Riverfront Renaissance

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Riverfront development is taking hold in Indian cities, with projects like Kota's Chambal Riverfront aiming to transform riverbanks into community spaces. However, concerns about biodiversity loss and increased risk of flooding have sparked resistance in places like Jammu and Mangaluru. As cities explore these developments, the challenge remains: how to balance urban growth with environmental preservation, ensuring these projects benefit both communities and ecosystems.

Image: Jhelum Riverfront in Srinagar | Athar Aamir Khan on X

A nationwide trend is underway to revitalise riversides, drawing inspiration from Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront. These riverfront development projects aim to transform neglected riverbanks into vibrant recreational community spaces. In Kota, the Chambal Riverfront stands out as a testament to the city’s aspiration to transition from an education hub to a tourist destination.

While these projects aim to beautify surroundings, there are fears of potential harm to river ecosystems and biodiversity loss. Jammu’s ₹530 crore Tawi Riverfront project has faced resistance due to the increased risk of flooding with reduced river width. Mangaluru’s Netravati project, criticised by the National Environment Care Federation, faces accusations of violating Coastal Zone Regulation norms and destroying mangroves.

Back in 2006, Kolkata’s Hooghly Riverfront had prioritised redecoration over reclamation, avoiding interference with the river’s hydrology, an aspect which experts allege is not being focused on in the current projects.

The National Green Tribunal flagged concerns in Udaipur’s Ayad Riverfront, citing encroachment on floodplains and the use of reinforced cement concrete, highlighting violations of the Water Act, 1974.

Map Illustrating the numerous Riverfront Development Projects across India | Source: Prajna Ghosh, The Print

Riverfront Development Projects across India

Over 2,000 citizens have protested the implementation of Pune’s Mula-Mutha Riverfront project through tree-hugging campaigns. Public opinion is crucial for ensuring development aligns with community interests and environmental conservation. Environmentalist groups like “Friends of River Tawi” have highlighted the need for a balanced approach.

Source: Protest by citizens & environmental activists on the Mutha Riverbed | The Hindustan Times

In April this year, environmental activists had decided to return Pune Municipal Corporation’s Paryavaran Doot Award in protest of the civic body’s decision to cut around 6,000 trees for the proposed Mula-Mutha Riverfront development project.

Now, a delegation from Telangana is set to visit South Korea and Singapore to study successful riverfront projects to develop Karimnagar’s Manair Riverfront into a major tourist spot. While enhancing urban spaces, such projects could show the way by involving the community and planning to preserve environmental integrity. Balancing development with ecological sustainability will be key to the success of riverfront initiatives in smaller Indian cities.

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