International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 04 | Apr 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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RIVERFRONT MANAGEMENT IN URBAN AREAS IN INDIA Khyati Chandra1, Ar. Deepti Sagar2, Dr. Gaurav Singh3 1 MURP 2nd year, Faculty of architecture and planning, 2 Professor, Faculty of architecture and planning, 3 Professor, Faculty of architecture and planning Professor, 123A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow Uttar
Pradesh 226007 (India)
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Abstract - Riverfronts have historically been vital to human
For example, the Ganga Action Plan and Yamuna Action Plan focus on cleaning and restoring India's major rivers • Flood Control and Disaster Management: Many riverfront areas are prone to flooding, so flood control measures, such as levees, floodplains management, and flood early-warning systems, are integral to riverfront management strategies • Public Access and Recreational Spaces: Urban riverfronts are being redeveloped to provide accessible public spaces, green zones, and recreational facilities, helping to balance urban growth with nature. The Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad is a prime example where a once polluted stretch was transformed into a vibrant public space with parks, walkways, and gardens • Integration of Green Infrastructure: Sustainable design practices, such as the use of nature-based solutions for water treatment, soft landscaping, and ecological restoration, are incorporated into urban riverfront planning. The Godavari Riverfront in Nashik features de-silting, deconcretization, and extensive plantation of Indigenous species • Community Engagement and Social Inclusivity: Effective riverfront management in India requires active participation from local communities, stakeholders, and government bodies to ensure the inclusion of local needs and historical contexts. Projects like those in Coimbatore focus on regenerating lakes and riverfronts through community involvement and addressing pollution • Regulatory and Policy Framework: Riverfront management in India involves strict regulations on land use, pollution control, and urban development, especially through frameworks like the National River Conservation Plan and the Smart Cities Mission, which emphasize sustainability and climate resilience.
culture and economy, supporting early settlements, recreation, navigation, and livelihoods. This dissertation evaluates riverfront management practices in India, focusing on projects like the Sabarmati and Ganga. It reviews guidelines, objectives, and outcomes, with a key case study on Varanasi's Ganga Riverfront. The study highlights challenges in managing this culturally significant site and examines the Namami Gange Programme's strategies for river cleaning, assessing impacts on water quality, biodiversity, and socio-economic conditions. The research emphasizes integrated planning that considers physical, social, economic, infrastructural, and environmental factors. Finally, it proposes a four-phase development plan for Bhagwatdas Ghat in Kanpur, covering site selection, conception, action planning, and implementation, aiming to improve ecological health and socio-economic benefits. Key Words: Riverfront management, integrated planning, community engagement, ecological restoration, economic development
1. INTRODUCTION An urban waterfront is "the part of a town or city bordering a body of water, such as a river, lake, harbor, or sea," according to the Oxford Dictionary. These places typically show up as canal-fronts, lakefronts, riverfronts, or seafronts in urban settings. Since many of the earliest towns developed along riverbanks, riverfronts are frequently the sites of the emergence of human civilization and economics. They provide leisure places, intra- and inter-city canal navigation, and means of subsistence through agriculture, fishing, and other pursuits, making them invaluable assets in urban settings. Additionally, riverfronts facilitate tourism, provide venues for religious, cultural, and historical ties, and—above all—maintain open spaces that are vital "lung spaces" in the constructed environment of a metropolis.
1.2 Need for Riverfront Management: 1. Ecological Restoration Emphasizes the revival of natural ecosystems along the riverbanks, improving biodiversity, and ensuring environmental balance.
1.1 Riverfront Management in India Key aspects of riverfront management in India include:
2. Flood Prevention Focuses on designing infrastructure and natural solutions to mitigate flooding risks and ensure safety for nearby communities.
• Ecological Restoration: Projects aim to restore the ecological health of rivers by improving water quality, preserving biodiversity, and reducing pollution through effective waste management and sewage treatment plants.
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