Reflecting on Indore's urgent quest for Kanh restoration, on this World Rivers Day

Today on World Rivers Day, know about the Kanh River in Indore, central to the city’s development. Named after the Hindu deity Kanha, this once-pristine river now symbolises the struggles of urban waterways. The Kanh River, winding through the heart of Indore, tells stories of urban development and environmental neglect.

Since the early 1990s, Kanh has been battling severe pollution, primarily due to untreated sewage and industrial waste. Despite its religious significance and historical importance, the river has been reduced to what many describe as a vast drainage channel. The water, once clear and life-sustaining, now runs black and emits a foul odour, a testament to years of neglect and mismanagement.

Recognising the river's dire condition, authorities have launched several initiatives to rejuvenate Kanh. As part of the Smart Cities Mission, a 3.9-kilometer riverfront development project has been undertaken, aiming to restore the river's aesthetic appeal and ecological balance. In 2023, the Union Government sanctioned over ₹511 crore rupees under the Namami Gange Programme for cleaning the Kanh and its tributary, the Saraswati.

These efforts include the construction of water treatment plants, diversion of polluted water, and the building of stop dams. However, despite substantial investments totalling over 1,157 crore rupees in the past 15 years, progress has been slow and the river's condition remains critical.

As Indore marks World Rivers Day, the Kanh River stands as a powerful symbol of the urgent need for sustainable urban development. Its restoration is both an environmental and a cultural necessity for the city's residents.

The next few years will be critical in assessing whether these ambitious clean-up efforts can revitalise the Kanh, restoring it from a polluted drain to the vibrant lifeblood of Indore.