City Development Plan for Malvan

A Synopsis

Mumbai
July 2006
Cities and their Growth & Development

Introduction:
The City Development Plan for Malvan
over the next 20 to 25 years must aim at
creating an integrated land use and socio-
economic model that will sustain its natu-
ral resources as well as maintain and im-
prove the quality of life and the unique
characteristics of the place. The City De-
velopment Plan must, therefore, be based
on:
- Existing natural resources
- Existing landuse and zoningwith respect
to topography, geology,hydro-geology
and forest cover
- Climate and meteorology
- Demographic profile including literacy, occupation, per capita income,etc.
- Housing
- Infrastructure such as water, energy, solid waste, sewage and storm water, connectivity and
mobility, and communication
- Significance of natural and historical features of the city including its scenic beauty

Once basic facts or statistics is gathered for all of the above factors, projections can be made for
10, 20 or 30 years into the future. The projections will then form the basis of the City Development
Plan.
The Proposed plan should be made in collaboration with the citizens of Malvan - incorporating
their ideas, thus allowing for maximum community participation.

Global Overview:
Worldwide, there is a movement of mass migration of people from villages to towns and cities.
According to the United Nations Habitat Center:
“In 1950, one-third of the world’s people lived in cities. Just 50 years later, this rose to one-half
and will continue to grow to two-thirds, or 6 billion people, by 2050. Cities are now home to half
of humankind. As the world becomes increasingly urban, it is essential that policy-makers un-
derstand the power of the city as a catalyst for national development. Cities have to be able to
provide inclusive living conditions for all their residents. Rich or poor, everyone has a right to the
city, to a decent living environment, to clean water, sanitation, transport, electricity and other
 Demographic & Socio-Economic Profile

Natural Resources & Landuse

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Natural and Historic significance

CONSOLIDATION OF CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

services. How we manage this is arguably one of the greatest challenges facing humanity.”
Cities, unless they are planned, will grow into urban nightmares - megalopolises like Mumbai which are
congested, and provide a poor quality of life for majority of its residents, who live in slums. This situation
has come upon in the absence of long-term sustainable planning solutions. Uncontrolled development
without considering the region’s natural resources and features - its rivers, mountains, coastal areas, forest
cover, etc. will degrade the environment. At thesame time, planning without considering the socio-eco-
nomic upliftment of all people in the region will be a massive failure.

Planning must, therefore, be holistic. It must also be creative - to utilize the region’s existing wealth - both
natural and human - to bring about a sustainable future.
Malvan: The Place & its People
Introduction:
Malvan formerly known as Medha has a bay almost entirely
covered with Rocky Reefs. A coastal region, endowed
with endearing natural features, nostalgic back waters,
memorable beaches & exotic islands are its speciality. A
rich diversity of mangroves surrounding the coastal belt,
is part of its prosperous environment.

A town of historic tradition and abundant natural beauty,

Malvan is known for the Sindhudurg Fort, its delicious
Malvani cuisine (Rice & fishcurry), Malvani Hapus mango
and sweets such as Malvani Khaja (Sweet made from
besan flour & coated jaggery) & a variety of Malvani

Ladoos. However, there is much that the

town posseses that remains unknown.
The people of Malvan, their historic
relation with the land - of rice and fish -
and numerous other traditions, make
Malvan a unique place. A development
plan must consider their continuance of
the place’s historic tradition, the
sustainability of its natural resources and
the merging

Also unique of Malvan is a kind of

dramatic called Malvani Dashavtar. A well
known dramatists and T.V. actor, Mr.
Machindra Kambli is from Malvan taluka.
This is how the Malvan name happens to
be. Some people say that here salt was
produced in large quantity. Salt
producers use the term Lavan & term
Mahalavan is a place where you get
more salt. Hence the name Malvan.
Others believe that the name Malvan is
ascribed to the large cultivation of
coconut trees. Hence the name derived
Sindhudurgis declared as an eco tourism destination from MAD – BAN. Mad(coconut tree) &
Ban (Garden). Irrespective of how the name was derived,
Malvan is today the Heart of Sindhudurg & a very popular
tourist destination.

