Manali and its Sub-Region - Government of Himachal Pradesh

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.