(26 – August, 2019)

ABSTRACT
Rivers are a very critical part of urban fabric of a city for it. It provides city with most important resource,
water, contributes to the culture of a place, its economy etc. It has been established that the rivers have
played significant role in shaping human civilizations. However, it is now seen that a significant percentage
of rivers are in an appalling state. The governments have realized that the condition is deteriorating and
efforts have been made to improve the current situation. However, these efforts have made very little
difference.

In order to bring back the lost relationship between river and city, there is a need to approach the problem
in a sustainable manner. This can be done by following a structured framework which looks holistically at
the development. The rivers in India were even not included in the master plans initially. But now with
awareness and the need, they have included them as a separate part of the master plan. There is a strong
need to include riverfront development projects in master plan in order to ensure proper development
and making them significant part of the cityscape.

The purpose of this dissertation is to propose the framework of riverfront development project that have
been developed after studying various successful riverfront development projects around the world and in
India. Or, the aim is to answer: "What could be the possible indicators for assessing future riverfront
development projects?" .The framework has been developed also keeping in mind the characteristics of a
public space and elements that are essential in maintaining river city relationship.
Who is this framework for?

The purpose of this guide is to help governments in creating a sustainable riverfront which can be best
established if it involves the community, architects, planners, water department, development authority
and other stakeholders at the planning level itself and they work together throughout in a respectful and
flexible process.

There would be certain variations in the framework proposed due to regional variation in context and climate.

INTRODUCTION
Water is the primary source of life . Adequate amount of clean water is necessary for sustenance of humans
as well as other living beings. Water has the ability to enhance life as well as it has destructive potential. In
both states: scarcity and flood, the damage caused is plentiful. With climate change, the change in
environmental patterns have cause heavy downpours leading to floods. This has caused the drainage
systems to fail and it has become a home of disease causing bacteria and virus. Hence, water systems needs
to be managed continuously. The attitude of people has changed and water bodies are acknowledged as
important elements of the city. There is an effort to work on ill effects of industrialization . After long years of
negligence we have now realised that they are valuable economic and community assets.
Rivers are powerful forces of nature which have shaped and moulded the pattern of human civilization for
ages. The mood and character of river has set the pattern of developments along its course. Rivers, being
a continuous open corridor, provides an ideal space for architectural expressions. The riverfront thus
develops as an outcome of interaction between river, city, built forms and the people.

1|Page
DISSERTATION | ASAP | B,ARCH 7TH SEMESTER | A51204016025 | VIKRANT VERMA
 (26 – August, 2019)

Rivers have defined identity of various cities. It is difficult to imagine London without Thames, Egypt without
Nile and Varanasi without Ganga. In river-based cities, the riverfront becomes the most important urban
space. It's a representation of the city's culture and architecture and reflects the nature of the city and also
its inhabitants. No riverfront city can sustain if the condition of the river is continuously deteriorating. Many
countries are struggling in economic and social development as these are very much related to water.
Issues related to water shortage and quality deterioration are increasing. Rivers, being major fresh water
source, needs to be taken care of and its development to meet various demands related to domestic,
agriculture, industrial and environment has become important.

The purpose of this dissertation is to study what identity means in respect to cities. Thereafter to study
how rivers contribute to it. It will also develop an understanding of riverfronts as a public space. Case
studies would help in identifying the characteristics of existing successful riverfronts and coming up with a
framework for future projects.

Later part of study will include a study of history of Yamuna river and its relation with Old Delhi as well as
modern Delhi. This will also include an analysis of current Yamuna riverfront development proposal along
the ITO stretch. The final outcome of this dissertation is to come up with a set of indicators which will help
in assessing future riverfront developments in India.

NEED IDENTIFICATION
Water environment problems are increasingly becoming serious across the Asia, which is witnessing rapid
growth. This is attributed to the rising human population, urbanization and economic activities. Riverine
water resources, in particular, are increasingly becoming vulnerable to quantity decline and quality
degradation due to human activities, more so in a country like India, which has as many as fourteen rivers
and several cities alongside them. River Yamuna is one of the major rivers in India and also a major tributary
to India’s largest river - river Ganges. River Yamuna originates from Yamunotri in Himalayas and traverses
through Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal in the upper stretch of 200 Km drawing water from several
major streams . It enters the plains at Dak Pathar in Uttranchal, where the river water is regulated through
weir and diverted into canal for power generation. It reaches Hathnikund/ Tajewala in Yamuna Nagar
district of Haryana state, where the river water is diverted into Western and Eastern Yamuna canals for
irrigation. During dry season, no water is allowed to flow in the river downstream to Tajewala barrage and
it remains dry in some stretches between Tajewala and Delhi. The river regains water because of ground
water accrual and contributions of feeding canal through Som Nadi (seasonal stream) upstream of
Kalanaur.

