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Draft:Chambal Riverfront

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Chambal Riverfront
A view of Chambal river
LocationKota, Rajasthan, India
Coordinates25°11′49″N 75°50′52″E / 25.19700°N 75.84764°E / 25.19700; 75.84764
StatusCompleted
Groundbreaking2020
Constructed3 years
Opening13 September 2023
Companies
ArchitectAnoop Bartaria
OwnerGovernment of Rajasthan
Technical details
Cost₹1200 crore
Size3 km
Leasable area6 km
Proposed2010

Chambal Riverfront is a waterfront being developed along the banks of the Chambal River, Kota, India. The project, managed by the Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Kota, spans 3 kilometers along the river and includes a variety of recreational, cultural, and commercial spaces. The project aims to enhance tourism in Kota city.[1][2]

Geography

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The Chambal River flows through the city of Kota in the southeastern part of Rajasthan. The Chambal River originates in the Vindhya Range near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh and flows northward through Rajasthan, forming part of the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh before joining the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh.

The riverfront project is located along a stretch of the Chambal River that runs through Kota. A dam on Chambal river named Kota Barrage is also near to this site. This section of the river is known for its relatively unpolluted waters compared to other rivers in India and is home to several endangered species, including the gharial and the Gangetic dolphin. The terrain around the Chambal River in Kota is characterized by its ravines, which are steep, eroded landforms that have historically shaped the region's geography.

History and Development

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The Chambal River has long played an important role in Kota's history and regional economy. Kota's development along the Chambal River dates back to its establishment, but until recent years, the riverbank remained underdeveloped in terms of tourism infrastructure. In the 2010s, the Government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with local authorities, initiated the Chambal Riverfront Project to address urban development, conservation, and tourism.

The project was formally initiated in 2019 with the goal of redeveloping the riverbanks and providing a public space that offers both recreational and economic opportunities. The project was divided into multiple phases, with the final aim of promoting tourism, providing recreational amenities, and preserving the ecological health of the Chambal River.The project began in 2020 and postponed many times due to unforeseen circumstances but now it has become a landmark in the Kota city.[3]

Design and Architecture

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The design of the Chambal Riverfront incorporates a combination of modern infrastructure with traditional Rajasthani architectural elements. The project covers an approximate stretch of 6 kilometers and includes walkways, ghats, gardens, and public spaces, with a focus on enhancing connectivity between the city and the river.

Architectural Style

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The architectural approach used in the riverfront's design draws on Rajasthani heritage. The use of materials such as sandstone and marble is intended to complement the local context, with structures that reflect traditional Rajputana designs.

Key Features

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  • Bridges: Several bridges connect the two banks of the river, providing passage for pedestrians and vehicles. These structures are designed to support the daily movement of people while providing vantage points for viewing the river.
  • Entrances and Gates: Monumental gates mark various entry points along the riverfront, many of which draw on traditional Rajasthani architectural motifs.
  • Sculptures and Installations: Public art installations and sculptures have been placed at intervals along the riverfront, many of which depict historical events or regional wildlife.

Key Zones and Facilities

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The Chambal Riverfront is divided into different zones, catering to various functions:[3]

  1. Cultural and Religious Zone
    • Chambal Ghats: The ghats provide access to the river for religious ceremonies and public events. These areas are designed for gatherings and cultural activities.
    • Temples and Shrines: The riverfront includes spaces for religious worship, with several new and restored temples situated along the river.
  2. Recreational and Public Spaces
    • Gardens and Green Areas: Landscaped gardens have been developed to provide open spaces for residents and visitors, with seating and walking paths incorporated throughout.
    • Promenades: Continuous pedestrian pathways run parallel to the river, designed for walking and recreational use.
  3. Tourism and Commercial Zone
    • Boating and Water Activities: The riverfront includes facilities for boating and other water-based recreation, with boats available for rental by tourists.
    • Cafes and Dining: Several cafes and restaurants are located along the riverfront, catering to both local and tourist populations.
    • Chambal Museum: The museum focuses on the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the Chambal River, featuring exhibits on local wildlife and historical events.
  4. Event and Performance Spaces
    • Amphitheater: An open-air amphitheater is used for public performances, cultural events, and local festivals.
    • Exhibition Halls: The riverfront includes exhibition spaces where temporary events, markets, and cultural fairs are held.