The historic town of Malvan today stands on what was once an

inner island, and is now part of the mainland, almost hidden by
palms. Formerly a trading zone, Malvan is today known for its
salt pans, Chinese clay pottery and the special ‘Malvani cui-
sine’ which is quite distinct from Konkan food. The rocky terrain
of Malvan holds two Ports : the sindhudurg and Padmagad . it
is said that there was an underground route joining the
twoPorts.

Geographically, Malvan is located on North Latitude 160 4’ and

East Longitude : 730 3’. It is bounded on the north by Deogad, on
the east by Sawantwadi, Karli creek on the South & the Arabian
sea on the western side. Malvan has three islands, two of which
are a quarter mile away from the shore. The third island is where
the Sindhudurg fort is located. This island is large in comparison
to the other two islands. On one of the smaller islands is the
ruined fort of Padmagad, connected with the mainland by a neck
of sand. Malvan is connected by Roads through the Vengurla –
Belgaum highway. It is now connected to Mumbai- Goa road,
located at about 110 Kms. from Goa & 500 Kms. from Mumbai.
The nearest airport is in Vasco Airport, Goa, nearly 120 KMs from
Malvan, while the closest railhead is Kudal on Konkan Railway.
The Area of Malvan admeasures 89.6 sq. m. The town site
admeasures around 12 kms. from north to south & 24 kms.. to 27
kms. from east to west.
Coconut, Cocoa palms, Jack fruit, Cashew tree (Anacardium
Occidentale), Mango , Undi (Calophyllum Inophyllum) trees are
the chief plants found in the region. Transportation sources are
roads, rails, airways & waterways. Rivers, Lakes & Dams are the
drinking water sources in the town. Dams are also used for power The simple lifestyle of its people is
generation, irrigation & transport purposes. characterstic of the Konkan culture
The temperature of this coastal town ranges from a maximum
of 32°C in the month of May, and a minimum of 21°C in the month of December/January. The climate is
warm and humid. The precipitation is in the form of rainfall, the annual average of which is about 2500
mm.
The houses in Malvan are mainly two-storied structures with Mangalore tile roofs.
The chief items of import from the ancient Malvan Port
were: Cotton & shahapur cloth, Molasses,Tobacco,
Turmeric, chillies, oil, nuts, myrabolans, while chief
export items included Salt, coconuts, beetleuts, coir,
plaited palm leaves & fish.

The main economy of the town is fisheries, crops like

rice & fruits like jack fruit, mango, cashews & coconuts.
Malvan has its unique culture signified by its Marathi-
Konkani dialect and Food. Malvan is traditionally
known for its unique dialect of Marathi / Konkani
called Malvani. The cuisine of this region is popularly
known as Malvani cuisine. Coconut, Rice and fish
assume prime significance in the Malavani cuisine.

Demographic profile
The present population of Malvan is . The population
consists of Hindus, native Christians, Muslims & Malvan is located in the Sindhudurg district
Parsis. Historically, Malvan was a chief boat-building flanked on the one side by the Arabian Sea
town. These ship builders are generally Hindu carpenters, Sutars & Pachkalsis, helped by Gabit Fisher-
men. Others are muslims & native Christians. The trade was chiefly carried out with Malbour, Mumbai,
Kutch, Kathiyawad & Arabia. The Sindhudurg district in which Malvan taluka is a part, 100% literacy rate,
small taluka in the shoreline of maharashtra,

