FINAL REPORT

URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RIVER RESTORATION

Submitted by Shraddha Bahirat

Abstract History suggests that rivers and other water sources were the most significant natural features along which the development of a settlement began. The river was not only the source of water for the developing settlements but was a major habitat sustaining green corridors in the city. But with rapid urbanisation these rivers have been straightened and culverted to provide flood protection and to make maximum use of land for housing, industry and agricultural use. These changes have often led to rivers losing their economic value and created problems of flood management, drainage, waste management and a lack of quality open space in cities today affecting the microclimate of the cities adversely. Restoring our rivers can improve water quality, tackle flooding and pollution and secure water supplies, as well as enhance the natural environment for plants and animals and help to mitigate the impact of climate change in cities. There are different degrees of restoration. Major river restoration is, in part, dependent upon urban regeneration, for it is often when an urban area is being transformed that significant opportunities arise. Indeed, river restoration is sometimes a prerequisite to urban regeneration as improved, more sustainable flood management, or a better local environmental quality, are seen as integral to transforming social and economic conditions. Therefore the study endeavours to analyse through case studies and examples of river restoration the impact of restoration on the social, economic and ecological life in the city and how the restoration of rivers has impacted the improvement in climate of the city. The study also tries to understand the various sustainable techniques used for river restoration at different scales of river restoration.

1. INTRODUCTION

Rivers and water resource has been the most predominant factors for selection of site for establishing permanent settlements since ages. It has been a source of water, for obtaining food, for transport, as a defensive measure, as a source of hydropower to drive machinery, for bathing, and as a means of disposing of waste for the settlements along its bank. These river have not only satisfied the basic human and settlement needs, but have also acted as major part of peoples social and cultural life, thus making it an integral part of their lifestyle. The rivers and the river banks have been acting as a major habitat sustaining green corridors in the city, thus maintaining the ecology and temperatures around it. But as the settlements grew the river channels have been harnessed and modified to suit the requirements of these growing settlements. Rivers have been straightened and culverted to provide flood protection and to make maximum use of land for housing, industry and agricultural use. Thus this rapid urbanisation has disturbed the ecological balance and disrupted the riverine systems and their functions in the world which is further elucidated in the section as follows. Hence it is important to understand the change and restore this ecology to achieve the dream of sustainable development of cities throughout the world. 2. Understanding Rivers, Water shed and stream orders A watershed is the land area drained by a particular stream or river.Small streams join to form larger streams in a branching pattern that forms a drainage network. Therefore, larger watersheds are made up of a joining of smaller watersheds. The different channels draining these watersheds can be designated by how many tributaries they have or by order. A first order stream channel has no tributaries,when two first order streams join; they create a second-order stream. When two second order streams join they create a third order stream and so on. One
3

can designate a stream by its order; therefore others can immediately get a concept of the size of the drainage area concerned. CROSS SECTION OF STREAM CORRIDOR In cross section, most stream corridors have three major components. Thethree main components of the river corridor can be subdivided by structural features and plant communities. (Vertical scale and channel width are greatly exaggerated.). Stream channel, a channel with flowing water at least part of the year.Floodplain, a highly variable area on one or both sides of the stream channel that is inundated by floodwaters at some interval, from frequent to rare.Transitional upland fringe, a portion of the upland on one or both sides of the floodplain that serves as a transitional zone or edge between the floodplain and the surrounding landscape.

FLOOD PLAINS The floor of most stream valleys is relatively flat. This is because over time the stream moves back and forth across the valley floor in a process called lateral migration. In addition, periodic flooding causes sediments to move longitudinally and to be deposited on the valley floor near the channel. These two processes continually modify the floodplain. Through time the channel reworks the entire valley floor. As the channel migrates, it maintains the same average size and shape if conditions upstream remain constant and the channel stays in equilibrium. Two types of floodplains: Hydrologic floodplain, the land adjacent to the baseflow channel residing below bankfull elevation. It is inundated about two years out of three. Not every stream corridor has a hydrologic floodplain. Topographic floodplain, the land adjacent to the channel including the hydrologic floodplain and other lands up to an elevation based on the elevation reached by a flood peak of a given frequency (for example, the 100-year floodplain).

100- year and 500-year floodplains are commonly used in the development of planning and regulation standards.

