Page 10 - Sugam Sarita

based book Sugam Sarita led by students and faculty teams at
IMDR. The book throws light on the various connection between
rivers and livelihood, economics, and ecology. The meticulous
research by the majority of the students on the Mula and Mutha
rivers and a few more rivers around Pune city shows the importance
of connecting with the rivers.

The initial chapters describe the rivers in research more in detail
and add the required background for the book. These chapters
outline the current status of rivers. Students collected empirical
data which was analyzed and later presented in the chapters. Rivers
have a deep impact on society. The book further outlines rituals
and traditions which are still associated with rivers and the section
of society which still has livelihoods dependent on rivers.
Recreational activities, fishing, and agriculture were few directly
river-dependent activities and the industrial ecosystems which were
also dependent on rivers for water as resources were also considered
for the studies.

The study also helped to understand the water pollution aspect.
Water Pollution is now a harsh reality. The research analysis
depicated alarming results. If the current state continues then we
may not have potable water and soon water will turn into currency.
The book has about three dedicated chapters which talk about
biodiversity around the rivers, waste management of rivers, and
pollution as they are interconnected. Industries are always the
backbone of the growth engine. The research analysis of the
industries around rivers has shown that leather, textile, and pharma
are the major water-centric industries. The Waste Management
chapter outlines the various efforts taken by the respective
governments and also addresses the issues of waste management in
rivers.

Transport is life line of growth National waterways project –Jal
Vikas Marg Project has been initiated to bring trade benefits, the
local community’s enhancement and passenger facilitation will
also ensure large-scale skills development and boost public/private