Indore Riverfront Restoration Initiative: Drone Survey to Identify Encroachments Along Kanh and Saraswati Rivers

Indore has initiated restoration of the Kanh and Saraswati rivers through a detailed survey and phased removal of encroachments. The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) plans to use drone technology to map out every encroachment within 30 meters of the highest flood level (HFL) of both rivers. This survey is part of a larger plan to rejuvenate the rivers, which are critical to the city's drainage and flood management system.

The IMC had conducted a survey about five months ago, identifying encroachments that have blocked the natural flow of the rivers and obstructed their flood management capabilities. These encroachments have created significant challenges, as the area around the rivers needs to remain clear to ensure proper water flow. In response, the IMC has outlined a phased removal plan, starting with structures within the identified 30-meter zone. Notices were sent to approximately 150 structures in the Kabutarkhana and Machhi Bazaar areas in June, though the actual demolition has yet to begin.

The project, which involves the cooperation of several local departments, aims to restore and protect the Kanh and Saraswati rivers, which ultimately join the Kshipra River. The project includes building sewage treatment plants (STPs) at various points along the rivers to address pollution and improve water quality. This effort is designed to ensure that the rivers regain their natural state, contributing to both environmental sustainability and improved flood management in the city.

As part of the initiative, the IMC plans to use drones for an accurate survey of encroachments along the riverbanks. This will help identify and document every instance of illegal construction. Additionally, a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared, enabling the IMC to seek funding under the Namami Gange Programme, a national initiative focused on cleaning and restoring rivers.

The removal of encroachments will also lead to the relocation of families whose homes fall within the restricted 30-meter zone. The affected residents will be relocated to housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), a government housing program that provides affordable homes to low-income urban families. This relocation process is part of the broader effort to clear the area around the rivers and enhance their ecological health.

Beyond the Kanh and Saraswati rivers, the IMC is also addressing encroachments along several key nullahs in the city. These include Bhamori, Palasia, Piliyakhal, Azad Nagar, Tulsi Nagar, and Narwal, which together span a total length of around 57 kilometers. The IMC plans to remove any structures that fall within nine meters of the highest flood level of these nullahs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve drainage and flood management systems across Indore.

The project is particularly significant in the context of the Ujjain Simhastha 2028, a major religious gathering that will attract millions of pilgrims to the region. Clean, healthy rivers are essential for the event, and the IMC's work to rejuvenate these water bodies is expected to have a positive impact on the area's environment and overall infrastructure.

In addition to these efforts, the IMC has instructed the district administration to correct land records that previously referred to the Kanh and Saraswati rivers as nullahs. This misclassification had allowed for the construction of colonies within the restricted zones, as it provided a loophole for developers to bypass regulations. 

As part of the river restoration project, these discrepancies are being rectified. Some colonies had been built within 30 meters of the highest flood level (HFL) of both rivers, with developers having obtained the necessary permissions under the erroneous classification, which is now being addressed.