitive landscaping of suchpedestrianized areas with adequate facilities and amenities for tourist needs, signages,lighting and street furniture. A comprehensive landscaping strategy for the urban core ofManali town would not only add to the distinctive identity of its individual spaces but also actas a unifying element across the settlement as a whole along with its continuity with thenatural setting within which it is located.As a 'valley town' surrounded by lofty mountain peaks, forested slopes, mountain streamsand highland pastures, Manali forms a unique urban landscape within the natural setting ofthe region. Outbound views from Manali town towards this beautiful natural environs arehowever increasingly getting obscured by haphazard and nondescript architectural

Annexure 75View Corridors andDevelopmentConstraintsinsertions without consideration to the overall scenic quality of these picturesque views.Vantage points situated within the valley town and corresponding view corridors to focalelements of the natural landscape beyond, needs to be defined and protected through threedimensional development controls and height regulations. Conversely, looking down intoManali town from the upper reaches of the mountainous terrain, the present picture of anundefined, chaotic urban clutter needs to get channelized through specially devised urbandesign guidelines especially for roofscapes of constituent built form of the settlement so as tocontribute to an enhanced visual and aesthetic quality of Manali's urbanscape.Areas along the river front as well as in designated zones of natural reserves simultaneouslyrequire sensitive and specific urban design controls to guide the existing and emerging urbanform in the region. Protecting the street picture in identified areas through urban designregulation can mitigate the problem of chaotic urban form to a considerable extent.UrbanDesign guidelines and regulations would be specific to individual areas, projects or aspectsof development. It is important that the whole of Manali town not be subject to a uniform set ofbye-laws and controls irrespective of locational and environmental significance but avariable set of conditions that recognize the diversity and uniqueness of individual settingsand issues.

Annexure 2Annexure 76

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Annexure 80

81AnnexureAnnexure 3Existing Status Drawingsfor Mall RoadExistingBuilding UsePlansRETAILHOTELOFFICEINSTITUTIONALRESIDENTIALUTILITIES050200N500

Annexure 82Status Plans01-05 Years Old05-10 Years Old10-20 Years Old20-40 Years Old40-60 Years OldOlder Than 60UnknownPoorFairGoodExisting Building AgeExisting Building HeightExisting Building ConditionExisting Building OwnershipB+GB+G+1B+G+2B+G+3B+G+4B+G+5B+G+6PrivateOwnedGovernmentOwnedPrivateRentalGovernmentRental0200N50500

Annexure 83Annexure 5Functional Content of Proposed NodesNode1City Entry Node at Green Tax Barrie1. Tourist car/ bus parking2. Halt and move bays3. Amenities. Drinking Water. Public Toilets.ATM's4. Tourist Information Center5. Café/ Restaurants6. Retail Outlet/s7. Medicinal Hub and Indigenous Flora Garden8. Tourist Recreation Center9. Food Court10.Gateway TowerNode1aWholesale Center1. Truck parking2. Loading/ Unloading Bays3. Offices of wholesale dealers/ transporters4. Open air storage areas5. Driver Amenities and Welfare Block6. Amenities. Public Toilets. Drinking Water. Maintenance Workshops7. Boarding Lodge and Guest House8. Retail outlets of Agro ProductsNodecirculations/Node23New bus terminal and Science Park1. Inter-state & city bus terminal with parking bays &Private tourist buses2. Terminal Office, travel ticking counter3. Tourist Information Bureau4. Para- Transit & Private Vehicular parking5. Small/ medium scale business offices6. Retail stores & Markets (Urban goods and electronics)7. Banks, ATM's8. Lodge & Budget Accommodation9. Amenities. Drinking Water. Public Toilets. Phone10. Re-Fuelling & Repair Yard11. Hawking/ Vending zonesCivic Square at Old Aloo Ground

Annexure 841. City Hall2. District Administration offices3. Government Offices & Departmental offices. Revenue/ PWD/ Forest, etc4. Courthouse5. Seminar and Conference center6. Seminar and Conference center7. Retail Stores/ banks/ Resturant8. Municipal Guest House/ Rooms, etc9. Underground Parking10.Carnival Ground and Play FieldNodeNode45City Plaza at Old Bus Stand1. Town Center2. Tourist Hub3. City Library4. Museum of Himalayan Ethnography5. Youth Center6. Banks/ ATM’s7. Food Court, Kiosks and Vending Zones8. Riverside Recreation deck9. Underground Parking10.Public PlazaRam Bagh Chowk1. Manu Rang Shala2. Open Air and Exhibition Court3. Food kiosks and Handicraft Stalls4. Information Counter

Annexure 85Annexure 6List of suggested Institutions for the Manali AgglomerationEnvironmental Institutions1. Center for Research on Himalayan Ecology2.3.4.Center for Sustainable Development in the Himalayan RegionCenter for Research on Climate Change and Development PolicyCenter for Nature Conservation and Heritage Management5. National Disaster Management InstituteDesign Institutions6. Building Center for Vernacular Design and Innovative Technologies7.8.Center for Design and CraftsInstitute for Habitat Studies in Himalayan RegionVocational Institutions9. Institute for Entrepreneurship, Management and Marketing10. Institute for Hotel Management and Catering Technology11. Institute for Tourism, Development and Management12. Center for Astronomy13. Institute for Media Studies and Mass Communication14. Center for Studies in Alternative Medicine15. Center for Himalayan Culture and Philosophy16. Institute of Rural Management17. The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR)18. Institute of Handloom and Textile Technology

Annexure 86Annexure 7List of Drawing PlatesPlate 1:Plate 2:Plate 3:Plate 4:Plate 5:Plate 6:Plate 7:Plate 8:Plate 9:Natural SystemsSub-Regional LinkagesMovement SystemsUrban Space SystemsImageabilityStructure PlanUrban FormGreen Tax EntryProposed Civic Square

Department of Urban DesignSCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE4B, I.P. Estate, New Delhi - 110002website: www.spa.ac.in