Ecological Rehabilitation of the River System of Dehradun City: a Multidimensional Approach

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989 Ecological rehabilitation of the River System of Dehradun City: A Multidimensional Approach

Prateek Dhasmana1, Parminder Kaur 2, Kritika3 Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture, Chitkara University, Punjab, India 1 2 3 [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The rivers of Dehradun city are facing massive pressure due to anthropogenic activities. Dehradun city is growing in a uni direction since 1988 and due to extensive urbanization there is a lot of pressure on the hydrological system of the city. Water bodies are facing issues like encroachments, illegal mining, pollution and channelizing which had ecologically degraded these water bodies. River front development projects were introduced that are not problem solving as they in turn are channelizing the rivers thus depleting its natural ecology and biodiversity. The presence of invasive species found in the rivers are a proof of increasing anthropogenic activities. These water bodies are slowly loosing their biodiversity and majorly in the urbanized areas.

This study worked on more of an ecological approach where the ecology of these water bodies is given top priority. Taken different models used around the globe, only those examples were considered which were more into deep ecology rather than anthropogenic in nature. With the help of research couple of river system models were developed which promotes ecological well being of these water bodies. The study gives an ecological path for the effective revival of the water bodies of Dehradun city.

Keywords:Ecology, Hydrological System, Rivers, Urbanization, Pollution etc.

I. Introduction

The river system in Dehradun has always been the lifeline of the city but due to rapid urbanization after the state was formed in 2001, the river have started turning into landfill sites. The river beds are dried up and are mostly filled with piles of polythene bags and animal dead bodies that are dumped into the river. The encroachments on the river bed has increased by two folds in a decade. Most of the encroachments are by government as major units like MDDA colonies, Prasar bharti offices and residential quarters are built on the river bed. People living in the authorized coloniesstate that the unauthorized colonies near the river beds has been converted into slums thus contaminating the quality of water and creating pollution. No measures are being taken by the authorities at policy level to relocate these slums to other areas. Bindal and Rispana are important river as they channelize the rain water in rainy season thus avoiding any risk of flood. “Pushtas” have been created on either sides of the river to narrow the width of the river Studies indicate that there are at least 10,000 illegal encroachments along the Rispana River. Passenger vehicles can been on the river bed as the river has been channelized. There is an urgent need to revive these water bodies by an ecological approach rather than an anthropogenic approach. There is a need to give emphasis on understanding the nature and ecology of these water bodies and to work accordingly for their revival. Various ecological models can be used to get desired results that will lead to the revival.

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989

Fig 1.2: Study Area- Dehradun City Map

(Source: Digitized by Author)

II. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

This study is intended to reclaim the lost stature of Dehradun city, hydrological system using a multidimensional approach which includes various models and practices used for revival. This approach thus applied will help to revive the hydrological system ecologically, aesthetically, scientifically, technologically and functionally. The major objectives are as follows: • To Study the historical background and evolution of water bodies in the city. • To Study the hydrological system and its nature. • To Study the constraints and issues generating in the hydrological system. • To Study ongoing practices of development in the river system.

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989 III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• Identification of need to study and understand the concept of different hydrological revival models.

• Data collection and literature study on researches related to successful practices of river revival in India as well as abroad.

• Primary and Secondary survey i.e. field observation at sites near the chanellized and encroached river. Primary survey questions are formulated related to the participants attachment and their views about the present condition of river system in urbanized areas. The research is directed towards the shrinking river bed of rispana valley as well as determining the conditions of the people in that area and how they are affected by the river at the same time how they are affecting the river. The method of problem finding will be initiated by surveys and going thorough other researches done by various researchers in this area.

• Identification of possible development alternatives that will finally lead to the formulation of development strategies.

IV. LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review indicated that to revive any hydrological system the basic model of river revival is necessary. The basic model of river revival talks about the dynamics and components of the hydrological system. It also mentions a time dimension that is the 4th dimension which plays a key role in the structure and function of a river in a river system. Spatial pattern as well as the ecological process going in the river ecosystem also needs to be considered while reviving any river system.

H. Nienhuiset al. (2002) researched on Ecological rehabilitation of the lowland basin of the river Rhine. This study highlights the approach of Ecological rehabilitation used as a tool for river revival.This study suggests adoption of full ecological criteria rather than justhydrodynamic and morphodynamic potentials.

Cuitlahuac Hernandez-Santiago et al. (2012) investigate on the Impacts of Human Settlements on a Coastal Landscape of Rio Verde Basin, Mexico. This study indicates the impact of settlement type on its surrounding environment. Preliminary results show differential loss of natural vegetation areas depending on settlement type and land cover. These impacts can also induce changes in hydrological flows and water related impacts in the lower basin.Human settlements near Rio De Verde basin were a threat to the coastal area.

K. J. Gregoryet al. (2006) in his study on the human role in changing river channelsput forward the role of human beings in the changing the river channels for developmental purposes.Different challenges have been discussed that are caused when these river are channelized. The main reason being the anthropogenic activities like construction of dams and other developmental activities that leads to chanellization of the river channel.

