In order to enhance our ‘viewing pleasure’, the Agra Development Authority proposes to erect a giant Ferris wheel, emulating the ‘London Eye’. In addition, two ropeways will be suspended across the Yamuna, and cable cars will surround the Taj

BY Chitvan Gill 13 October 2009

Between the architecture of two empires, Independent India has been unable to create anything that would rival the great buildings of the imperial eras.

BY Chitvan Gill 5 April 2006

The news of dozens of people gunned down or blown up in a remote village does not strike terror in an urban heart, but the murder of an elderly couple or a lone woman in her flat in a 'gated' enclave creates a round rush of panic. What gives?

BY Chitvan Gill 22 March 2006

The west reeled for centuries from the aftermath of indiscriminate industrialisation following the dictates of wealth over health and well-being. We haven't learnt from it.

BY Chitvan Gill 8 March 2006

It is only when the plight of rural India is addressed and resolved, and a semblance of dignity is available to the people of India's vast rural hinterland, that urban India will actually be in a position to develop its 'world class' cities.

BY Chitvan Gill 8 February 2006

Why do the great cities of India manage to generate vast quantities of wealth but have an air of decay and disorder about them? Contrast them with, say, New York where the super-rich have created 'their own ecosystem'...

BY Chitvan Gill 26 January 2006

Is it a mere coincidence, or can the rapid decline of cities - that were once the bastions of thriving, vibrant energy - be linked to the trends towards obscurantism, illiberality and intolerance, evidenced in the recent waves of 'moral policing'?

BY Chitvan Gill 12 January 2006