It enters Delhi near Palla village after traversing a route of about 224 Km. The river is again tapped at
Wazirabad through a barrage for drinking water supply to Delhi. Whatever water flows in the downstream
of Wazirabad barrage is the untreated or partially treated domestic and industrial wastewater contributed
through several drains along with the water transported by Haryana Irrigation Department from Western
Yamuna Canal (WYC) to Agra Canal via Nazafgarh Drain and the Yamuna. After 22 Km downstream of
Wazirabad barrage there is another barrage, Okhla barrage, through which Yamuna water is diverted into
Agra Canal for irrigation. No water is allowed to flow through barrage during dry season. Whatever water
flows in the river beyond Okhla barrage is contributed through domestic and industrial wastewater
2|Page
DISSERTATION | ASAP | B,ARCH 7TH SEMESTER | A51204016025 | VIKRANT VERMA
 (26 – August, 2019)

generated from East Delhi, Noida and Sahibabad and joins the river through Shahdara drain. The Yamuna
after receiving water through other important tributaries joins the river Ganga and the underground
Saraswati at Prayag (Allahabad) after traversing about 950 Km.

Yamuna river can not be designated as continuous river, particularly in dry season of almost 9 months, but
can be segmented into five distinguished independent segments due to characteristic hydrological and
ecological conditions. The catchment of Yamuna river system covers parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttranchal,
Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Delhi states. The tributaries contribute 70.9%
of catchment area and balance 29.1% accounted for direct drainage into the Yamuna river or to the smaller
tributaries. On the basis of area, the catchment basin of Yamuna amounts to 40.2% of the Ganga Basin and
10.7% of the total land mass of the country. River Yamuna water has several important functional uses e.g.,
Irrigation, Drinking water, Bathing water, Fisheries, Livestock use, Navigation, Aesthetics and Recreation,
and Religion and Culture.

Irrigation is the major use with the net irrigated area in the basin has gone up from 47,000 sq km to 110,000
sq km during 1950-90, although there has been a shift from traditional canal irrigation to ground water
irrigation (which is replenished by river Yamuna and rains) (Narula et al 2001). The population of the basin
has grown from 51 million to 131 million at 2.4 per cent during 1950-1990 and Delhi, in particular, has
grown at 4 per cent, while level of economic development in the basin is high and diverse (Narula et al
2001). Water use has risen from 1000 MCM to 4000 MCM during this period. Drinking water is the next
most important use and rising population reflects a rapid rise in domestic and drinking uses. Likewise,
industrial use has also risen as a result of rapid rise in number of large and medium scale industries, which
numbered to almost 10,000 by 1990s (Narula et al 2001). Besides acting as a supportive resource for use,
river Yamuna also renders service as a sink by assimilating wastes originating from domestic, agriculture
and industrial activities.

Yamuna flows through the states of

Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh,
before merging with the Ganges at
Allahabad. World famous cities like
Delhi, Mathura and Agra lie on its
banks. On the basis of hydrological
and ecological conditions Yamuna
has been classified into five
segments that are Himalayan
Segment, Upper Segment, Delhi
Segment, Eutriphicated Segment
and Diluted Segment [1]. Table 1
show the area covered under these
segments, while Table 2 shows the state wise land use pattern of the catchment area of river Yamuna. After
origin Yamuna river flows through several valleys for about 200 km in lower Himalayas and emerges into
Indo-Gangetic Plains.

3|Page
DISSERTATION | ASAP | B,ARCH 7TH SEMESTER | A51204016025 | VIKRANT VERMA
 (26 – August, 2019)

YAMUNA AS A ECOLOGICAL HERITAGE

However, the river is part ecological heritage of the city which is older and much more important than the
built heritage which is artificially created .The ecology of the Yamuna is in some parts unique to the river
course in Delhi. The biodiversity of flora. and fauna native to Delhi is created by the Yamuna. It is estimated
that a majority of species of birds survive only in few parts along the river. Most of Delhi's avian community
resides on the banks and flood plains .This ecological sphere is more ancient and significantly more delicate
than the built heritage. Along with the ridge area, the Yamuna forms an essential green cover for the city of
Delhi. It also has a cooling effect and helps to keep in check Delhi's harsh summer. (Nandi 2015) The threat
to this habitat is from industries, river pollution and urban development which does not attempt protect the
river development next to the river needs to be such that its provides opportunities for the safeguard of the
river and promotes future interest in it.
The River ecosystem is misused in the name of development by treating them as wasteland instant of
providing a sustainable built environment which safeguard the eco system and provide a space for the city.
According to the Manoj Mishra of Jamuna Jiye Abhiyan (Sharma 2007), there are no legal protection measure
as a 2007 in place to protect the River habitat does vital part of the River ecosystem was sacrificed to un
checked and unhealthy development which harmed the River. These were essential for recharging
groundwater moderating floods and it is habitat of various flora and fauna. These development have since
its been stopped and the current legal opinion of the issue is undecided. Various agencies and government
bodies have since attempted to provide development solution with some been taken for the
implementation. However all such activities have been suspended One direction issue by special community
set up to evaluate protection measure for the River (Babu 2013).
The present scenario is such that the River flow through the city ignored by its citizens. The River remain
relevant to the populace on occasional time only. The association of the river with the river is not a regular
one. The riverfront currently has a variety of uses along the bank but very few make the River accessible to
the public. There are thermal power plant, indoor stadium, STPs and Crematorium which me which marks
next to the city. The population of the city has limited dialogue through the accessible public space and
activities with the river. The prime location along the River which may be significance as the most accessible

