Rivers and Water Issues
Ganga Documentation
Documentation of the main stem of the Ganga River from Gaumukh to Bay of Bengal for National Mission for Clean Ganga [NMCG]. NHD is working closely with support from NMCG in documenting various aspects of natural heritage, intangible cultural heritage and architectural heritage. The project involves listing, surveying, documenting the above-stated aspects in a 10 km. wide corridor spanning 2525 km. and 58 districts from source to sea. Historical literature is being supplemented with field work bringing to light several interesting and little known facts which would also have a bearing on current policy making.
Conservation Plan for River Hindon
Hindon River – a 400 km long tributary of Yamuna river has become a toxic drain carrying effluents of a no. of industrial units – poisoning the surface as well as groundwater all along its course with little or no biological life left. Considering the situation, a study was carried out highlighting the ecological, hydrological as well as institutional issues to prepare a comprehensive plan for its restoration.
Delhi Water Policy
Delhi is dependent externally on water resources with little of its own. There has never been a comprehensive strategic approach to the water sector. As an initiative INTACH prepared Delhi’s Water Policy by Identification and Conduct of Primary Surveys; Appreciation and Assessment of Infrastructure and Identification of Critical Gaps; demographic projections, demand and supply equation, holding stakeholder workshops, carrying out research etc.
Blueprint for Delhi’s Water Augmentation (1995-1998)
The 1500 sq.km. of NCT Delhi relies majorly on external water resources. This project involved identification of macro rainwater harvesting options like paleo-channels, lineaments and artificial recharge sites. Several projects delineated in the Blueprint have been implemented by the Government so far. On similar lines blueprints were drawn for Jamnagar and Rajkot towns in Gujarat.
On-Channel Storage and Recharge on Najafgarh Drain
The project involved retaining monsoon discharge and local area runoff in the 30 kms long storm water channel. The augmented percolation has resulted in dilution of brackish water quality resulting in improved groundwater availability for agriculture. The area has also become a habitat for migratory winter birds.
Groundwater Recharge Strategy for Delhi
The project focuses on augmentation of depleted water table of Delhi as part of Disaster Management strategy. The project involved identification of paleo-channels, lineaments and artificial recharge sites combined with the use of tertiary treated wastewater for regular recharge and emphasizes use of recycled water as substitution for groundwater to retard extraction.
Masterplan for artificial Groundwater Recharge
Groundwater depletion is the bane of our cities. Without sustainable Groundwater use cities would face scarcity of this vital resource. Accordingly, INTACH was asked by Delhi Govt. to prepare a Master Plan for Artificial Ground water Recharge for NCT, Delhi 2016, The plan is under consideration for implementation.
Study of Yamuna stream ecology
Field study involved documentation of the ecological characteristics of River Yamuna in Delhi NCR region. The study attempted to plug the existing gaps on the ecological baseline status of the river. The findings are compiled into a publication.
The Betwa River Basin
The Betwa river is known as the Ganga of Madhya Pradesh. Despite being a prominent river it has been greatly understudied. As it is part of the controversial Ken-Betwa link it was felt that more needs to be known about the Betwa and this study, based on field work and secondary data, is an attempt to close the gap. The study adopts a basin approach and concludes that the Betwa basin, if it uses it ts water prudently, does not need water from the Ken river.