3. The need for River restoration Urbanisation has affected the physical process of river growth, modified stream structure and has further influenced the function of the river systems. Since 1750s with the rapid development of science and technology, promoted by Industrial revolution large-scale urbanisation has swept over the world. So far it is estimated that more than 60% of the rivers in the world have experienced high level of human modification (Allan, 1995 (Yuan Wen, 2006)River systems have now become one of the most deeply human-effected ecosystems on the earth. Urbanization causes river degradation due to theamount of impervious surface area (Paul and Meyer, 2001), which causes increased erosion, channel destabilization and widening, which leads to loss of habitat from channelization, excessive sedimentation, increases in temperature and reduction in large woody debris (Lenat and Crawford, 1994; Yoder et al., 1999; Wang and Kanehl, 2003) causing more homogeneous instream habitats. Fish and macro invertebrate diversity and density tends to decrease with increased impervious surface cover and urban areas (Jones and Clark, 1987; Limburg and Schmidt, 1990; Wang et al., 1997). Urbanization of watersheds is almost invariably accompanied by loss and alteration of aquatic habitats, two of the most frequently mentioned causes for losses of aquatic biota. Rapid urbanisation has resulted in a clear decline of drainage density and an obvious ecological degradation in river ecosystem.

Geographically, there is a shifting of urban land, and the extent of drainage density decreases from the core of towns to the outskirts. The outward expansion of the urban land and the decrease/ disappearance of the wetland and water bodies are found to be among the most important driving forces explaining the ecological degradation in river ecosystems The impact of urbanisation on the water body/ river can be studied under four categories: Hydrology Geomorphology Water Quality Habitat
6

 Hydrology The impact of urbanisation on hydrology is evident from the following facts: 1. Disruption of natural water balance 2. Increased flood peaks 3. Increased stromwater runoff 4. More frequent flooding 5. Increased bankfull flows 6. Lower dry weather flow The bankfull flooding (or the condition of the flow that fills up the channel) occurs much more frequently in highly urbanized areas and has the potential to be extremely erosive and damaging to the natural morphology of the stream.

The Stream and its floodplain before and after development Geomorphology The impact of urbanisation on geomorphology of the river is as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Stream widening & erosion Reduced fish passage Degradation of habitat structure Decreased channel stability Loss of pool-riffle structure Fragmentation of riparian tree canopy Decreased substrate quality
7

In watershed with less than 5% impervious cover stream are typically stable and persitine, maintaining good pool and riffle structure, a large wetted perimeter during low flow with a good riparian canopy coverage. With 8- 10 % impervious cover the stream is still relatively stable however erosion are more apparent and include loss of the wetted perimeter, more eroded material in the bank and debris. At 10% impervious cover the stream is more impacted. Tree roots are exposed and the pool riffle structure seen in sensitive streams is lost. Active erosion becomes much more evident at 20% impervious cover with decreased substrate quality due to more material flushing through the system

The stream having a surrounding area of approximately 30% impervious cover. The large amount of impervious cover increases the size of the stream by a factor of five to ten. In many highly urbanised areas, natural streams have been channelized to speed runoff along, but these fail to provide any habitat value. Water Quality The impact of urbanisation on the stream water quality is evident through the following: 1. Increased stream temperature 2. Increased pollutants 3. Increased risk of shellfish bed/ beach clouser Thus the increase in the density and extent of urbanisation in cities has increased the pressure on our river environment. Rivers are naturally dynamic systems, continually moving and interacting with their floodplain. This has, unfortunately, placed them in direct conflict with
8

the process of urbanisation. Once urban development moved into the floodplain, rivers were heavily modified to allow maximum land take and to provide the subsequent flood protection that these new developments required. Hence there is a urgent need to check the situation for the overall sustainable development of city. 4. What is Restoration? Types of restoration. River restoration describes a set of activities that help improve the environmental health of a river or stream. Improved health may be indicated by expanded habitat for diverse species (e.g. fish, aquatic insects, other wildlife) and reduced stream bank erosion. Enhancements may also include improved water quality (i.e. reduction of pollutant levels and increased dissolved oxygen levels) and achieving a self-sustaining, functional flow regime in the stream system that does not require periodic human intervention, such as dredging or construction of flood control structures. Stream restoration projects can also yield increased property values in adjacent areas. On a larger scale, a restoration project might include the entire floodplain, removing past structures and restoring more natural processes and channel forms to the watercourse. On a smaller scale, restoration might be simply removing the hard banks and replacing these with more natural features. Even using systems such as green roofs can contribute to restoration by enhancing sustainable drainage and biodiversity.

