‘Need to make people aware of importance of streams’

PUNE: “Most of the river restoration and rejuvenation projects focus on widening or deepening the river basin and getting rid of waste and silt from it. However, they forget to revive and protect the live streams supplying water to these rivers. We need to protect these streams, springs and rivulets if we wish to save our rivers,” said city-based hydrologist and author Upendra Dhonde.

Dhonde recently wrote a book on the rivers in the cities that have faced the wrath of extensive urbanisation and failed garbage management. He emphasised on protection of streams which provide water to these rivers all around the year, even after monsoon.

“According to records, Pune has at least 170 live streams. However, as of today, we cannot point out more than 17 to 18 of them. Where have the other streams disappeared? The city administration does not have any answer to that,” Dhonde said.

He added, “When we talk about rejuvenating a river, we cannot just work on the river bank, but also think about its catchment area, and the different sources from where it gets water. We should also look into the encroachment over the streams and rivulets that supply water.”

The purpose of his book, he said, was to create awareness about these streams amongst people.

“The streams can still be saved. We need to make people aware of the importance of these streams so that any kind of encroachment over these can be reported. Only when people start reporting and talking about this, the government will start caring,” Dhonde said.

BAVDHAN STREAM
Environmental activist Shailendra Patel, who has been protecting and fighting for the Bavdhan stream that provides water to Ramnadi, said that despite several pleas, no action has been taken by the government for protection of the stream.

Patel further said, “I have been following for several months now, but have received no response from the government. Authorities say they will look into it, but take no concrete steps. While the Ramnadi restoration is going on with full fervour, we cannot neglect the streams that keep the river flowing throughout the year.”