Places of Interest in and around Malvan

Sindhudurg Fort
This is one of the most daunting historical trips in the region. Sindhudurg or the ocean fort is Shivaji’s
cenotaph and in its chief shrine Shivaji’s image is worshiped. The image is of stone and the head is
covered with silver or in high days with a gold mask. In the stone of the walls, prints of Shivaji’s hands
and feet are held in reverence. Giving testimony to the Maratha maritime supremacy, the construction
began on 25th November 1664 and completed 3 years later. The boat ride to the fort is quite playful, but
it is easier if you are visiting during tourist season. It costs Rs.27/- but will costs you the fare of 11 seats if
no one but you are to go. The fort conservation trust runs 22 ferries for this purpose. Once you reach the
fort and when the boatman who doubles as the guide begins to unravel the thinking and the strategies
behind the architecture of the fort, it leaves you in wonderment about the capabilities of the lost minds of
yesteryears. The fort itself is very extensive, a little less than 2 miles round the ramparts. The walls are
low, ranging from 29 to 30 feet. They are on an average 12 feet thick and have about 32 towers from 40 to
130 yards apart. The towers are generally outstanding
semi circles with fine embrasures for canons. Here
and there, narrow staircases lead from the inside to
the top of the walls.

The area of the fort spans 48 acres. Once full of

buildings it is now a mere shell with nothing but a few
temples dedicated to Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapursh,
Bhavani and Shivaji, the only one of its kind in the
country. If you visit the fort in the early evening it is
most likely you will hear devotional music from the Sindhudurg fort is located in one of the three
radio in the huts of a few gabits. These gabits are islands off the coast of Malvan
actually 8th generation of the servants of Shivaji. They
continue to live within the confines of the walls at a
salary of Rs.80 per annum, the same sum their ancestors received from Shivaji raje.

In 1765 after the rule of Shivaji an expedition under the joint command of Major Gordon and Captain John
Watson of Bombay marine were sent to speedily reduce the fort and they gave it the name of Fort
Augustus. As the fort was very hard to dismantle and unprofitable, it was returned back to the Marathas,
then Kolhapur chief, in return for peace in the area. These Kolhapur pirates known as the Malwans were
the most active and desperate of all coast corsairs.

The sunlight plays visual treats on the limestone walls of the fort and the sunset from its peak is breath
taking, where every year politicians fly down their choppers to hoist the Indian flag on Independence
Day. On your way back from the fort, there are many things that you begin to understand about the ocean
you are treading on and the brave warriors who conquered lands in these spaces of water many
centuries ago. It feels like a live trip into a history textbook chapter. It brings back words forgotten long
ago in elementary school.

Rameshwar Temple (23km north of Malvan)

Situated deep within the heart of the town Achara, it is a temple of lord Rameshwar worshipped and
highly regarded by the locals. Everything carved in this temple is the work of locals some 600 years ago
even before the time of Shivaji. Gavpalne is a tradition that is followed here every five years and during
this time, the villagers have to reside outside the village. The entire village of Achara has been a gift
from Shambhaji Raje, the son of Shivaji to the temple trust or Devastaan. Rameshwar temple has a great
political as well as devotional backup and is one of the most influential authorities of the area.
Dhamapur lake is the largest in the district with an area of 55 Acres.
Dhamapur Lake, which is a quite place, in the future may transform into a Mecca of boating and water
sport activities. Jain vestiges at Pendur, Agnewadi Temple near Masure and the Brahmanand swami
memorial at Ozar are interesting cultural and devotional statements in Malvan- A place where nature and
history have definitely kept their promise. How long will the government take to fulfill theirs, is for us to
see.
The talukas of Devgad in the North and Vengrula in the south have some of the most beautiful beaches to
explore. Mithbhav, Kunkeshwar (temple and beach) and Tambeldeg beaches are brilliant in Devgad.
Mochemad, Shiroda and Nivete beaches are the well-known ones of Vengrula. The Rameshwar temple
at Vengrula is 300 years old in Konkani architectural style. The Shri Mutt Sansthan located about 3 km
from Vengrula is a must see synthesis of two mountains at Dabholi. The Mutt follows Vedic traditions
established by Adi Shankaracharaya.

