Once upon a time, the Dahisar River was a picturesque spot in Mumbai, where some of Bollywood’s most iconic films were shot. Over the years, however, it turned into a polluted gutter, and the city lost one of its most beautiful natural spaces. But it looks like things are about to change, as the river is set for a riverfront-style transformation, and here’s all you need to know about it.
Sabarmati Riverfront-Like Revamp For Dahisar River?
According to Hindustan Times, Mumbai is planning a Sabarmati Riverfront-style transformation for the Dahisar River. The proposal is part of a larger rejuvenation and beautification initiative, which will cover a 4.5-km stretch along both banks of the river.
On Sunday, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said the project will go beyond mere aesthetic upgrades. Plans also include decorative lighting, a boating facility, and the development of the riverfront as an eco-tourism and recreational hub for North Mumbai.
Further, to ensure the river flows year-round, plans are in place to set up seven rainwater harvesting facilities within Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where it originates.
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Here’s All You Need To Know About The River Rejuvenation Project
The Dahisar River rejuvenation project was first conceptualised in 2014. With an estimated cost of ₹246 crore, the initial plan included constructing boundary walls, developing service roads, building roadside drains, clearing slums along the river, laying a sewer network, and setting up sewage treatment plants. However, around 100 slum structures at Sainath Nagar are yet to be cleared, according to Hindustan Times.
The good news is that the project is now nearing completion, with the first phase reported to be 99% complete. A few stretches of sewer lines, service roads, and roadside drains are still pending, largely due to encroachments along the riverbanks.
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We can’t wait to see the complete transformation of the Dahisar River!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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Where does the Dahisar River originate?
It originates inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park and flows westward into the Arabian Sea at Dahisar Creek.
Why is the Dahisar River important?
The river plays a key role in Mumbai’s natural drainage system and supports local biodiversity within and around the national park.
What is the Dahisar River rejuvenation project?
It is a redevelopment initiative aimed at cleaning and restoring the river, improving sewage infrastructure, removing encroachments, and developing surrounding areas.