Journal of Environmental Biology

Bridging global knowledge and local action: Urban river restoration in India- Lessons from global river restoration projects

M. Bedarkar* and K. Dhiwar     

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune-412 115, India

Received: 24 October 2025                   Revised: 19 February 2026                   Accepted: 28 February 2026

*Corresponding Author Email : madhurabedarkar@sibmpune.edu.in                    *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0983-3450

Abstract

Rivers worldwide play a crucial role in supplying freshwater, regulating local climates, conserving biodiversity, and supporting the agriculture and economic growth of nations. However, rivers across the world are threatened by increasing pollution, climate change and excessive water extraction. In 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board of India declared that more than 50% of India's 605 rivers were polluted.

Since urban rivers are more vulnerable to pollution, this study focuses on restoring a severely polluted urban river in India, the Mula-Mutha River flowing through Pune, Maharashtra, India. To develop restoration strategies for Mula-Mutha, this study examined river restoration efforts across the globe. Based on the literature review, we identified river restoration initiatives for 25 rivers across the world, and collected and analysed information regarding the stressors, objectives, interventions (both passive and active), outcomes, and distinctive features of each restoration initiative.

Based on the analysis, this study suggests five restoration strategies for rivers Mula-Mutha including: adopting a mixed-use planning approach for river restoration, accepting river restoration as a multi-year, continuous process, freeing the flood plains, political support for river restoration projects and involving communities in planning and implementation of restoration projects.

Key words: Mula-Mutha River, River restoration, Riverine pollution, Urban river

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