BHOPAL: MN Buch, well-known civil servant whose flowing designs infused New Bhopal, died on Saturday at a private hospital. He was 81. A private hospital informed Buch was admitted for treatment on June 4 and he died of a brain stroke. MN Buch's funeral procession will start from his house in Arera Colony at 11.30 am on Sunday and will proceed to Bhadbhada crematorium. 

Mahesh Neelkant Buch, a man who stood for a clean, green city is widely regarded as the architect of modern Bhopal. As news of his death spread, many in the old and new city remembered the man who as chief administrative officer of the city, planted the seeds of New Bhopal. From gardens to planning of places like New Market, Buch saw future needs of the city like none other at that time. 

Ironically, in Seventies, Buch was criticized for 'allocating too much parking space in New Market'. For all the differences, people in the Walled City might have with him, he was respected by all communities. 

"He was 'Nagar Shree' for the city and architect of Bhopal. He will be missed," said Professor Zamiruddin. Conservationists were often at odds with Buch during his tenure as IAS officer. He was criticized for pulling down major heritage gates in the city. However, after he retired he was instrumental in saving many heritage sites. 

"His knowledge base as compared to none. He planned the city and city of lakes almost became city of gardens," said Pooja Saxena. 

Walled city remembers him as the man who walked constantly and in his own way pushed for development in the city like no other. 

Born on October 5, 1934, MN Buch completed his graduation in economics from Delhi University in 1954 and went on to Cambridge University, where he did his masters in economics in 1956. He served as a Parvin Fellow at Woodrow Wilson School for a year in 1967-68 and received his doctorate of science degree from Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, Bhopal in 2002. As an IAS officer, he held the posts of collector and district magistrate, director tribal welfare, secretary and commissioner environmental group of departments that included town and country planning. He was also vice-chairman of Delhi Development Authority, director general of National Institute of Urban Development, secretary housing and forests and vice-chairman National Commission on Urbanization.