4|Page
DISSERTATION | ASAP | B,ARCH 7TH SEMESTER | A51204016025 | VIKRANT VERMA
 (26 – August, 2019)

to the public or occupied by the power plant and industries. Current land use along the River is due to
rampant and Uncheck development in the flood plain and riverbeds prior to 2007. The Akshardham temple,
Commonwealth Games village, and the Millennium Depot were attempt at the riverfront development but
they have come the River by occupying valuable flood plains. The riverbed is thretened by housing or
commercial complexes which have come on the East bank. A number of ponds and Lake have died up. They
are no longer rechargeable by flood water since they are severed by the construction activities.

CONTEMPORARY APPROACH
The cultural and religious value of the river is exemplified by the various tradition and ceremonies which are
performed on bank by various communities. The ghats of the city from a major part of daily life and
contribute to the image of the city. They form tourist attractions and are responsible for the unique
characteristics. The architecture of the city orients itself and responds to the active and daily use of the river.
Certain religious connotation is associated with the spaces along the river but cottage industry and
residential also exists.

In contrasts, city in other countries have had more passive approach to the their Riverfronts. The bank are
not made for activities engaging with the River. However activities which allow the uses to engage in activities
which are associated with the river may be present. Passive activities which do not have a religious aspect
may be present. The approach is to be create infrastructure and public architecture which may create the
riverfront into a leisure zones for the city.

RIVER-CITY RELATIONSHIPS
The river-city relationship can thus be summarised broadly as follows :
• Suppliers of fresh water to the city
• Carriers of rainwater and wastewater
• Rivers are entry corridors of acity
• Means of transportation of goods and people
• Source of employment for people associated with water-related business activities like fishery.
• Rivers are site for religious activities in many Indian cities. It becomes major source of income.
• Rivers are also sometimes major tourist attraction and hence becomes an important
source of income.
• Rivers banks have also been sites where initial agricultural lands came up.
• Rivers acted as natural defense

• Rivers also connected cities together to allow for transportation from one place to another and to
promote trade.

5|Page
DISSERTATION | ASAP | B,ARCH 7TH SEMESTER | A51204016025 | VIKRANT VERMA
 (26 – August, 2019)

INFERENCE
Riverfronts help in connecting the people living in a city with its river. It is an interface between the city and
the river. The riverfront may or may not contribute to the identity of the city.. However, a good riverfront
development should integrate river with its city and make its people identify with the river.

Riverfronts are public space accessible by all. A public space is a gathering place which helps in promoting
social interaction and sense of community. There are minimum standards for a "good" public space which
may be relevant to riverfronts as well.

While designing a good public space, the following questions should be answered in order to meet the
minimum standards:
• What are the landscape features of the space and how can they contribute to the essence of the place.
In our case how can the river and the adjacent biome(if exists) contribute to the special nature of
the place?
• How is the space accessible by people? Is it pedestrian friendly or is accessed by transit, bicycles or
other means? Does the space welcome people the physically disabled?
• How does the space facilitate multiple activities?
• How does it contribute to the surrounding community?
• Does it provide visual experiences and vistas?
• What makes this place extra-ordinary and memorable?

REFERENCES
Baumol, W. J. and Oates, W. E. (1975). Economics, Externalities, Public Outlays, and Quality of Life.

Prentice-Hall Publishers, New Jersey, USA

CPCB [Central Pollution Control Board]. (1978). The Ganga basin, Part I: The Yamuna sub-basin, Central Board
for Prevention and Control of Water Pollution , New Delhi, India

CSE (1999). State of India's Environment: The Citizens' Fifth report - Part 1. Anil Agarwal, Sunita Narain, and
Srabani Sen (Eds), Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, India

MoEF(2003). “White Paper on Water Pollution in Delhi”, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government
of India, New Delhi (http://envfor.nic.in/divisions/cpoll/delpolln.html)

Munasinghe, M. (1995). "Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development". World Bank

Environment Paper No. 3, The World Bank, Washington DC, USA.

Narula, K. K., Wendland, F., Bhujanga Rao, D. D. and Bansal, N. K. (2001). “Water resources development in
the Yamuna river basin in India”, Journal of Environmental Studies and Policy 4(1): 21-33.

NEERI (1997). Water resources accounting in Yamuna river sub-basin, Submitted to MOEF, New Delhi
Stonehouse, P. D., Giraldiez, G.and van Vuurev, W. (1997). "Holistic policy approach to natural resource

management and environmental care", Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, Vol 52: 22-25.

6|Page
DISSERTATION | ASAP | B,ARCH 7TH SEMESTER | A51204016025 | VIKRANT VERMA
 (26 – August, 2019)

7|Page
DISSERTATION | ASAP | B,ARCH 7TH SEMESTER | A51204016025 | VIKRANT VERMA