Sebastian Völkeret al. ( 2011) investigate about the impact of blue space on human health and well-being –Salutogenetic health effects of inland surface waters. This study derives a positive relation between water bodies and human well being.This study is based upon a systematic, qualitative meta analysis approach of existing studies that are pertinent to blue space and well being. In a second step , inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined, after considering the primarily selected studies.

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989

Fig 1.2: Basic model of river revival

(Source: Theories and practice of river revival by D Zheren)

Fig 1.3: 4-dimension continuum model for structure and function of ecosystem

Fig 1.4: The diversity of biocenose and heterogeneity of geomorphology landscape coupling model

Fig 1.5: The hydrological regime and ecological process coupling model

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989 V. ANALYSIS

Dehradun urban area has become a regional service centre for entire region after becoming the capital of Uttarakhand state in 1999, contributing very high rate of urban growth. The whole city was divided into three zones i) Source zone ii) Transfer zone iii) Deposition zone and analysis was carried out.

Fig 1.7: Growth of Dehradun city from 1998-2008

(Source: Research paper on ‘Unprecedented Growth of Dehradun Urban Area: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis’IJARSGG (2013) Vol.1, No.2, 47-56)

1. River Ecology of Dehradun City

Rispana River is the part of the Ganga system of drainage of the valley. The river originates from the Mussoori hills, which are full of natural springs. The droplets from the springs collect and from numerous stream lets and these streamlets are joined together and form the famous shekhar falls (North of sahanshei ashram, about 5 km away). Then the Rispana flows along Rajpur Road over the down gravels and the river passes through the tiny hemlets of Nalapani, Rajpur, Chander Road, Defence colony and finally it contributes to the Suswa River which in turns joins the Ganga. Geologically: The Rispana River flows over lime stones of Mussoorie which are known as krol limestones, infrakol formations, blaini boulder bed, nagthat qartzte and finally doon gravels. Geomorphologically: Rispana river basin has leaf like outline with sub parallel drainage pattern. Rispana River is at the natural stage of development. It is resequent in origin. The river flows concordant over the geological formation and it is rejuvenated. When the river flows over the Doon Gravels, some places of it exhibits underground drainage pattern. As Dehradun valley receives about 2000 mL of rainfall per annum, the river remains perennial. The Master Plan-2025 calls for 11985 ISSN: 2005-4238 IJAST Copyright ⓒ 2020 SERSC

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989 developing these rivers banks as green belts to enhance the beauty of the city. There is an urgent need to revive these water bodies by an ecological approach rather than an anthropogenic approach. There is a need to give emphasis on understanding the nature and ecology of these water bodies and to work accordingly for their revival. Various ecological models can be used to get desired results that will lead to the revival.

2. Flaura and Fauna

Observations have revealed that a total of 56 species, belonging to 5 Orders, 13 Families and 30 Genera , represent the fish fauna of all the selected 3 streams. Of them, 6 are the new records . Family Cyprinidae was the most dominating family contributing 53% (30 species) to the fish fauna , followed by Balitoridae and Channidae, both contributing 7% each to the percentage, represented by 4 species each .

Fig 1.8: Percentage wise distribution of fish species in the valley.

(Source: IUCN 2011)

River connectivity of bindal, rispana and song river amalgamtes 41 species of fish fauna out of which Vulnerable (VU, 7%), Endangered (EN, 5%), Near Threatened (NT, 5%). IUCN (2011) “Eupatorium adenophorum an invasive species has serious environmental and economic consequences. Invasions by such species in a new area alter indigenous community composition, deplete species diversity, affect ecosystem process and thus cause huge economic and ecological imbalance.”- ENVIS Bulletin Himalayan Ecology, Vol 24,2016. Research indicates that climate change and invasive species are the two main threats to any biodiversity.

3. Water Physical Characterstics Water sample was collected and tested, the results clearly show that river water is most affected in the transfer zone as the values of Turbudity, BOD and DO are exceeding the permissible limits given by CPCB. The major reason being dumping of sewerage into the river water. The water quality is much acceptable in the upstream zone as it is the least affected area.

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989

Fig 1.9: Sample sites for water testing and population density per hectare (Source: Graphic era hill university)

