Revitalizing Pawana River: a Clustered Approach for Sustainable Development

Abstract

In the context of my own birthplace, I hold the belief that I may be part of one of the last generations to hold memories associated with the local river. I still vividly recall crossing a river, hand-in-hand with my mother, in my childhood, the water was crystal clear as I stumbled on stones to get to the other side. However, that same river, which was once a source of joy and wonder, became a symbol of environmental destruction and neglect, as I learned in my eighth-grade environmental studies class, eight years later. This stark contrast between my childhood memories and the reality of the river's pollution struck me deeply, highlighting the problem of how our cities grow without considering the impact on our natural resources. Rivers have always been an essential part of human life, serving as a means of transportation, a source of food and water, and a natural habitat for aquatic life. However, in today's world, it seems that people move across, over, and beside rivers with little regard for their well-being. Pollution in the rivers is rampant, and the aquatic life that once thrived is dying out. It is alarming to think that the very same river that provides water for our survival is being threatened by pollution. Efforts are often directed to treat rivers as problems to be solved, rather than as valuable assets that can enhance urban life. This thesis aims to shed light on the state of an urban river in Pimpri Chinchwad, a bustling industrial town located in close proximity to Pune. Through a careful examination of the traditional and contemporary association with the Pawana river, which flows through the heart of the city, a deeper understanding of the current trends of gentrification and their impact on the local community's relationship with the river are inspected. Despite the river's central location and historical significance, many residents who have migrated to the area lack any meaningful connection to it. The research seeks to identify the underlying barriers that contribute to this disconnection and to develop strategic interventions that can bring people closer to the river. By doing so, the thesis hopes to demonstrate how greater social, environmental, and economic benefits can be derived from a stronger relationship with the river.