Scenario of Indian River: An Approach to Culture Conservation

Abstract

Rapid growth of population and density of population are the main causes for the multiplicity
of problems in any region. There is a strong requirement of planning regulations in many
parts of our country. One such case study is at Yamuna River, which since time immemorial
has been a cultural heritage. People in that region interact with the river for worship
(darshan), bathing and other religious rituals which is facilitated by the surrounding Ghats.
These rituals are losing importance due to increased human activities, which has led to great
amount of pollution. Despite of spending millions of rupees, the results are very mediocre.
Moreover, cleaning rivers appears to be temporary solution to the issue. The data suggests
that the pollution is two fifty times higher than normal bathing quality. Initiatives are taken
by the Indian government to clean the river. Some models for water pollution include sewage
treatment plants, the treatment of industrial wastes, and the improving the water flow in the
river. Another issue which plays important role is the planning guidelines in which these
constructions are damaging the ancient antiquities along the river. The current perception by
the people towards the river has to be identified since it is quite responsible for any planning
approach. Also, the encroachment needs to be checked. Conserving both these aspects is
quite difficult since in India ecology and religion cross one another. The study also further
includes whether the social behavioural change is affected by the pollution. Finally, it also
examines the physical changes along the cultural landscape along the river and also
identifies the necessity for sustainable planning guideline.
Keywords: Indian River, pollution, sustainable planning approach, conservation, heritage