Baroda, now known as Vadodara, has undergone significant transformation over the years, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period of change was largely driven by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s visionary leadership, which propelled the city into becoming a cultural and administrative hub.
Foundations of Change:
The late 19th century saw the establishment of the City Improvement Trust, a crucial development in response to the city’s expanding needs. Between 1877 and 1910, substantial investments were made to develop Baroda into a provincial capital. The city saw the creation of numerous administrative offices aimed at planning, managing, and maintaining urban development. By 1892, a city municipality was established to oversee the city’s upkeep. Between 1904 and 1910, comprehensive city plans were drawn up, culminating in the formation of the City Improvement Trust in 1910.
Challenges Faced:
During this period, Baroda experienced significant population growth due to industrial development and an influx of residents, immigrants, and visitors. This rapid expansion led to severe issues such as overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and an underdeveloped drainage system. The situation worsened with the outbreak of plague in 1898-99 and the devastating famine of 1900. Although the city had a good water supply system in the early 1890s, the drainage infrastructure was insufficient, leading to sanitation and health problems exacerbated by garbage and congestion.
Efforts for Rejuvenation:
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive overhaul, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III spearheaded the formation of the Baroda City Improvement Trust. Modeled after a similar trust in Mumbai (then Bombay), the trust was established in 1910 to address the city’s myriad challenges. The trust received a significant boost from Patrick Geddes, a renowned urban planner who visited Baroda twice in 1915. Geddes conducted a ‘diagnostic survey’ to identify the city’s problems and implemented what he termed ‘conservative surgery.’ His approach focused on creating open spaces, introducing vegetation, and improving street layouts. Under his guidance, congested areas such as those where Jubilee Baug and Suryanaran Baug now stand were cleared and redesigned, enhancing the city’s overall livability.
Legacy and Impact:
The City Improvement Trust, through its meticulous planning and execution, transformed Baroda into one of Gujarat’s cleanest cities. It played a pivotal role in the city’s development, addressing infrastructural needs and improving sanitation and health standards. The trust, having fulfilled its purpose, was disbanded in 1925 after fifteen years of impactful service. The legacy of the City Improvement Trust remains evident in the well-planned and developed urban landscape of modern Vadodara.
The City Improvement Trust was instrumental in addressing Baroda’s urban challenges and setting a precedent for city planning and development in the region.
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