" Vasant Udyaan is an example of a unique collaboration among DDA, the Department of Archaeology-GNCTD, INTACH, Jaypee Vasant Continental, Delhi Jal Board, SDMC and DUSIB brought together on a platform by the efforts of the RWAs of the localities situated around the Park. These efforts by the ‘RWAs for Vasant Udyaan’ and bring to life how the distinctive aspects of the park were achieved. It illustrates the ways in which democratic collaborations can work fruitfully in future for the conservation of the city’s built and natural heritage, reviving water bodies, using treated water effectively, augmenting water availability through groundwater recharge, improving sanitation, reducing air pollution by rejuvenating degraded green spaces, and also creating safe, vibrant spaces for communities to enjoy."

"Through multiple meetings and discussions, we involved the others in the project. It was presented in ways that made them realise how beneficial it would be for all, and therefore people themselves came forward to be a part of it. Everyone has years of experience and expertise in their fields, and we had to respect that and their viewpoints. Sunil had the spirit to get things done because he knew it was for the betterment for the surroundings. But it also gave all of us the satisfaction that we did it."

"It’s difficult to explain what kept me going but the underlying objective has been to keep the neighbourhood clean and green. What prompted me was the question of what difference I could make locally — be it planting trees, using treated water, or bringing systems in place so that the project becomes self-sustaining and lasts. Developing Vasant Udyaan required a lot of political will and community involvement who were committed toward change. Despite bureaucracy and constant following up with departments, we finally have a park that is one-of-a-kind with a good lighting system, security apparatus, seating arrangement, and use of treated water. If the British could build the Lodhi Garden, why can’t we build something just as beautiful!"

" The waterworks of the Sultanate era cannot be replicated as they are not on a scale to meet the requirements of a metropolitan city but they can provide us with some lessons. The key learning from history is to understand how we can find ways to capture and retain three months of monsoon rain and spread its availability through the year. There are footprints of large natural water features and medieval era tanks that can be restored, natural drainage systems and areas should not be urbanised, certain portion of the land should be kept porous for groundwater recharge to happen instead of concretising all surfaces—such simple steps can allow our natural heritage to continue to provide us with hydrological services."

“It used to be scary when we didn’t have the toilets or the boundary wall. We used to go to the forest in groups as men would be hiding in bushes and often tried to assault us. We never worked on the Vasant Vihar side as we would be afraid to cross the forest alone. Now, with the park and the toilets, it has become much better and safer. Women have taken up work on the other side. We come to the park often, even in the evenings during summer.”

“All aspects of town planning have to cohere as they do not function independently of our environment. Our natural environment, built and intangible heritage, sanitation, housing, streets, all have to be integrated and looked at in a holistic manner. Government has largely been suspicious of community or NGOs’ involvement, and so is the community of the government. But here is an example where both worked together to create something that everyone can benefit from.”

“There is no second opinion that our built and open environment directly impacts the quality of our lives, in both tangible and intangible ways. Especially, public open spaces used by the community are pivotal to the cohesiveness and social health of a neighbourhood at many levels. While neglected open spaces eventually turn into breeding grounds of anti-social activities and deplete the neighbourhood, well designed and maintained public greens are no less than a social upgradation that promotes a healthy bonding between people and their environment. These upgradations become even more meaningful when designs are laid with public participation, distinctly the vulnerable groups, in the planning process. Bagh-e-Bahaar is an example that proves this. It is a one-of-a-kind upgradation project accomplished by DDA with active participation of the surrounding RWAs, right from inception to the stages that involved their inputs.
Active user groups don’t want the government to provide standard solutions, but seek a tailor-made approach and a platform to participate, which eventually makes their neighbourhood more liveable and identifiable. Furthermore, it generates a sense of ownership that not only establishes a holistic and ever-growing relationship between the park and surrounding neighbourhoods but also provides social surveillance of the well-being of the park. That the upgraded Bagh-e-Bahaar park is attracting more visitors than before, and even from far-flung areas, is proof, leave alone the heartfelt sense of pride that has come to the neighbourhood with it.”