River Indrayani

Originating from the Western Ghats, River Indrayani, travels a total distance of 92.2 km, of which 20.6 km falls in the city of , formerly a fringe area of , and now a rapidly urbanising city.

Although untouched by built interventions, the river is currently 20.6 km stretch of River Indrayani susceptible to imminent risks like floods, erosion and water pollution.

This riverfront rejuvenation project proposes interventions for the 20.6 km stretch of the river passing through this city.

Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune

India

Western Ghats Pune Indrayani River Today

Unprotected Edges Discharge of Industrial Waste Unsustainable Cultural Engagement

Heavy monsoon rains cause erosion and Industrial effluents are drained into the Stepped ghats, along which religious threaten the health of short shrubs and river, critically harming its health. Some rituals and social interactions take place, other vegetation that thrive along the river canals also bring in sewage and other are dismally maintained. During festivals, bed. Monsoons also expose the adjacent wastes. These pollutants are detrimental to the ritual immersion of deity idols into the land to flood threats. Due to erosion, the the water ecosystem and engender the river on a large scale severely maims its river edges are slightly altered every year. growth of invasive species of flora. ecological balance.

Majority of the river edge is untouched Effluents are drained into the river Poor accessibility to the river

Adjacent land is prone to flooding Growth of surface weeds due to stagnant water Isolated ghats along the river

Natural edge Retaining wall Access points Map showing existing river edge conditions Rejuvenating the Riverbanks

Existing 100 year flood level Existing Condition Existing 25 year flood Heavy flow of the river during the level monsoons causes soil erosion and siltation. River

Existing Condition Inaccessible natural Scattered Landscape edges

Raising Embankments

The river edge is protected and enhanced through landscaped intervention. A road running parallel to the river is proposed as Existing 100 year flood level per the Town Planning Scheme. The road and the proposed Existing 25 year flood level landscape buffer are raised above the highest flood level of the river to mitigate flood risks. River

Protected river edge Enhanced Elevated banks as Proposed road as landscaping flood protection per Town measure Planning Scheme

Landscaping Along the River Proposed Condition

In the proposed design, the rivers' edges are protected by minimizing irregularities and providing landscaping along the contours of the bank. The green buffer thus formed, will have some spaces Cymbopogon Dolichandrone Azadirachta reserved for public access. citratus spathacea indica Lemon grass Mangrove tree Neem tree

Reviving Water Health Curbing Water Pollution

Existing storm water discharge pipes (21)

Existing poluted discharge pipes (27) Map showing existing nallas entering Indrayani river

The Indrayani River periodically endures a toxic discharge of effluents, which paralyzes its ecosystem. In order to clean the river, it is crucial to treat the effluents before they combine with the river water. The storm water canals discharged into the river are non-polluted.

Canal carrying effluents Channelized piped outfall opening in the river Polluted canal with outlet in the river Reviving Water Health Curbing Water Pollution Existing Existing Pipeline Manholes

The design proposes curbing all the outfalls that are being discharged into the river, thus controlling the main sources of pollution.

The manholes and existing sewers on the banks, obstructing the water flow are to be realigned. Existing condition

Along with this, natural wetlands will be introduced in the river water to aid water regulation and purification processes.

Proposed condition River Land Private land

Existing storm water discharge pipes (21)

Proposed waste water treatment Map showing waste water treatment for the existing nallas entering the river Improving Public Access Providing Purpose-Built Spaces for Public Use

The river is a vital social and cultural node in the city, including a total of 69 temples and multiple ghats along its stretch of 20.6 km.

The masterplan proposes immersion tanks in certain areas along the river for specific cultural practices, like the immersion of the deity idols in water during Hindu festivals. Rokdoba Temple, Charholi Khurd Maharaj Temple, Spaces for rituals of cremation are also integrated in the design. 2 of the 69 temples present along the river

Existing ghats (16) Proposed ghats (13) Map showing existing and proposed ghats

The proposal sensitively integrates public spaces in the design, along with upgrading the existing ghats and incorporating new ones at strategic locations Retaining Optimum Water Level Provision of Barrages

The existing check-dams and weirs prevent consistent water retention and regular water flow along the entire length of the river.

The masterplan proposes upgradation of the existing solid check dams and weirs into barrages. These are proposed across the length of the river at strategic locations to ensure water retention throughout the river span. Proposed barrages with low crest level and full height gated operation will not exacerbate flood siltation and will ensure that optimum levels of water are maintained throughout the year. .

Exisiting weir

Existing condition

Enhanced landscaping Proposed barrage

ProposedProposed condition Restoring the river for the future

Green buffer along the river Proposed roads Interventions along the entire length of the river

Existing natural edge facing erosion Water contaminated Dilapidated ghats with debris /steps along the river

Protected river edge Integrated public Clean, retained spaces along the water. river