13 Rivers Rejuvenation Project
Recently, the Detailed Project Report (DPRS) on Rejuvenation of 13 Major Rivers through Forestry Interventions was released.
These thirteen rivers are: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Luni, Narmada, Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna and Kaveri.
Collectively, the basin (runoff area) of these rivers is spread over 18 lakh sq. KM. It is about 7.45% of the geographical area of the country.
Features of this Detailed Project Report (DPRs):
It includes these 13 rivers as well as their tributaries. Under this, it has been proposed to start forestry initiatives in the landscapes around these rivers.
These forestry initiatives will be undertaken in the following different scenarios:
- Natural landscape, agricultural landscape, and urban landscape.
- During the implementation of this project, a ridge to valley approach will be followed. Soil and moisture conservation will be taken care of before plantation.
Ridge to Valley Approach:
- Its intent is to capture the available rainwater, direct its flow as needed, store it and use it.
- Under this, the focus is to conserve every drop of water from the top of the ridge or ridge to the valley. Thus, it reduces both the amount of surface runoff and the velocity of water to a great extent.
- Under this project mainly emphasis has been given on forest conservation, afforestation, catchment area revival, ecosystem restoration, moisture conservation, livelihood improvement, income generation, eco-tourism etc.
- These goals will be achieved by developing river fronts and eco-parks and creating awareness among the public.
Significance of this project:
The following benefits are expected to accrue from this project:
- Increase in the forest cover in the country, reduce soil erosion, recharge the water table, help in the separation of carbon dioxide, help in the recovery of non-timber forest produce, etc.
- This detailed project report is funded by the National Board for Afforestation and Ecology Development (under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).
- It has been prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research Education (ICFRE), Dehradun.
Source – The Hindu