5. Relation between river restoration and sustainable development The major benefits of river restoration can be classified under three major heads Environmental benefits Social benefits Economic benefits

These three major head also form the major factors for defining sustainability as defined by the Brundtland Commission.

Environmental benefits Restoring the rivers original form allows the natural processes of erosion and deposition which can sustain a rich variety of aquatic life. Improving the river corridor Given space, rivers meander across their flood plains to create rich and fertile meadows. Re-creating this lost link between the river channel, its corridor and flood plain allows rivers to be part of a living green network. For example, deep-water refuge areas help to keep fish alive during high and low flows, or when the river is polluted. A healthy river corridor also allows plants and animals to move between different green spaces across the city. Improving flood storage capacity Defras consultation document Making Space for Water (2004) emphasises the importance of restoring riversto manage the risk of flooding (a risk that may beincreased by future climate change). Reinstating floodplains provides a natural increase in the flood storagecapacity of the whole river, which contributes to flood protection downstream. Slowing down the speed of water during flood events is also important as it reduces the risk of plants and animals being washed away. Addressing water quality The water quality of riversdue to urbanisation is so bad that it is the primary reason why wildlife dontflourish. It also discourages people from using their rivers for recreation. Over the past 30 years, a lot of time and money has been spent on improving waterquality in urban rivers. Approaches to this have included: 1. Promoting sustainable urban drainage systems in new developments. 2. Creating green river corridors and buffer zones through urban centres. 3. Promoting less-intensive agricultural practices. 4. Prosecuting polluters. 5. Improving sewage treatment works.

10

Water quality can still be a major factor in determining the long-term success of a restoration scheme and needs to be tackled at a catchment scale. Social benefits Re-establishing natural channel processes Local communities can benefit from river restoration schemes, especially if they are actively involved in the project from its outset. One of the aims is that all should have access to a quality natural place. River restoration certainly offers a chance to create many attractive, accessible, and quality natural areas along river corridors. Improving wellbeing Having an attractive and safe place to get away from traffic can encourage people to start exercising more and spend more time outside. For example, when the River Quaggy was restored at Sutcliffe Park in South- East London, visits to the park increased by 73% (River Restoration: A stepping stone to urbanregeneration, Environment Agency, 2002). Balancing community access and the needs of wildlife River restoration provides spaces for walking, jogging, cycling, playing, picnicking, feeding the ducks and generally connecting with nature. Children love these areas because they provide new and exciting natural environments to explore. It must be remembered that we need to maintain a balance between allowing access to wildlife and protecting sensitive or uncommon species. It is therefore necessary to preserve sheltered areas that can serve as nesting habitat and refuges for wildlife. Providing sustainable transport They ideally integrated to provide sustainable transport routes, including footpaths and Cycle ways, to help people get around safely. E.g - A network of green spaces linked by river corridors in East London is promoted through the Green Grid Strategy. Educating the community The improved natural environment and its wildlife can provide valuable opportunities for formal and informal learning, helping develop peoples appreciation of their local environment and raising their awareness of environmental issues. Signs alongside rivers can provide information about the site and local schools can visit the area on field trips. Economic benefits Generating sustainable development and attracting business Sustainable riverside development has become an integral part of many urban regeneration schemes. As more people visit a restored river, it begins to provide a focal point for local people. This can then lead to local economic development as businesses are drawn towards the more attractive and newly invigorated environments. The report Does Money
11

Grow on Trees (Cabe Space, 2005) states that property values can increase by up to 34% for new developments that have access to parks or green space. Thus the major benefits of river restoration in Urban areas includes: Improved quality of housing and landscape Improved sustainable transport - footpaths and cycleways, jogging Climate change adaptation and reduction in flood risk Improving the river corridor and green space networks Improving biodiversity Addressing water quality and land drainage

6. Case Study 6.1 Cheonggyecheon Restoration, Seoul, South Korea Location and history The 5.8-km restored stream that starts in the heart of downtown Seoul and courses through the neighborhoods of Jongno and Dongdaemun before it meets the Jungnangcheon and eventually empties into the mighty Hangang river.

