The Mahakal temple in Ujjain hosts nearly 75,000 pilgrims a day. Over the years, while the number of visitors has increased the space in the temple compound has remained the same, due to this the temple faces severe congestions and temple authorities are unable to manage the crowds efficiently. In response to this problem, the project has planned an integrated development of the Rudrasagar lake along with the Mahakaal temple which will ease congestion in the area. The project has also proposed an integration of the Maharajwada Complex with the temple coumpound to build a holding area for visitors for, better crowd management.

Open landscaped areas have been proposed in the temple vicinity as recreation for the pilgrims and also to create an ecological balance which, will also be a breathing spaces in the heart of an otherwise congested city. The project plans to:

• Develop interactive public spaces for citizens and tourists by creating plazas, restaurants, crowd holding areas, soft and hard paved landscaping and a visitor facility centre.
• For pedestrian access pathways will be created and movement patterns will be reorganised in and around the premises of the temple.
• Shaded pathways and resting areas for people and restricting vehicular access in the areas is also necessary.

The temple compound has a number of buildings that are currently vacant, to make use of these buildings such that it attracts the public and generates revenue for the operation and maintenance of the surroundings the project has proposed a crafts bazar which, will provide employment while also promoting tourism.

To make the area more condusive to pilgrims, designated parking spaces will be allotted to avoid haphazard on-street traffic. Restricting vehicles in certain areas shall ease the maintenance of pedestrianised streets and encourage people to walk to the temple and give them a sense of security.

The project also plans to rejuvenate Chhota Rudrasagar and the development of facilities along the existing lakefront. An interlinking of the temple and its extension area via foot over bridges will result in better and safe pedestrian movements. The innovative project components include:

• Interlinking of adjacent areas of the temple with shaded pedestrian paths.
• Rejuvenation of the lake and existing water bodies, storm water drains, sewer lines.
• Underground electrification to mitigate environmental impacts.

Resources

Lake Restoration models in Karnataka and Rajasthan

2015

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• Social Sector Service Delivery: Good Practices Resource Book 2015

Park Connectors: Living Large in Small Spaces

2018

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• Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC)