Rethinking River Centric Micro-Planning Approach along with Rejuvenating Freshwater Ecosystem
: A case of Nag River, Nagpu
Urban rivers are defined as “those rivers that have been folded into the process of urbanization, whether flowing through urban centres or not” (NIUA,2020) and are vulnerable to the rising rate of urbanization in Indian cities. Naturally, the rate at which urban rivers are getting contaminated due to human-centric activities is a very serious concern that needs immediate attention. Nagpur (whose name is derived from the Nag River) the city located in the heart of Central India is facing a similar situation where rapid urbanization is impacting the Nag River. Today, Nag River does not meet the criteria for irrigation, bathing and propagation of wildlife and fisheries according to Central Pollution Control Board (NEERI, 2019). Since the river is polluted due to the dumping of sewage there is no thriving river ecosystem present today. With two-thirds of the entire stretch flowing through the Old City and the CBD area, the case of Nag River rejuvenation is a challenge. Nagpur’s Old city fabric within the vicinity of Nag River provides an opportunity to look at the rejuvenating river with an altogether unique approach.
