NEW DELHI: The World Resources Institute’s (WRI) annual flagship event, ‘Connect Karo’ was organised on Friday, September 17. Multiple reports have traced most sources of Connect Karo to urban areas, referring to which experts at the event highlighted the need for nature-based solutions and better planning to deal with the issue in cities. The experts were also of the view that metropolitan cities require securing their urban riverfronts. Experts added that rapid urbanization has created sensitive zones in urban spaces, therefore authorities should secure critical ecological and social challenges along these zones.
A book titled, ‘Guidance Note for Environmentally Sensitive, Climate Adaptive and Socially Inclusive Urban Riverfront Planning Development’ was also launched at the event by WRI-India. The book talks about conserving River Ganga under the ‘Namami Gange’ project of the Government of India. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director-General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, launched the book and said in his keynote address that water restoration is required in all its forms, including for rivers, groundwater, rainwater, or other small water bodies as well. He added that this book is a pathway to reimagine urban riverfronts as social spaces and thriving ecosystems.
Mishra said that cities need to tackle the climate crisis by adopting various conservation strategies, and since people are the most important part, connecting them with water is key. He mentioned establishment of several initiatives such as friends of river/wetlands/science club etc. These initiatives aim at providing amenities, promoting a sense of ownership for riverfronts and ghats, to transform them into pleasant spaces.
Victor Shinde, Lead, Water and Environment, National Institute of Urban Affairs, commented that sustainable economic development cannot happen without integrating rivers to the city’s planning.