Although recent history saw the Cheonggyecheon stream paved over by a concrete expressway, the clean stream as the translation goes, is older than the 600year-old city itself. Before Seoul (then called Hanyang) became the Joseon Dynastys
12

capital in the late 14th century, The Cheonggyecheon stream (originally known simply as Gaecheon or a stream) was one of several naturally formed streams that drained the ring of mountains into the Hangangriver. In 1406, King Taejong ordered the stream dredged to temper the seasonal flooding that plagued his new fortress citys residents. although its geomantic value (known in Korean as pungsu) suggested the stream should be kept clean, from early days until recently, practicality made the Cheonggyecheon stream a primary way to dispose of wastewater. During the Japanese colonial period, the stream was renamed Cheonggyecheon and became the border between the Jongnoneighborhood and Honmachi, a Japanese town. Following liberation in 1945 and the Korean War (1950-53), the area became a large slum. Soon, the clean stream was filled with human waste, trash and rising sediment and emitted a pervasive stench. Later that decade, as Seoul began its rapid industrialization, the Cheonggyecheon stream was paved over and the slums were destroyed. In 1968, an elevated highway was constructed over the old streambed, and in the 80s and 90s, the area became the noisy and dusty commercial center of Seoul. In 2003, with an eye towards making Seoul a more environmentally-friendly and livable city, the Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project got underway. and, nearly three years since completion, the Cheonggyecheon stream is widely viewed as a big success. That said, the project caused considerable opposition and controversy by displaced merchants and a previous mayor, who feared (rightly so) that the project would accelerate gentrification in the area.

13

The Restoration process Restoration Project was announced on 1st July 2001 Total length: 5.84 km Restoration of upper reaches of CGC on a long term basis Divided into 3 sections to reduce the construction schedule Covered structure and highway: 5.4 km Waste (concrete+asphalt): 872,400ton (96% recycled)

Design Criteria The design criteria was to secure the stream capacity for 200 years frequency rainfall (118mm/hr). To provide access to Water: Install sidewalks along the lower level of the bank. Basic design criteria was to secure flood capacity for 200 years frequency rainfall and introduce lower terrace to enhance easy access to water Sewer System Combined sewer system for rainfall and wastewater was designed Capacity provided: 3 times of estimated wastewater Concepts New green belt with waterfront: West to East Gradual transformation from urban landscape to natural environment Create ecological biotop and environment Thematic places: waterfall and fountains

14

Challenges The project had to face criticism and challenges from various directions especially: Transportation Neighboring Merchants Challenge 1: Transportation Cheonggye road & highway was theUrban backbone corridor with 170,000 vehicles/day moving through the road.Traffic disaster was warnedby media, interest group.Traffic simulation was done. This challenge was one of the reasons for the poject delay. Solution for transportation The following solutions were found to solve the problem Discourage driving cars in the city centre: Leave cars at home one out of 10 days Improve traffic flow system One-way streets Improve public transport: Bus-only lanes Downtown shuttle buses

Challenge 2: Neighboring Merchants Business decline was realised due to access difficulty because of traffic congestion. Worse environment would be created by noise & dust due to construction. Solutions to merchants The following solutions were suggested to provide answers to the above problem To stimulate business activity Parking fee was reduced Parking system was to be improved for loading & unloading Promote Cheong Gye Cheon stores Financial support and subsidies Low-interest loans Grants for the market remodeling Special arrangement for street vendors

15

Restoration Progress and Process The restoration began with erection of scaffolding in July 2003 to demolish the flyover as shown in the figurebelow.

The flyover was consequently demolished in Aug 2003 and in Jan 2004 the covered patch of road was also demolished as shown in figures below.