Table 1: Water physical properties as per sites marked in the zones

Site TOTAL TDS (Total Turbudity PH BOD DO No HARDNESS Chloride dissolved (NTU) Sample sites Value 3mg/l or 6mg/l or (CaCo3) mg/l gm/l solids)- 1-5 6.5<8 less more or ppm gms/l 1 Shikar Falls 1490 0.0781 negligible 8.45 2.17 2.90 10.36 2 Rispana Historical 3.53 1230 0.0284 negligible 8.45 2.05 9.63 Valley 3 1.3km Upstream 1630 0.0391 negligible 8 0.56 8.68 Kathbangla 3.79 4 Kathbangla Basti 1480 0.0391 negligible 8.9 11.40 1.52 8.17 5 Near DAV College 1230 0.2485 .5 7.15 16.22 3.70 1.99 6 Chunabhatta 1400 0.1242 .1 6.9 13.52 4.57 0.50 7 Mohini Road 1350 0.1065 .5 6.95 11.53 5.75 0.12 8 Rispana Bridge 17.01 1500 0.1349 .6 7.24 6.07 0.41 Haridwar Rd 9 Kedarpur 1420 0.1029 .4 7.41 10.36 4.51 2.90 10 Doon University 2.89 1040 0.0674 .5 7.47 2.91 7.63 after STP 11 Rispana Bindal 1650 0.07455 .1 7.9 3.01 6.01 Meeting 4.26

VI. KEY ISSUES

1. River structure As per analysis River continuity is disrupted in urbanized areas due to negative anthropogenic activities which leads to river fragmentation. 2. Channelization Ariel surveys depicted that from time period of 2005 to 2017 the river has changed its form in urban areas majorly due to straightning of river channels, encroachments (Authorized and Unauthorized).

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989 3. Species Imbalance Family contributing 53% (30 species) tothe fish fauna , followed by Balitoridaeand Channidae, both contributing 7% each to thepercentage, represented by 4 species each .Cyprinus carpio (river Song, S7) are accidental catches ofexotic species and are considered as invasive species' "serious impact on biological diversity and/or human activities". In feeding, they may destroy, uproot, disturb and eat submerged vegetation, causing serious damage to native duck, such as canvasbacks, and fish populations. VII. RECOMMENDATIONS

i. Augmenting the natural flow and reviving the natural structure of the rivers. ii. Action plan to be prepared according to the geomorphology and biodiversity of the river system. iii. Strict administrative measures to be taken against illegal mining, encroachments and disposal of any waste into the river bodies. iv. Introduction of new simulation techniques for better understanding of the river ecosystem.

VIII. CONCLUSION

This study emphasized on the hydrological system of Dehradun city. The rivers of Dehradun city faced massive pressure due to anthropogenic activities River front development projects were introduced that are not problem solving as they in turn are channelizing the rivers thus depleting its natural ecology and biodiversity. The presence of invasive species found in the rivers are a proof of increasing anthropogenic activities. These water bodies are slowly loosing their biodiversity and majorly in the urbanized areas. This study worked on a more of an ecological approach where the ecology of these water bodies is given top priority. Taken different models used around the globe, only those examples were considered which were more into deep ecology rather than anthropogenic. The results obtained from various analysis of river system indicated that there is a need of deep research on the behavioural and structural pattern of these systems rather than directly applying models like river front development on these systems. In this study the most basic model of river revival was taken into consideration that majorly focussed on the river structure, its environmental flows and its connectivity/continuity. And later dividing the river into zones are then treat them to achieve desirable results. A conceptual model was prepared that lead to the formulation of development alternatives which was further strategized by matrices method to lead into development strategies for these water bodies. The final outcome lead to a conclusion that understanding of these natural systems is very important in order to rejuvenate these precious water bodies.

REFERENCES [1] Völker, S. and Kistemann, T., 2011. The impact of blue space on human health and well-being – Salutogenetic health effects of inland surface waters: A review. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 214(6), pp.449-460. [2] Kumar, S., Dutta, V. and Jain, S., 2014. Locating the Livelihood Problems for the Promotion of Sustainable Life in Slums of Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India using Ikonos High Resolution Satellite Image. IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 8(1), pp.31-36. [3] Nienhuis, P., Buijse, A., Leuven, R., Smits, A., de Nooij, R. and Samborska, E., 2002. Ecological rehabilitation of the lowland basin of the river Rhine (NWEurope). Hydrobiologia, 478, pp.53-72. [4] Gregory, K., 2006. The human role in changing river channels. Geomorphology, 79(3-4), pp.172- 191.

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 03, (2020), pp. 11981 - 11989 [5] Stichter, W., n.d. Rispana Valley Historical Area. 1st ed. [ebook] Dehradun. Available at: [Accessed 27 April 2020]. [6] Singh, R., 2016. GROUND WATER BROCHURE, DISTRICT DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND. [ebook] Ministry of Water Resources, CGWB. Available at: [Accessed 27 April 2020]. [7] Wihg.res.in. 2020. [online] Available at: [Accessed 27 April 2020]. [8] Thadhani, P., 1993. Chronicles Of The Doon Valley , An Environmental Exposé . New Delhi: Indus Pub. Co. [9] Zheren, D., 2008. Theories And Practices Of River Restoration. 1st ed. [ebook] Beijing: China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research. Available at: [Accessed 27 April 2020].

Authors

1 Prateek Dhasmana Assistant Professor Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture, Chitkara University, Punjab,India.

2 Parminder Kaur Associate Professor Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture, Chitkara University, Punjab,India.

3 Kritika Assistant Professor Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture, Chitkara University, Punjab,India.