Water Body Rejuvenation

The first human civilizations grew in river valleys. Some prominent civilisations established long ago were Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, and the Yellow River. Mesopotamia was an early civilization between the rivers of Tigris and Euphrates. The name Mesopotamia means “Between the rivers” in Greek.

Water Body Rejuvenation : Restoring Our Rivers and Water Bodies

Rivers have played a foundational role in the growth of human civilization. They offered not just water for drinking and irrigation, but also fertile soils from seasonal floods and vital connections for trade and transport. These contributions enabled the emergence of stable societies and supported the development of livelihoods beyond agriculture.

Rivers also shape natural drainage systems, guided by topography, geology, and hydrology. As key components of ecosystems and human settlements, the health of rivers is crucial for sustaining life and advancing sustainable development.

India is endowed with 14 major and 44 medium river basins, alongside more than 2.4 million water bodies. West Bengal leads in ponds and reservoirs, Andhra Pradesh in tanks, Tamil Nadu in lakes, and Maharashtra in water conservation schemes.  

These water bodies support multiple functions—from agriculture and fisheries to recreation and religious practices—and help regulate urban temperatures by mitigating the heat island effect.

However, rapid urbanization, encroachment, and population pressures have pushed India’s water bodies into crisis. As groundwater use has increased, many local surface water bodies have been neglected, often turned into dumping grounds. Urban concretization has disrupted natural drainage, leading to flash floods, erosion, and reduced base flow in rivers due to groundwater depletion.

Solid and liquid waste pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and weak enforcement further degrade these resources. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 351 river stretches in India—including parts of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra—are contaminated. The CPCB has identified the urgent need to restore India’s polluted lakes.

CDD India’s Approach to Waterbody Rejuvenation

At CDD India, we adopt a holistic, systems-based approach to waterbody rejuvenation. We examine the physical, chemical, biological, and social dimensions of each site. Every water body has a distinct ecological footprint shaped by its depth, land contours, biodiversity, and its connection with surrounding landscapes. Recognizing the interconnectedness of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, we craft context-specific strategies that value ecological, cultural, and economic dimensions.

Our approach emphasizes:

  • Integrated planning and design
  • Nature-based, sustainable solutions
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration
  • Deep engagement with communities and stakeholders

By restoring the ecological health of water bodies, we contribute to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and improved quality of life.