The stage 4 which constituted of laying of sewer lines, road and bridges across the stream was completed by Sep 2004 and the landscaping of the area had begun by May 2005. Thus from May 2005 till October 2005 finishing touches and minor works were carried out and the stream was finally opened for public on 1st Oct 2005. Monitoring Changes were monitored due to the project from Jan 2003~May 2006 (before, during and after the
project)

Monitoring areas Land use Industry Environment Ecology

16

 Traffic Public opinion Ripple effect The following changes were recorded in the area of traffic, ecology and environment Traffic Speed in CBD 15.5 to 3.6 km/hr (-12.3%) Morning peak: 17 km/hr Evening peak: 12 km/hr Car in/out flow 1.56M to 1.27M (-18.6%) Public transport rider-ship Bus: + 6~10 % Subway: + 6~9 % Environment Air: NO: 69.7 to 46.0 ppb (-34%) Water quality: BOD: 100~250 to 1~2 ppm Noise level reduced Heat island effect relieved Wind corrider created Ecological Many ecological impacts were monitored during the monitoring process. There was an increase in the no. of spices of insects, birds, fishes staying in the stream habitat. The insect species grew from 15 to 125, whereas the no. spices of fishes increased from 6 to 25, and the birds spices grew from 6 to 36 near the stream. Enhanced Public life The public life has enchanced tremendously after the stream has been opened for the public. It has also increased the land prices of the surrounding areas.

17

6.2 Osho Teerth Park The Osho Teerth park famously called the nala park (drain water stream) park having been conjured out of a dirty nala by the inmates of the Osho commune and is a classical example of how wastelands could be aesthetically transformed into parks and could prove a boon for our town and cities. This tastefully laid out Japanese-style garden; today stands as a significant milestone on this trajectory. The site was a piece of barren land. A nala ran through it carrying black sludge. A lot of used oils was also being disposed into it by the nearby railway yard. Human waste from a nearby slum also flowed into it. Putrid wastes emitted foul smell. Residents in the surrounding areas complained but the Pune Municipal Corporation did not know how to de-pollute it and restore life to the vacant land that skirted the Ashram. Hence a need to restore the stream and revitalise the area was felt by the commune. Therefore the Ashram management took it over in 1989 and invited a Japanese environmental firm Shunyo Foundation to revitalise the area. Shunyo brought in Nihar, a Japanese landscape artist, to create a park out of the wasteland. The nala flowed from north to south, discharging 500 gallons of water a minute at a particular point. The landscape architect first raised a barricade to keep off the cattle. It was then meshed off with iron grills to catch the floating solid garbage once it entered the proposed park. The stream was then made to course like a serpent over the land to allow maximum oxygenation of water. It was planted with water hyacinth and stocked with fish such as gambusia and silver carp which eat pollutants and mosquito larvae. It was then passed through a sand filter. The oxygenation and filtering made the water almost 90 per cent pure, perfectly okay for irrigation and fish culture.
18

Local contractors were invited to dump their debris to create hills and dales. Polished marble slabs were kept underneath the canopy of trees to create corners for meditation. Trees and shrubs that already existed on the site were pruned. Helped by Punes salubrious climate, the foliage blossomed into a thick vegetative cover. With fine hedges and pools and fountains, the Osho Park serves as an inspiration for creating an environmental project. It attracts over 1,000 visitors on a week day. Project coordinators say the key element in the planning was slowing down the water stream in order to allow the natural cleaning process to be re-established. According to them, more the water is allowed to twist and turn during its running course, more its capacity to regenerate itself and become clean. Thus the Osho Teerth Park was constructed in 1994 at Koregaon Park , Pune designed to be both a garden for mediation park and an ecological prototype for reclaiming urban wasteland. The polluted water was purified naturally, using holding ponds with selected plants and stone. The purified water is distributed throughout the garden with underground irrigation. The sparkling stream flows throughout the length of the ashram. The revitalisation of the stream and creation of the park has greatly improved the ecology and the quality of life of the surrounding areas.

6.3 Sabarmati River Front Development Location and History Sabarmati River has been an integral part in development of Ahmedabad since its establishment on its bank since 1411. The river has been an important for the city as source of drinking water, as a place of recreation, as a place for informal
19

settlements, place for washing and drying clothes, place to hold traditional Sunday markets and a place for farming. The city initially grew along the
eastern coast of the river and the development gradually spread across the river on the western side with the river playing a major part in the development of the city. However with the fast pace development of the city and the rapid urbanisation the condition of the river started degenerating with time as it became a place to dump garbage, Storm water drains spewed untreated sewage into the river, Sewage from the slums flowed directly into the river, a few nalas brought sewage into the river, Encroachments reduced the rivers flood carrying capacity, a very haphazard and dull development came up along the riverfront, the city turned its back to the river, and the river became insignificant in the life of the city .The river thus became inaccessible to the public and was abused and remained neglected for very long time.

