“Rivers and drains in Indian cities have become instruments of urban decay rather than renewal”. Examine the ecological and civic significance of urban water bodies and the reasons for their decline. Suggest sustainable approaches for their revival.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies
Topic: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies
Q2. “Rivers and drains in Indian cities have become instruments of urban decay rather than renewal”. Examine the ecological and civic significance of urban water bodies and the reasons for their decline. Suggest sustainable approaches for their revival. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: NIE
Why the question: Even after 75 years, over 70 percent of Indian cities don’t have a proper sewage and garbage disposal system. The infamous public works departments, which look after roads and civil works, are now the public’s worst demon. Key demand of the question: The question asks to examine the dual role of urban water bodies—both ecological and civic—and analyse why they are deteriorating. It also seeks feasible and sustainable approaches to revive them. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly mention how urban water bodies were once critical to city life but now symbolize neglect and decay. Body Highlight their ecological and civic significance in terms of flood control, biodiversity, recharge, and public spaces. Analyse the reasons for their decline—urbanisation, encroachments, pollution, poor governance. Suggest sustainable revival models like community-led restoration, IUWM, legal protection, and tech-enabled mapping. Conclusion End with a forward-looking note on how reclaiming water bodies is key to resilient, sustainable urban futures.
Why the question: Even after 75 years, over 70 percent of Indian cities don’t have a proper sewage and garbage disposal system. The infamous public works departments, which look after roads and civil works, are now the public’s worst demon.
Key demand of the question: The question asks to examine the dual role of urban water bodies—both ecological and civic—and analyse why they are deteriorating. It also seeks feasible and sustainable approaches to revive them.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Briefly mention how urban water bodies were once critical to city life but now symbolize neglect and decay.
• Highlight their ecological and civic significance in terms of flood control, biodiversity, recharge, and public spaces.
• Analyse the reasons for their decline—urbanisation, encroachments, pollution, poor governance.
• Suggest sustainable revival models like community-led restoration, IUWM, legal protection, and tech-enabled mapping.
Conclusion End with a forward-looking note on how reclaiming water bodies is key to resilient, sustainable urban futures.