Beaches in and around Malvan

Malvan Beach
This is one of the most commercially active beaches in the Konkan. It is buzzing with life at the jetty
where most of the fishermen anchor their boats of various dimensions and colors. There are a few bars
and restaurants on the beach unlike most other seashores on the Sindhudurg coast. Especially to try
here is a humble seafood specialty joint called Khot, run by an ex mechanical engineer. It is one of the
friendliest atmospheres alive with banter among the locals.

This beach is not a place for relaxation; however, it is close to the city centre and perhaps the most
accessible beach in the area. Another promising forthcoming attraction here is a one of its kind marine
park in Asia. The government has proposed the marine park since 2000, but there has not been any
action on it yet. The area of Malvan is a fortified island on the coastal reef. Coral patches have been
recorded in the interstitial regions around the Sindhudurg fort. Most of these marine flora and fauna from
the inter-tidal area is exposed during any low tide. So keep an eye out for a great opportunity for scuba
diving. However, for now the best attraction on this beach remains to be the Sindhudurg fort.
Chivla Beach

This is a beautiful stretch of clean sands and clear waters bordering Malvan town from North West. It is a
very small beach and there is nothing much to do here but laze around and watch the sun go down. A
small restaurant called Silver Sands serves local fish and refreshments.

Asra Mahal Beach

This beach extends from the Chivla beach and there is a Navy detachment and petrol centre. It also has
a modest government rest house; one can watch the sea from a distance sitting on a low wall created to
confine the guesthouse. The Sindhudurg fort is visible from here as a far away horizon spot.

Tondavali Beach (19km North of Malvan)

This is perhaps the true manifestation of an untouched beach. It was one of the most difficult beaches for
me to uncover. I had to hike almost a km from the road to get to the shore but it was totally worth the
drain. When I first saw a glimpse of the shore from the end of the tree thickets, I could identify with a
feeling of someone who discovers new land. Not a single soul here and the sand had just patterns of
sea wind. Fine grains of soft white particles urged me to feel them without my footwear. Cool waters
splashing away you almost feel sorry no one watches this phenomenon abundantly.

Achara Beach (22km north of Malvan)

This one is a paradise for swimmers and dolphin watchers. Dolphin season is between October and
February. It is a few km ahead of Tondavali beach. It is quite popular during season time. There are
some fishing activities around here but mostly it is a good space to chill with the sea waves.
Tarkarli Beach (8km south of Malvan)

When you ask any local, what are the places to visit in Malvan, a unanimous answer is the Tarkarli Beach.
True to its promise, this beach is a favorite with sand particles devoid of any red tinge and sky reflecting
waters. MTDC has a luxury resort around the beach. Most of the time you are not allowed if you do not
live at the resort, but exceptions are made quite easily. This is also one of the most notorious beaches
to swim in and 21 tourists have died until date. So be careful whilst going deep into the waters.

Devbaug Beach (12km south of Malvan)

A confluence of the Karli River flowing into the Arabian Sea. This point marks the southern most tip of the
malvan taluka. An interesting geographical site, it is far more enchanting to see it atop the bridge built to
cross over the river into Vengrula.

Boat houses and Eco-friendly Resorts along Back waters and beaches would provide an
ideal setting
Malvan Fort
Huge sea rocks of Malvan has easefully shouldered the responsibility of two Forts - Sindhudurg &
Padmagadon his broad chest. The name of the fort is given to the Sindhudurg district. Tourist from all
over the world visit through out the year to see this Maratha glory. The fort was built with the help of huge
rocks on the Kurte Island which amazes people & one appreciates imaginative power of Shivaji.

In 1964 shivaji erected this fort on 44 acers of land. It took 500 stone splitters & stone breakers, 200
blacksmiths , 3000 labourers & 100,s of skilled artists who toiled very hard to complete this fort in three
years. This is evidence from stone inscriptions. Initially 3 K.M. long outer wall (Tat) was built. Average
height of wall 10 meter and 2 to 4 meter broad in which liquid lead was used in the foundation. These wall
today also stands impenetrable . The trick used in the construction of entrance door seems to be
mastermind work. The technique was so deceptive for the enemy that they could not even realize from
where the entrance door begains. Outer zigzag outer wall also built in a such a way that if the enemy
would come to attack it would be visible from any side so that troops inside the fort could fire their guns
& cannons effectively & humble the enemy . Crores of Hones (Goldcoins) where then spent to build this
wonderful fort.

