Contributed by: C. Aparnaa
The everyday life of the streets and public spaces comprises ecological elements besides humans. These comprise the natural elements which have found a place to exist within the urban fabric. The vegetation, the birds and the animals are some of the stakeholders which utilize the streets and influence the activities around them. For instance, a sphere of religious and social space is formed around the Ashwath katte. Cow feeding practices take place at different scales right from the threshold of an individual household to a street edges with a vegetable vendor throwing the remains or a maidan. The existence of a chabutra in a courtyard in the Old City of Ahmedabad also creates a space for social interaction for humans around it. Pigeons can be seen sitting on the electrical fences. Dogs and cats sleep under the shade of a tree in various neighbourhoods.

Location: Motera Road, Ahmedabad. Picture Credit: C. Aparnaa

Location: Ahmedabad-Patan Highway Road, Ahmedabad. Picture Credit: C. Aparnaa
What are some of the ecological practices in your neighbourhood’s public spaces? How are the various ecological elements being protected because of what we do?