nagpur sunday saw a heritage walk organized by citizens at ajni van area around 100 young and old citizens of nagpur participated in a walk which showcased the heritage of ajni colony built over a century agoconservation architect sandeep pathe who has researched immensely on the area enlightened the curious citizens about the features of the area in a walk lasting about two hours in the morning people were informed about the uniqueness of structures at ajni amidst the chirping of various species of birds who have made the area filled with trees their homesit was interesting to note and see the original railway station number 1 at ajni which was built around 1880 circa almost 30 years before nagpur main railway station was created ajni was the central point of what was then the bengal nagpur railwaythe colony is a living example of excellent neighbourhood planning having ample space for green pockets houses with fore and background spaces schools places of worship gardens playgrounds technical railway workshops roads which are pedestrian and cycle friendly even today the quarters were planned correct and has taken all context specific strategies which respond to the ajni as a contextin its older time quarters were connected to conservancy lanes and it had a proficient management system of solid waste also the garbage and other waste was disposed from a far corner of quarterthe quarters are not just houses but narrates a saga of a micro civilization in itself where people employed with railways lived a healthy lifestylewhat is important is that even during those times the planners had kept in mind the environment aspects before construction for example adequate spaces were left for trees which were planted and is seen in form of huge entities supporting the numerous bird lives till date the trees also gave shade regulating the temperatures in summer special places were earmarked for disposal of solid waste which was situated at a corner of the colony hospital was built symbolic of gond architecture drainage created 100 years ago still prevents water from accumulating during rains in ajni while rest of nagpur has seen waterlogging increasing day by dayproper planning of development always has space for nature and environmentthe heritage walk at ajni highlighted the fact that it is very important to protect the last remaining vestiges of green as well as cultural heritage which is under tremendous pressure of being sacrificed in the name of infrastructure projects organizers and citizens are demanding the relocation of ims ajni project to khapri or any other alternative site to save this rich heritage