Impressions of Shivaji’s fingers and lake are found to be preserved here on one of the wall . Also lies
inside the fort worth seeing temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri & Mahapurush. All are in
good conditions.

Other places of attraction include:

Pandargad, 1.5 kms. away from Malvan.
· Sidhagad fort, 24 kms. away from the coast.
· Other mainland forts like Sarjekot, Rajkot fort within the boundaries of Malvan.
· Old residency established in 1812 & Factory established in 1792.
· A small Roman Catholic Chapell o n the Archard road.
· Teak forest at Ovaliye.
· Temples are also of great interest in the town, like the Rameshwar temple, Narayan temple,
Sateri, Dattatraya & Murlidhar temples.
· Kalavli, Kolamb & Kalsa creeks.
· Small ponds at Pendur.
 Scope for City development of Malvan
The city of Malvan has great potential for
Ecotourism, as projected and enumerated
by the Tata Consultancy Services in its
report on the tourism potential of
Sindhudurgn District. Considering its natural
beauty, historic tradition, cultural uniqueness
and pristine environment, the development
plan will consider the employment and
socio-economic mileau as well as the
preservation of its environment while
developing a plan for long term
sustainability of the place and the region.

Ecotourism:
It is defined as “Responsible travel to natural
areas that conserves teh environment and
imporves the well-being of local people.”

Over the past four decades, mass tourism

has become synonomous with the four S’s:
Sun, sea, sand and sex. Although masss
tourism was originallly embraced by many
countries as a ‘smokeless’ industry, that
could increase employment and Gross
National Product, evidence quickly grew that
its economic benefit wer marginal and its
Visitors and tourists will be provided for stay in the
soical and environmental costs high. Much
village houses giving them a taste of Konkan rural life
of the money did not stay in the host country
and often the only benefit to the local
community was in the form of low-paying service-level employment as maids, waiters, and drivers. Mass
tourism often brought over uneven development, environmental pollution and invasion by culturally
insesitive and economically disruptive foreigners.

In the late 1960s, the large interantional conservation organizations, together with environmentalists and
scientists working in Latin America and Africa began to reach to two related conclusions: In Africa, they
bagan to realize that “presenrvatoinist” conservation methods separating people and parks, were not
working. Most national parks and reserves in Africa were originally established for hunters, scientists, or
tourists, with little or no regard for the local pople. Park management emphasized policing - “fences and
fines” - which forcibly evicted and kept out local community members who were often politically and
ethnically marginalized poor who recieved little or no benefit from either the parks or tourism, deeply
resented being excluded from lands of religious and economic value and being restricted to increas-
ingly unsustainable areas around the parks.
It was argued that the protected species, areas and ecosystems would survive only if those people
living nearest them benefited financially from both parks and tourism.
“ Implicit in the term is the assumption that local communities living with nature can and should benefit
from tourism and will save nature in the process.” - David Western, Director, Kenya Wildlife Service.

“Tourism should contribute to, rather than exploit the land...it should be active rather than passie, empha-
sizing cultural exchange rathrethan mere sightseeing.” - Michael, Tico Times, Costa Rica
Ecotourism implies making fundamental changes to mass tourism practices. It must become a vehicle
for significantly transformaing hte way tourism itself is carried out, for “greening” not merely
“greenwashing” the entire industry. Following are the characterstics of Eco tourism:
- Involves travel to natural destinations
- Minimizes impact
- Builds environmental awareness
- Provides direct financial benefits for conservation
-Provides finanial benefits and empowerment for local people.
- Respects local culture
-Supports human rights and democratic movements

Properly defined, Ecotourism is travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be
low impact and usually small scale. It helps educate the traveler; provides funds for conservation;
directlybenefits the economic development and political empwoerment of local communities; and fosters
respect for different cultures and for
human rights. Ecotourism involves
ensuring to build a more discriminat-
ing an dinformed traveling public.