The Riverfront includes several key features:

Gardens and Parks

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There are numerous gardens and parks along the riverbank, providing green spaces for relaxation and leisure activities. These areas are planted with a variety of local and exotic plants.[4]

Walkways and Cycling Paths

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The riverfront is equipped with extensive walkways and cycling paths, making it a suitable spot for walking, jogging, and cycling.[3]

Children’s Play Areas

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There are designated play areas for children, making it a family-friendly destination.[3]

Statues and Monuments

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The riverfront have various statues and monuments, showcasing the cultural heritage of Kota and Rajasthan.[3]

Statue of Chambal Mata

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This statue is constructed with 1,200 pieces and 40 meters high and its feet alone are 4 feet tall. The statue is constructed in Jaipur and feature a waterfall from the urn of Chambal Mata.[3]

Ghats

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There are 22 ghats that showcase the culture and heritage. some of them are:[3]

Sahitya Ghat

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This ghat is shaped like a book, and 60 metres long. It have a 5-story library that house the ancestral books of Tulsidas, Kabir, Kalidas, and other Indian notable writers.[3]

Bal Ghat

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This 80 metre long ghat is dedicated for children to play. It features a water park for water activities.[3]

Hadoti Ghat

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The Hadoti Ghat is a 120 meter long stretch of prosperous architectural carvings. Various paintings from Bundi, Jhalawar, and Kota displayed at this ghat.[3]

Cultural and Social Impact

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The Chambal Riverfront serves as a public space where a variety of cultural, religious, and social events are held. Local festivals, religious ceremonies, and public performances regularly take place at various locations along the riverfront. The project also provides economic opportunities for local vendors, artisans, and small businesses, with designated spaces for markets and exhibitions.

Community involvement has been facilitated through programs that encourage local residents to engage with the space, either through participation in cultural events or through employment in tourism and service sectors.

Economic and Tourism Impact

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The Chambal Riverfront is designed to support the growth of Kota’s tourism sector. The project is part of a broader strategy to position Kota as a significant destination within Rajasthan’s tourism network. The increased tourist activity is expected to contribute to the local economy, particularly in hospitality, food services, and local handicrafts.

The infrastructure developed as part of the project, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, also aims to support local businesses and increase connectivity within the city.

Criticism

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The Riverfront project has also drawn criticism from environmentalists who have said that it will not do any good for the Chambal river.[5]

Violation of green norms

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A joint committee, constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), revealed that the Riverfront project in Kota proceeded without obtaining the mandatory environmental clearance, potentially violating regulations set forth by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.[6][7]

Rupture in river front

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Media reports published in September 2023 allegedly claimed that the riverfront could not withstand the pressure of 2.83 lakh cusecs of water that was released from the Kota Barrage on September 19, 2023 . Due to this, Riverfront had to suffer a lot of loss.[8]

Significance

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The development of the Chambal Riverfront is seen as a step towards urban beautification and enhancing the quality of life in Kota. It serves as a recreational and cultural hub, providing a scenic environment for visitors to enjoy.[9]

Future Development Plans

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The Chambal Riverfront is planned to expand further with additional features and facilities. Proposals include:

  • Bird-watching Tower: A viewing platform for observing the river’s birdlife is planned as part of future developments.
  • Additional Green Spaces: Further development of parks and green spaces is planned, with the goal of expanding public areas.
  • Convention Center: Plans for the construction of a convention center to host national and international conferences are under consideration.
  • Riverfront Hotels: New hotel developments are proposed along the river to accommodate increasing tourist numbers.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Sharma, Shashikant (2023-11-07). "Kota Riverfront Restoration - a shining example of urban riverfront revitalisation". The Statesman. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  2. ^ "चंबल रिवर फ्रंट पर कोटा वासियों एक आकर्षण का केंद्र". NDTV.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Chambal Riverfront Prepared in Kota: All You Need to Know". Jagranjosh.com. 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  4. ^ कोटा, दिनेश कश्यप (2023-09-11). "अद्वितीय कला का संगम है कोटा का चम्बल रिवर फ्रंट, देखिए इसकी मन मोह लेने वाली तस्वीरें". www.abplive.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  5. ^ "Chambal Riverfront in Kota has got a major facelift unbelievable! Watch here | TOI Original - Times of India Videos". The Times of India. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  6. ^ "Chambal Riverfront project violated green norms: Panel". The Times of India. 2024-02-16. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  7. ^ कोटा, दिनेश कश्यप (2024-02-17). "राजस्थान: चंबल रिवर फ्रंट को लेकर शांति धारीवाल का BJP पर हमला, कहा- 'दुनिया को रास आया पर...'". www.abplive.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  8. ^ "ये क्या हुआ चंबल रिवर फ्रंट का हाल... गहलोत सरकार के 1446 करोड़ रुपये के कामकाज की ऐसे खुली पोल". Navbharat Times (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-05-25.
  9. ^ "Kota Tourist Spot: 'चम्बल रिवर फ्रंट' पर हजारों की तादाद में उमड़ रहे सैलानी, न्यू ईयर सेलिब्रेशन की खास तैयारी". rajasthan.ndtv.in (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-05-25.