Urban Riverfront Management

Abstract

The plight of the rivers in India is pathetic, especially in the cities. Rivers flowing through the cities arepolluted and filthy. They have become dumping grounds for waste. Therefore the health of the citizens is atrisk.Rivers are modified to a great extent by constructing dams, channelization, changes in the flow etc. Thisresults in loss of their ecosystem functioning and natural services to man. The services given by the riverinclude fresh water source, fishing, washing, swimming, sand as a raw material for construction, and manymore. The esthetic use and relaxation on the river banks is an intangible service but important to thecommon man. All these services given by river are free of cost.Present situation demands immediate attention to improve conditions of rivers. The solution is restoringthe natural river system and re-developing river fronts sites based on ecological considerations. Thisinvolves stream channels, stream buffers and banks restoration. The restored river system contributes to ahealthier environment and improves conditions for stream related human activities.Typical plans for redevelopment of a river front are integrated and mixed-use, including public amenitiessuch as parks, trails, cultural attractions like open theatre, wildlife watch-towers, preservation of historicstructures like ghats and temples, and commercial establishments. However, the health of the river itself willnot be restored if the following factors are ignored: alternative solutions for sewage, improvement in waterquality, restoration of vegetation and habitats within the river and along its banks. In the redevelopment,access to river bank for common man is also an important element.Such successful examples are so far seen in American and European cities. It is now high time to haveholistic environmental planning in India.