28.02.2018 Views

Revitalization of Rivers in India Draft Policy - Isha Guru Jaggi Vasudev

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

<strong>Revitalization</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Rivers</strong> In <strong>India</strong><br />

<strong>Draft</strong> <strong>Policy</strong> Recommendation<br />

flood control requirements and river channels could be naturalized <strong>in</strong> significant<br />

areas.<br />

Three goals complement the efforts to restore function<strong>in</strong>g river ecosystems:<br />

●●<br />

E nhance flood storage – focuses on <strong>of</strong>f-channel storage <strong>of</strong> peak flood flows<br />

<strong>in</strong> order to reduce flow velocities, which is a necessary precondition for<br />

ecosystem restoration;<br />

●●<br />

enhance water quality – seeks to improve the quality <strong>of</strong> water through the<br />

implementation <strong>of</strong> a comprehensive, landscape-based system for filter<strong>in</strong>g;<br />

●●<br />

restore the ecosystem functions – aims to restore the natural ecosystems<br />

affected by human activity and restoration <strong>of</strong> these ecosystems function.<br />

ACTIVITY 4: CAPTURE COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES<br />

In the past, communities have turned their back on the River, view<strong>in</strong>g it as<br />

an unsafe, unpleasant place that primarily functions to transport flow and to<br />

form a waterway. Constant danger <strong>of</strong> floods and the desire to obta<strong>in</strong> land for<br />

urban development and economic activities safe from flood<strong>in</strong>g have led to<br />

extensive damm<strong>in</strong>g and dra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, elim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g large areas <strong>of</strong> floodpla<strong>in</strong>s, and<br />

affect<strong>in</strong>g natural ecosystems. These works had negative consequences for local<br />

communities near the river, who lost their identity and traditional occupations.<br />

The restoration <strong>of</strong> lateral connectivity will create new opportunities for local<br />

riparian communities.<br />

The study will identify opportunities to engage residents <strong>in</strong> the community<br />

plann<strong>in</strong>g process:<br />

●●<br />

Engage residents <strong>in</strong> the community plann<strong>in</strong>g process and consensus<br />

build<strong>in</strong>g;<br />

●●<br />

Provide opportunities for educational and public facilities;<br />

●●<br />

Cultural heritage <strong>of</strong> the river and foster civic pride; create value.<br />

Core elements <strong>of</strong> this pr<strong>in</strong>ciple <strong>in</strong>clude the goal <strong>of</strong> improv<strong>in</strong>g the quality <strong>of</strong> life<br />

by provid<strong>in</strong>g new opportunities for traditional economic activities and jobs. River<br />

<strong>Revitalization</strong> can <strong>in</strong>troduce a broad range <strong>of</strong> benefits that will enhance Danube<br />

Annexures<br />

411

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!