Anoop Verma

Unclogging The Cities The move to make New Delhi’s iconic Connaught Place a pedestrian zone from February, and keep out cars and other vehicles from its middle and inner circle roads, during a three-month trial programme is an inspiring attempt to reconquer public space. Urban design in India is the  preserve ( परिरक्षित / सुरक्षित )  of State governments and local bodies, which have failed  spectacularly ( असाधारण   रूप   से )  to provide a safe, comfortable and accessible experience for walkers. The pilot project in the national capital represents a refreshing change, taking a leaf out of the book of global cities that have pedestrianised their landmarks, often in the face of conservative opposition.  Prominent ( महत्त्वपूर्ण / विशिष्ठ )  examples are Times Square in New York and the route along the Seine in Paris, and the curbs on cars in central avenue in Madrid. Contrary to  apprehensions ( भय / शंका )  that restrictions ...