Eco-friendly Interventions for Riverfront Development
2020
On 1 May 2020, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), organized an Ideathon titled “The Future of River Management.” Conducted during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ideathon provided a crucial opportunity to reflect on how the global health crisis had drawn attention to the intricate links between human activities, public health systems, and the health of natural ecosystems—particularly riverine environments. The event was envisioned as a platform to examine these interconnections and derive meaningful lessons to guide the future of river management in India.
The primary goal of the Ideathon was to use the unique conditions created by the pandemic as a lens through which to explore more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient river management strategies. Participants were encouraged to rethink traditional models of river governance and identify innovative, community-based, and ecologically sound approaches that could be adopted in both the short and long term. By recognizing rivers as dynamic, living systems that are deeply intertwined with the socio-economic fabric of urban life, the Ideathon highlighted the urgent need for integrated planning and river-sensitive urban development.
The event brought together a wide range of participants, including urban planners, policy experts, environmentalists, researchers, engineers, and civil society representatives. This multidisciplinary gathering created a vibrant environment for cross-sectoral dialogue and knowledge exchange. Participants contributed by sharing experiences, offering technical insights, posing critical questions, and suggesting context-specific solutions. Discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, such as decentralized wastewater treatment, restoration of natural river flows, nature-based solutions, urban-river interface planning, and participatory governance models.
The outcome of the Ideathon has been documented in this compilation, which captures the responses, reflections, and ideas presented during the event. More than just a summary, this document serves as a knowledge resource and strategic guide for policymakers, urban practitioners, and local governments. It aims to inspire city-specific planning efforts that prioritize river health, integrate ecological concerns into urban development, and engage communities in long-term stewardship of water resources.
Ultimately, this document contributes to the larger mission of fostering river-sensitive cities—where rivers are not merely seen as infrastructure elements or waste conduits, but as vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, cultural heritage, economic activity, and overall urban resilience.
