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CHAPTER 8

The Indian River Revival Plan:

Approaches and Strategies

Rivers as we have seen through earlier chapters need to be revived.
Pollutions, dams, construction in bay areas and encroachments have

really made the rivers non-existent in certain parts. This chapter
makes an attempt to revive the rivers. Large river systems make up
one of the most fundamental life-support systems that have kept
civilizations alive. It is predicted that rivers will play a crucial role in

determining how long human civilizations will survive. One of the
main sustainability agendas will be the development of dynamic
strategies for the management of natural freshwater systems on a
planet where the human population is predicted to nearly double by

the middle of the century and which is also likely to be affected by an
unprecedented rate of global change. Civilizations have thrived in the
South Asian region for more than 5,000 years, creating a population
hotspot that is abode to nearly a sixth of the earth’s population. As

a result, there have been numerous human interventions and effects
on the local freshwater systems. Therefore, a holistic perspective that
emphasises the interdependence of the land, water, and humanity
is required for understanding water issues and water security in this

region. Understanding big river systems is crucial for ensuring their
futures and, by extension, our own futures, as they are a lifeline

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