The need for Restoration The city initially grew along the eastern coast of the river and the development gradually spread across the river on the western side with the river playing a major part in the development of the city. In due course of time it became a place to dump garbage, Storm water drains spewed untreated sewage into the river, Encroachments had reduced the rivers flood carrying capacity , Sewage from the slums flowed directly into the river . A few nalas brought sewage into the river there was a haphazard and dull development came up along the riverfront. Thus the river became inaccessible to the public.

The restoration Process In order to reconnect the city with the river the first known proposal for developing the riverfront was given in 1961 by prominent Ahmedabad citizens and the French architect Bernard Kohn. A 9 km stretch of the riverfront extending from Subhash bridge to Vasna barrage was identified and it was proposed to reclaim 162 hectares (400 acres) of the riverbed. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) set up the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL) in May

20

1997. SRFDCL planned to sell or lease out a part of it to finance the project. In 2003, it extended the project to cover a 20 km stretch from the Narmada main canal to Vasna barrage. Main features are the following: The reduction of the riverbed from a variable width of 600300 m to a fix width of 275 m, thus reclaiming 185 ha of land. The construction of RCC diaphragm walls (10-20 m depth) and anchor slabs (10 m) to prevent the riverbanks from erosion. After the finishing the anchor slab is turned in the so-called lower promenade. The construction of RCC retaining walls (2.5 - 9 m) to protect the city from flooding. The height of the walls is determined by the 100-year flood level. An upper promenade is created on top of the retaining walls. The dredging of the river bed in order to provide soil for the filling of the space behind the RCC retaining walls. At least 67.500 cubic meters are required for the filling.

The construction of interceptor sewers on both the riverbanks able to prevent the waste water to flow directly into the river and diverting it to the two sewage treatment plants of Vasna and Pirana. The relocation of slum dwellers and the provision of better living conditions to them. The first proposal was to relocate them in three sites along the riverbanks, but the plan has changed afterwards and the relocation sites are now far from the river. The use of the reclaimed land for private residential and commercial developments with a view on water to be sold to finance the project (the percentage has decreased from 20 to 15% because of the high increase of the land value), two major roads, one on each riverbank (30%), gardens (26%), promenades (6%), informal market (3,6%) and the rest for other public facilities. Restoration of Sabarmati river and by developing its river front, the thus project achieves the following goals which it aimed at the conception of the riverfront development idea: Elimination of the danger of floods in the current context of climate change. Establishment of better hygienic conditions through a new sewerage system.

21

Increase the ground water recharge through the storage of water within the river bed. Improvement of the living conditions of the slum dwellers. Renewal of the surrounding areas to cater the future development of the city.

Potential for new formal and informal commercial development

Potential for new recreational spaces like parks, promenade, open air theaters etc

Potential for organizing trade fairs etc. Created a mile of cultural institutes, museums and hospital facilities

Criticism for the project The case of the Sabarmati river shows therefore the politics of scale (Smith, 1984) around which a large debate has risen in the last two decades. Questioning one of the core issues of the Sabarmati River Front Development Project - the origin of water - a whole range of new issues come into the picture.

22

6.4 The River Brent Park Project Wembley, North West London History In order to provide environmental, flood risk and recreational benefits, this degraded river channel was restored as part of a joint initiative between the London Borough of Brent and the Environment Agency. Phase 1 of this project was initiated in 1999 and completed in 2003. Phase 2 will commence once funding has been secured. Cost Phase 1 cost 1.5 million. Partners London Borough of Brent, Environment Agency, London Waterways Partnership, London Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund, the local community. Length 2km (Phases 1 and 2) Why? 1. After the war, the river was channelized and placed in a U-shaped concrete channel with no in-channel features and no connection to its flood plain. 2. The river had no wildlife. 3. The river was prone to flash floods. 4. The river was fenced off from the public. Process Following the formation of a partnership group and a Planning for Real exercise, a masterplan was developed for the whole park. A decision was made to restore the river through the park to provide an improved environment for wildlife and people. Phase 1 restored two sections of this river by re-meandering the straightened channel along its original route, creating a backwater channel and naturalising the rivers banks. Phase 2 will link up with the earlier restoration work to enhance the entire park. The project involved a multi-disciplinary input from geomorphologists, ecologists, hydrologists, landscape architects and engineers.

