Across Indian cities, riverfront projects are booming—from Pune’s Mula-Mutha to Delhi’s Yamuna. However, experts warn these developments harm river ecosystems and prioritize aesthetics over ecological health.
In Pune, around 800 citizens recently protested against the Pune Riverfront Project, which began in 2017. The Pune Municipal Corporation plans to construct embankments along a 44-km stretch of the Mula-Mutha River to mitigate flooding and reduce pollution. However, critics argue that focusing on construction neglects crucial sewage treatment issues. Pune currently treats only 600 of the 930 million liters of sewage generated daily, with just nine functional treatment plants.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Development Authority’s Yamuna riverfront project aims to improve water quality and create recreational zones. Despite slow progress since 2010, the project gained momentum after the Bharatiya Janata Party prioritized its development in February.
Inspired by Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront, cities like Kota, Patna, and Hyderabad are following suit. Yet, experts argue that replicating this model fails to address India’s unique river ecosystems. Priyanvada Gambhir, a protestor in Pune, emphasized the need to prioritize sewage treatment over beautification. Experts advocate for holistic river rejuvenation, focusing on improving water quality rather than constructing embankments and walkways.
