Noted water conservationist Dr Rajendra Singh speaks to Rahi Gaikwad about the challenges Mumbai rivers are facing.
Is this initiative a first of its kind to save urban rivers?
There have been many initiatives in the past 10 years. This is the first for Dahisar river. Efforts are effective when they are on a small scale. That is why the Dahisar river has a possibility of success. One half of its catchment area is in the forest (of Sanjay Gandhi National Park). The other half faces the urban threat, which needs to be addressed. What are the challenges of urban rivers?
Urban rivers face more challenges than rural rivers. There is no cultural and spiritual connection to the rivers. By building walls around rivers, the government alienates citizens from the rivers.
Would traditional conservation methods work for cities such as Mumbai?
Whether it is an urban or rural river, you need a holistic approach. Governments only talk of clogging because of plastic or pollution, but they do not address how it’s got into the river.
