Recreational and fitness activities take a hit at Sabarmati Riverfront

It’s Ahmedabad’s hotspot. Sabarmati Riverfront has been the go to place for fitness conscious Amdavadis. Joggers running in the beautifully landscaped gardens early in the morning or cycling enthusiasts riding down clean cemented walkways in the evenings show its huge popularity. A recently introduced service where you can hire bicycles has further increased the number of people now heading to this place.Weekends here are even more eventful with speedboat rides being the hot favourites among Amdavadis. And as the mercury rises, the riverfront has yet again become home turf for budding cricketers who gather here for a game of cricket or two every morning.
While this hub of fun, fitness and recreational activities attract a large number of people on a daily basis, the riverfront sure poses some pertinent questions when it comes to providing a clean and pollution free atmosphere. A recent survey by Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) revealed that pollution in Sabarmati river has risen to alarming levels and the water is nothing but a mix of toxic chemicals and drug-resistant microbes at several locations. Out of the eight locations where the samples were taken from, the study showed high level of pollution in the water at Sabarmati Riverfront area as well. An 11 km long stretch of riverfront on either side of the river has been embellished with well-maintained gardens and clean pavements, but the water along this stretch lacks basic cleaning and maintenance. The report also suggests that the effluents being dumped into the river by the industries do not meet the effluent norms. Amdavadis raise their concern about water pollution.
Recreational activities are facing the heat
All those who head to the riverfront to exercise or simply to take a stroll in the evening, feel that even though the beauty of a river flowing through this stretch makes for a sight to behold, knowing that the water is polluted is a complete turn off. They feel that the water should be cleaned. Says actor Mayur Chauhan, “I go to the riverfront quite often and it’s one of my favourite places in Ahmedabad. But while it has been maintained well otherwise, the water should also be kept clean.” Kartikeya Sarabhai, founder and director of CEE, says, “When the authorities want to promote water sports, at least the water should be clean enough. If this is not addressed, I am sure no amount of planning to promote recreational activities will help.”
Authorities’ take
When contacted, Jagdish Patel, general manager, Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL), says, “Water near riverfront is not stagnant as it keeps changing whenever fresh water is released into the Narmada main canal for irrigation. So, the quality of water and pollution level changes whenever water is released.” Mukesh Kumar, vice-chairman and CEO, Gujarat Maritime Board adds, “A few Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) are in progress near Shankar Bhawan, Shahibaug – Dafnala and Jal Vihar. All the sewerage coming into the Sabarmati gets treated at STPs. Even the National River Conservation Directorate is funding this project. Once these plants become operational, no sewerage would be coming to the riverfront without being treated and the water will remain clean.” So, while the Sabarmati Riverfront shines through the skyline of the city, the water collected for its beautification remains an area of concern.