Some of the significant aspects to be

included in the develpment plan for
Malvan are:

Center for Fishery:

Fishery is the lifeline of the Malvan
economy. It should be furthered
through a prudent combination of
tradtional knowledge and modern
technology such that it continues to Fishing is the lif line of the Malvan Economy; its sustanence is
provide sustainence to the local crucial to the long-term development plan of the town
populace while at the same time serve as a means to attract tourists to understand traditional fishing
techniques, tradition and even cultural and symbolic representations developed over years. This would
also bring up the self-esteem of the local populace.
Provisions that can be provided for a sustainable growth of Fishery are better and non-harmful methods
of fish collection, facilities for storage of fish that need to be further processed such as cold storage,
solar drying for fish, which is then provided as a local delicacy, as well as conversion of non-utilized fish
catch for chicken-feed or fertilizer.

Mobility:
Since there is no direct train route (most convenient access) to Malvan town, a ring rail connection must
be provided either from Sindhudurg or Kudal railway station. This Ring Rail will pass along the periphery
of the town with stops at most of the tourist destinations. This would not only benefit tourism but also the
local populace since the present modes of transportation are
highly inadequate.
Water transport can be developed not only for internal circulation
between the 3 islands off Malvan, but also for direct approach.
For this purpose, there is a need to construct a Jetty.

Marine Park:
- Malwan has three islands off it, ne contains the Sindhudurg fort.
The other two consist of inhabited villages. These can be Marine
Park Centers. Botanical and Microbiological literature suggest
that the region has a rich marine diversity of both flora and fauna.
The marine park would serve to showcase these species as well
as provide protection for long term survival of species which
would otherwise be unnoticed and therefore, possibly destroyed
through habitat destruction or other means. Following is a note on
the marine diversity of Malvan coast:
“The pneumatophore bearing lignites of Kolamb in Malvan
(Maharashtra, west coast of India) have yielded a rich mycoflora
of higher marine fungi. Out of a dozen hypomycetes known from
the submerged parts of mangrove plants, more than 8 species
have been retrieved from the lignite deposits, and as such
indicate the potential for a mangrove association within the fossil
deposits. Of the five marine species of genus Cirrenalia Meyers
& Moore, four are associated with the pneumatophore bearing
lignites of Kolamb. Monodictys pelagica (Johnson) Jones and
Periconia prolifica Anastasiou are other hypomycetes recorded in
the palynological preparations. As the morphological details and
size of the conidia have striking resemblance to modern taxa, the Conservation of the flora, fauna
fossils have been referred to corresponding taxa described from and coastal habitat of Malvan is
the mangrove habitats of the tropics. Thus, the fossil record of key to its sustainable development
this mycoflora is of great significance and considerable importance, since it indicates fossil mangrove
habitat, and as such complements the micro and megafossil data associated with the lignite deposit.
Such evidence is important to infer palaeobiogeography and sea level along the west coast of India
during the Late Tertiary (Neogene).”
The marine park could also encompass the salt marshes along the coast of Malvan.

