Protecting Cultural Heritage: Sustainable Solutions for India's Rivers

Har Ki Pauri is a ghat on the banks of the river Ganga and landmark of the Hindu holy city of Haridwar. Image © Rahul D'silva via Shutterstock

Ancient Indian civilizations once thrived along the banks of the country's many rivers, solidifying a connection between water and culture that endures to the present. Rivers have been integral to India's diverse communities, serving as essential resources for daily life and spiritual practice. Historically, these water bodies experienced an entrenched sense of custodianship; being cared for collectively by the communities that depended on them. Today, responsibility for the rivers shifts between the hands of multiple stakeholders, calling for a joint endeavor that acknowledges their cultural significance.

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