DWARKA – TOUCHING NEW HEIGHTS OF GLORY AND EXCELLENCE : Part1

There are a few localities in every metro that stand out for their uniqueness – impressive construction or wide road network or green shady avenues of majestic trees or good shopping facilities. Of course most of these are exclusively the VIP area or those which habited by the rich, powerful and the famous. But when a mass housing scheme gets this distinction and starts rubbing shoulders with other hallowed addresses, it is bound to create a lot of ripples and certainly be the talk of the town. The magnitude, extent and quality of life have given rise to a new adjective in daily parlance ‘sub city’. That’s exactly what the Dwarka subcity has been able to achieve within a few years of its ‘birth’.

But few can deny, dispute or doubt that this tag has been given without reason. Infact it can be arguably said that Dwarka has earned this status because of its high standards of ‘liveability’ factors. And the status has been achieved on not one, two or three criteria but on an entire range of gradable criteria and also on a number of ‘soft’ features. So what makes this such a sought after haven? Read on. 

Well planned layout and infrastructure- The sub city’s sector map shows how – for a change- the authorities went about the development of the sub city in a systematic manner. Well earmarked spaces for parks and green belts, demarcated market and shopping areas, institutional areas, plots reserved for community centres, sports complex…shows that a lot of thought did go into this planning and everything was done with a futuristic view and keeping in mind a medium term perspective.

The 29 sector, 6 lakh plus habitation has well laid out roads, service lanes, road dividers, market areas and even accessible work places. A number of government such as Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT ), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), All India Football Federation (AIFF), National Board of Examination and District Courts have been established here. 

With the planned mini diplomatic enclave and its proximity to the international airport, the sub city will also get an international flavour. Not surprisingly many well known international hotel brands are making a beeline to Dwarka. Radisson has already opened its doors as so has Wyndham another five star hotel.

Connectivity- The famed Metro is the lifeline of the subcity and was an instant hit from day one. Now with the Metro Express coming too, connectivity to the airport and central Delhi has become a pleasurable reality. On the roads front, the flyovers and underpasses have helped in improved connectivity to south Delhi and Gurgaon commuters. The longest flyover of the capital built over the Palam railway crossing has eased commuting. The wide metalled roads are a driver’s delight. 

Educational opportunities –Taking the toddlers first steps in a play school to stepping into the portals of a reputed professional institution- there is the entire spectrum of educational opportunities on an offer at the sub city. All ‘branded’ schools vie for the attention of parents and bright students. It is a win win situation for everybody. Students do not have to trudge long distances everyday while schools get bright students from upper and upper middle classes where quality education is a valued possession. Apeejay, NSIT, IP university, Law College…there are quality institutions for engineering, management, arts… The choices are plenty and only sky is the limit for aspiring students. 

Salubrious environs-It is well established that the sub city has blended professionals, academicians, artists and senior bureaucrats into its fold. There is a high level of homogeneity which reflects in the refined life styles and interests and standards of living of the communities in general here. Equally of importance is the aesthetic quality of construction and architecture visible in the sub city. The overall interests of residents are taken care of in a holistic way. To ensure a healthy environment, residents have the benefit of a well equipped and modern sports complex. Also a number of hi-tech gyms and fitness centres have come up in different sectors. 

A multicultural hub-Dwarka is called a melting pot of cultures. And why not? As the names of housing societies themselves suggest, there are havens for people from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu etc. Despite this diversity, there is a unique sense of bonding that has developed as people have moved in from different regions. Now the annual cultural calendar of the sub city symbolises the national mosaic of religious traditions that lends its harmony to the life here. Celebrating not only national festivals like holi, diwali and Dusshehra but typical regional festivals like Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, Bihu, Chathh Puja, Durga pooja have led to an integration of the societies. 

All this put together, it is indeed a pleasure to be a part of the development of a multifaceted and a truly millenium sub city.