Salt marshes play a critical role in the support of human life, acting as natural filtration systems by
trapping pollutants that would otherwise contaminate our bays and oceans. Salt marshes have the ability
to absorb fertilizers, improve water quality, and reduce erosion. They are also among the richest wildlife
habitats.
The Marine Park at Malvan can be developed along the lines of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National
Park established in 1983 at Wandoor, 29 km from Port Blair; it is one of the most important areas for
viewing marine diversity. TheTotal area of this Marine National Park is 281.50 sq.km. which includes 220
sq.km. of territorial sea water. There are 15 small and large islands in the Park with beautiful sandy
beaches and creeks full of lush green Mangroves and tropical forests. Rich marine life consists of variety
of coral reefs, colourful fishes, molluscs, shells, starfish, turtles, salt-water crocodile etc. One can also
view a variety of birds including the White-Bellied Sea Eagle.
Marine Activities:
Ecotourism could also be developed by promoting such activities as fishing, marine observation through
special equipments, scuba diving to observe the coral reefs, use of boats with transparent bottoms so
as to observe fish life, etc. Researchers from around the world can benefit from such provisions and
facilties as the region provides ample opportunities for Research. Guidelines to protect the local species
of flora and fauna must be laid down in order that researchers do not take undue advantage while sharing
their findings with the local population and experts.

Cultural Fiesta:
The typical food, the lifestyle, the housing type, should be combined in creating a cultural fiesta for the
visitor. At the same time, a feeling of self-esteem and pride in one’s culture will be generated for the
local populace.
Part of this plan would include the setting up of restaurants in the typical Malvani style of lateritic wall and
mangalore tile roof housing. These will have architectural elements such as windows, doors, trellises,
cornices according to the local architecture. Local food would be served by people in their traditional
costumes. Such restaurants could be created around all the interesting places in Malvan. Local people
may invest and create their own restaurants but under the broad guidelines provided by the
governement. The government may also provide loans or other forms of financial support to assist in
local enterpreunship.
Serving Malwan delicacies in these restaurants as well as along the stations of the Ring Rail would help
sustain a rich cultural setting as well as sustain the economy of the place. These restaurants would have
a shop for sale of local handicrafts, art and other local industry prodcut.
In addition to restaurants, there would be rest houses and resort facilities. Bread and breakfast facilities,
where tourists would stay with locals, would provide them an unique opportunity to live the simple village
life of Malvan.

Disaster Management Center:

A Disaster Management Center should be set up equipped with the latest technologies for Earth quake
and Tsunami warning. At the same time, measures should be taken to protect the shoreline from illegal
construciton and dumping of garbage and sewage.

Geological Mueseum:
A Geological museum can be created at the sites where lateritic quarrying has been carried out in the
past. Such a museum would give information on the unique rock and soil formation in the Konkan belt
and in the Sindhudurg district and Malvan.

GIS Mapping for critical habitats:

A GIS based Information Systemcan be created to map and monitor the coastal habitat as well as other
natural resources of the region. The GIS based system can be used for the Environmental Impact
Assesment of activities such as tourism, construction, developments of ports, harbors, or jetties on the
marine and natural environment of Malvan. The GIS could also be used to provide information about the
place to tourists by incorporating the data in easy-to-use format at information kiosks provided along the
ring rail routes as well as at all destinations. The GIS based map would also help planners and govern-
ment agencies in effective planning and management of local resources.

Environmental Management:
The Environmental management will encompass the provision of waste segregation and composting as
well as bio gas generation for the town through a network of bio gas plants which will provide cooking
gas and fuel for emergency lighting. Similarly, solar water heating would be provided in all houses,
particulary in resorts and restaurants and hospitals, where it would be made mandatory. Decentralized
waste water management systems (DEWATS) utilizing bio technology would be used for sewage treat-
ment locally. The treated water could be used for irrigation. Rain water harvesting either through storage
from roof top or surface run off and percolation, would be made mandatory. In addition, all plantations in
the ciy would be based on ecological criteria - indigenous, suitable for a particular region, its usefulness
and long-term association with the flora and fauna in the region.
The environmental management would also encompass the development of scientific and modern
technologies for agriculture, suitable for the flat lands. It will incorporate water conservation and soil
conservation techniques and emphasize on organic cultivation. Organic food has a great demand in the
ithe market of industrialized countries. This will also thus provide additional sources of income for the
population.
Eco-friendly City:
The city would also serve as an example of
Eco-friendliness through the following. All
public utilities such as phone booths, traffic
signals, etc. would be powered by solar
energy.
The city would also give priority to eco-friendly
modes of transportation such as bicycles,
providing separate and safe tracks all along
the roads.
The methods of water shed management will
be applied in parts where huge run off takes
place. This will allow for water percolation and
improvement in the ground water of the region.
The city will also demonstrate signages and
street furniture such as seating areas, provi-
sion for the physically challenged in all public
buildings and areas.
The signages would also provide messages
for protection and conservation of the ecology
of the area, giving its unique characterstics,
thus incorporating the basic rules of Eco
tourism.
The city will also create a system of formal and
non formal education unique in nature, that will
complement the existing education system
and help in capacity building of local
enterpreuners, who will even be able to obtain
degress in hotel management, ecotourism,
etc.
The housing, in addition to incorporating local
features, would also use local and less energy
intensive materials, recycle waste, use ono-
toxic paints and building materials, compost
solid waste and use renewable energy.

