The streets of Silvassa are bustling with life. They were turned into an enormous playground where their citizens can play, walk and cycle safely.

Moreover sports events (Zumba, Yoga, Garba…) and cultural ones (singing, learn about plantation) are organized to bring the citizens together and build up a sense of community while consulting them. Some competitions also take place: photography, cycling for all age groups, graffiti art.

The Streets for People Challenge is an initiative of the Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing, ITDP (as the guidance partner) and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India.

The main objective is to inspire cities to reimagine their streets as public space through the lens of economic regeneration, safety and child friendly interventions initiatives. That way, they are expected to create walking-friendly streets through quick measures that ensure a green recovery in response to COVID-19. A free health check-up and COVID-19 Vaccine awareness campaign are also available in one of the stands.

Silvassa think it’s time for its citizens to redesign its streets.
And you? What do you think?

Photos by: @itdp.india, @silvassasmartcity