'Why shop? Urban Haat helps reduce weight'

'Why shop? Urban Haat helps reduce weight'

The placement of stalls and Urban Haat's design has not made it a refuge for shoppers. Instead it has proved to be a great place for lovers

Srishti Shinde l Vashi

The only place in Navi Mumbai that has a row of stalls giving a platform to some of the rarest talents from different states of the country is Urban Haat. With its lush green pathways surrounded by scenic beauty, the place surely houses some of the unique pieces of rural art forms. However, the way it has been constructed and the placement of stalls has left it to be a deserted zone after dark and a lover's paradise during the day. Nerul resident Priyanka Wadhwa, who had been there last week for the Shravan Mela with her family, says they were left starving, thirsty and tired after going half way. "I had been there with my in-laws, my husband and my daughter; and the place is structured in a way for people to reduce weight. You just have to keep moving up and up and up, without knowing where you are heading to. Moreover, since I went there for the first time, I didn't know that there were no food stalls until you reach the top," she complains. Anil, her husband said, "I felt as if I was attending a fitness training like Rocky since I was moving up in full spirit without water and anything to eat. It was highly disturbing since there isn't a single stall in the lower levels for drinking water and snacks." GL Karnani, president of Sankalp Welfare Association in Belapur mentions that the node is essentially a commercial one, and has meager residential population. This, he mentioned is one of the most important reasons of Urban Haat being deserted, moreover the rains are also playing a spoil sport as the entire area is open and not shaded. He added, "People visit the place only during the weekends since it is indeed a vast area and it requires enough time to explore it fully. And, the kind of artisans that they bring is also getting monotonous; they should try and get more variety. However, it's quite understood that sales don't happen that often, which doesn't encourage people to come and set up a stall. The only viable solution is that Cidco has to make an agenda to advertise it in every node and give it enough publicity. It's astonishing to know that 60 percent of Navi Mumbai doesn't even know what and where is Urban Haat." In fact there are other reasons that too play a very important role in making Urban Haat the way it is, an unknown place that people know is just good for couples. "Cidco should be organising cultural and interactive programmes, wherein Navi Mumbaikars can participate so that more and more people have a reason to visit the place," suggests Kamal Sharma, secretary of senior citizens seva sanstha, Belapur. However, Urban Haat, manager KS Nair, says Cidco has been making some interesting changes and additions to make the place more visitors friendly. "We have installed extra lights so that people don't complain of it being deserted and dark, also there are various food stalls up there where people can avail of some great food. But I will definitely try to implement the suggestions like setting up a water and snack stall in the vacant areas on the slope." Madhusudan Lele, chief planner of Cidco said the aim of organising various melas and handicraft fair is to attract more and more visitors to the place. "There are exhibitions being held every now and then. Also, during public holidays, we try to organise cultural programmes at the amphitheatre in which Navi Mumbaikars can participate. We will work towards promoting Urban Haat vigorously and yes resident suggestions are more than welcome," he mentioned.