Backwaters:
The backwaters are a unique feature of the
Malvan coastline. These can be developed ECP-FRIENDLY CITY: Use of renewable energy such as
into eco-destinations, with boathouses serving solar and wind, biological treatment of sewage and its
recycling and reuse as well as segregation and
local cuisine and delicacies. In addition,
compostin of waste are some features which would make
packages for tours along mangroves, would the city Eco-friendly
also be provided by the boat house owners.
Conservation of Coastal habitat and mangroves:
The digitized data from GIS could also be used for eco-geomorphological zonations for selected coral
reefs and mangrove patches. Using satellite imagery from IRS LISS III and panchromatic data, Coral reef
features such as reef slope, reef crest, algal ridge, boulder bed, outer reef, inner reef, coral knolls, etc.,
can be identified. A methodology for identification of major mangrove communities such as Avicennia,
Rhizophora, Sonneratia, Brugeuria, Ceriops, etc., was developed using IRS LISS III and PAN data in the Gulf
of Katch,Goa, Bhitarkanika, Sunderbans and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The conservation of the coastal habitat is key to the sustainable development of Malvan since it contrib-
utes not only to its natural beauty but also is the economic life line of the populace. These mangrove
forests, coral reefs and aquatic life are vital as both reservoirs of biological diversity and suppliers of
oxygen necessary to maintain a balance in the earth’s atmosphere. Rules must be, therefore, developed
for the conservation of these habitats by all means possible.
About EnviroArch:
EnviroArch is a Mumbai-based environmental design firm led by three principal
Architects & supported by a team of technical experts drawn from fields related to
environment & architecture.

The objective of EnviroArch is to provide holistic design solutions based on principles

of conservation, simplicity & aesthetics. EnviroArch provides integrated solutions
to clients who want to minimize the impact of their building on the environment
and contribute to sustainability.

The three principal architects of EnviroArch are:

Ar. Rajeev Taishete,

Ar. Mukund Porecha
Ar. Roshni Udyavar.

Architects Rajeev and Mukund have more than 25 years of architectural practice
all over India. They hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Architecture
from the Academy of Architecture, Mumbai. Roshni Udyavar has 7 years of
experience in the environmental field. She has traveled widely on international
assignments and is presently Head of Department at the Rachana Sansad’s
Postgraduate Department of Environmental Architecture, Mumbai.

The team of consultants working with the firm includes scientists and technical
experts, urban planners and lawyers, who have substantial experience in their
respective fields.

The environmental services provided by EnviroArch include:

• Passive solar or climate sensitive design
• Total water management including water harvesting and recycling
• Solid waste management
• Ecological landscape design
• Environmental law consultancy
• Application of renewable energy
• Energy audit & management
• Ecotourism planning
• LEEDS certification
• Environment Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Assessment
Report

Research and Development:

EnviroArch hosts a dedicated research department to support the firm’s design
efforts with more than 10,000 files of materials on diverse topics related to
environment & architecture planning, the research cell provides positive inputs
through survey & analysis of the impacts of environmental design strategies.

www.enviro-arch.com