23

 Benefits 1. The original channel line has been restored, along with in-channel features such as pools and riffles. 2. This has created sustainable habitats. Restoring the rivers structure has improved the diversity of plants and animals. 3. The existing level of flood protection is maintained using soft-engineering techniques that can also withstand erosion. 4. Green space provided through the installation of new paths and play areas for children. 5. Post-project appraisals continue to assess the projects success. 6.5 River Chess Chesham, Buckinghamshire History The River Chess, part of the Colne catchment, is a chalk stream, which has been modified to support its use by mills. Chalk streams are important due to their ecological value. However, they have come under threat from human impacts. The national Biodiversity Action Plan seeks to promote activities to restore these streams. This project was part of a catchmentwide scheme to restore sections of river in the Colne catchment. Partners Private owner, Chesham District Council (Planning Authority) and the Environment Agency. Length Approx 500m Cost 170,000
24

 Why? The river was over-widened and over-deepened, resulting in deep silted water with very slack flow. There was a loss of wildlife typically associated with chalk steams. A large weir blocked fish migration. Process The channel was narrowed from 15m to 2m. The river was regraded from 1:1000 to 1:700. Imported gravel was used to restore the river bed, which was narrowed from 2m to approximately 0.3m. The large weir was replaced with a fish pass. The chalk stream environment was restored, targeting water crowfootand water starwort Postproject appraisals were undertaken in 1998 and 1999. Benefits 1. Restoration of a nationally important habitat. 2. Restored habitat for brown trout population. 3. Provides a flood defence benefit. 4. Improved recreational benefits.

7. Conclusion The river and stream restoration project discussed above are truly a classical example of sustainable development through river restoration as it takes into consideration all the aspects of sustainability like ecology, environment, economy, social life of the citizens, history and culture of the city while addressing the growth trends and urbanisation within the city for the overall sustainable development of the city. Thus the river restoration in any city not only improves the quality of river and its ecology but also affects the other sphere of sustainability i.e social and economic life of the city and its citizens. From the above examples it is clear that the river restoration helps to return the valuable land for public use, recreation and general activities of the citizens; it creates opportunities to give respect to the heritage and ecology of the city as it considerably improve the air quality, water quality and the surrounding environment. It helps to orient development of the city in integration with river. It regenerates and renews all the precinct around it as it enhance the quality of life , provides economic boost to the surrounding areas , gives an impetus to improve the general economy of the city in larger context and saves the ecology by curbing the further deterioration of the river. Hence river restoration and appropriate measure to revitalise the surroundings in the cities having degenerated streams can assist to enhance sustainable development of the city and effectively contribute to mitigate climate change.

25

Reference and Bibliography (n.d.). Retrieved September Fourth, 2013, from http://sustainabilitywriter.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/the-cheonggyecheon-riverrestoration-project-seoul-south-korea/

Association, D. o. (March, 2004). Ecological River Front Design. Wasington DC: American Planning Association. centre, T. r. (January, 2009). London Rivers Action Plan. London. Habitat, U. (n.d.). Urban patterns for a green economy, working with nature. Kenya: UN Habitat. J. L. Cassin & L. Tear, R. F. (n.d.). Sustainable river restoration in urban streams using biological indicators to establish environmental flow targets in the Pacific Northwest. Khorshed Alam, D. M. (2006). Sustainibility and river restoration. 35 th Australian Conference of economist (ACE), (pp. 1-21). Perth. Paukert, J. L. (2009). Urbanization in great plains river: Effects on fishes and food webs. Wiley inter science, 1-12. Redondo, M. D. (2003). Social Impact assesment for river restoration: A more sustainable perspective. Thesis. Yuan Wen, P. J. (2006). Impact of urbanisation on structure and function of river system- Case Study of Shanghai,China. Chinese Geographical Science. http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11769-006-0002-9.pdf http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-9493.00117/abstract

26