Reviving Vishwamitri river: an effort to a sustainable impact

Abstract

Rivers are the cradle of civilization and, as such, are indispensable features of urban history. Rivers are not merely unique spaces in a city, but also the most representative region which reflect the local character. Sixty-nine large cities in the India are located on river banks with rivers providing drinking water, convenient transportation channel, and abundant natural landscapes and causing moderate temperature. Thus river is this cities’ most valuable natural resource”. Since the urban population and the need for land have increased rapidly; a good many river spaces have been occupied, resulting in the deterioration of the river. The Story of Vishwamitri River is one such story of a degrading or dying river. Indiscriminate "housing development" in not only low lying areas and pits but also in the river bed itself, filling up ravines and the river bed with waste and debris, allowing slums to develop near river and above all local authorities turning a blind eye to all the activities happening near the river are effectively killing the river. These activities have obstructed the natural flow of rainwater and the result is, even a downpour of 5 inches water floods the city of Vadodara. The section of Vishwamitri river passing through Vadodara is also a natural habitat many species of flora and fauna including crocodiles whose existence is threatened. This study attempts to understand Vishwamitri River in its origin glory, resultant effects of Urbanization, the process of its degradation, general indifference among the community living on the river bank and work of various agencies involved in reviving the river. Collaboration among agencies and people to bring about systemic changes needed for revival of the river seems a big challenge. The river seems to have lost almost all connection with the most people in the city; there are many die-hard supporters of the movement to revive Vishwamitri. The revival movement is in the right considering the heritage, the flora and the fauna. This study also aims to explore feasible ways to engaging various stakeholders and people in general leading to sustainable efforts for revival this glorious river.