Sabarmati on the Brink: Reviving Ahmedabad’s Lifeline through Earth5R’s BlueCities Model

Setting the Context

Flowing through the heart of Ahmedabad, the Sabarmati River has for centuries been more than just a water body — it has been the city’s cultural spine and economic lifeline. 

Originating in the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan, the Sabarmati traverses around 371 kilometers before merging into the Arabian Sea, passing through key urban regions of Gujarat.

In 1411, Ahmed Shah established Ahmedabad on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati, recognizing its ecological and strategic importance. Over time, the river became deeply intertwined with the spiritual, economic, and civic identity of the city. However, modern urbanization has strained this historic river to its limits.

Despite interventions like the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project, which aimed to revitalize the riverbanks into recreational and commercial hubs, the core issues of pollution, ecological degradation, and water scarcity remain. 

In fact, reports revealed that untreated sewage and industrial waste are routinely dumped into the river, reducing it to a seasonal drain in several stretches.

In 2023 alone, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board issued notices to 61 entities, including the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, for contributing to the river’s contamination. To combat this, initiatives such as smart sensor deployment for pollution control and the push for treated water reuse have been introduced. Still, these efforts fall short of a systemic, long-term restoration strategy.

This article explores the Sabarmati’s challenges and lays out a blueprint for its revival through the Earth5R BlueCities Model, which combines data-driven environmental planning, community participation, and circular economy principles to regenerate rivers and restore urban sustainability.

Key Problems Facing the Sabarmati River

Despite its historical and cultural significance, the Sabarmati River today is plagued by multiple environmental issues. These problems are the result of unchecked urban expansion, inadequate waste management, and insufficient environmental governance in Ahmedabad and surrounding areas. 

Sewage and Wastewater Pollution

One of the most critical threats to the Sabarmati is untreated sewage. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ahmedabad generates over 1,200 MLD (million litres per day) of sewage, but the city’s treatment capacity remains insufficient. 

The Sabarmati River originates from the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan and flows through Gujarat before draining into the Arabian Sea. It holds cultural and historical significance, especially in Ahmedabad, where the Sabarmati Ashram and Riverfront Project are located.

In several stretches of the river, untreated sewage continues to be released, significantly lowering the river’s water quality. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in parts of the Sabarmati has consistently exceeded safe limits, indicating the presence of organic pollutants.

Solid Waste Dumping

Solid waste is routinely dumped into the Sabarmati by local residents, construction sites, and industries. The river acts as a convenient but dangerous dumping ground for plastic, construction debris, and domestic garbage. 

The lack of effective solid waste segregation and management in Ahmedabad exacerbates the problem. In many locations, particularly near informal settlements, the riverbanks are choked with plastic waste, reducing the flow and aesthetics of the river.

Water Quality Degradation

The Sabarmati River has suffered severe water quality degradation, especially downstream of the Vasna barrage. Tests conducted by the CPCB revealed alarmingly high levels of BOD and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in the river, confirming the presence of untreated sewage and industrial waste. 

In some stretches, the water is black, foul-smelling, and visibly polluted—posing risks not only to aquatic life but also to public health.

Loss of Biodiversity

Once home to a rich variety of aquatic and riparian species, the Sabarmati River is now witnessing a drastic decline in biodiversity. A recent study by researchers at Gujarat University noted a sharp reduction in fish populations and aquatic flora due to high pollution levels and habitat destruction. 

The absence of adequate ecological buffers like wetlands has further accelerated the loss of biodiversity in and around the river.

Riverbank Encroachment

Urban pressure has led to rampant encroachment along the riverbanks. Informal settlements, illegal constructions, and waste dumping zones have taken over large stretches of the Sabarmati’s banks, narrowing the natural course and weakening the river’s capacity to handle seasonal floods. 

This encroachment not only destroys riparian ecosystems but also worsens the risk of waterlogging and erosion during monsoons.

Groundwater Contamination

The leaching of industrial and sewage pollutants into surrounding soils has led to the contamination of shallow aquifers near the Sabarmati. Local residents have reported high levels of nitrates and heavy metals, including lead and mercury, in their groundwater sources. 

This not only jeopardizes drinking water safety but also affects agricultural productivity in peri-urban areas that depend on well water.

Consequences of River Neglect

The degradation of the Sabarmati River is not just an environmental concern—it’s a socio-economic crisis that directly affects public health, urban safety, economic activity, and social equity in Ahmedabad. Below are the major consequences, supported by evidence and relevant research.

Public Health Risks

The pollution of the Sabarmati has resulted in alarming public health hazards. The open discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents into the river increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A. 

According to health officials, residents living near the river are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems due to foul odours and microbial contamination in the air and water.

In a survey conducted by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, several riverbank neighborhoods reported frequent cases of skin infections and gastrointestinal illnesses, which are directly linked to exposure to contaminated river water.

Increased Urban Flooding

Encroachments, sedimentation, and the narrowing of the river’s natural flow have made the city increasingly vulnerable to urban flooding. During the monsoon season, areas around the Sabarmati—especially low-income settlements—often experience severe waterlogging and flash floods. The inability of the river to absorb stormwater, combined with blocked natural drainage channels, poses a serious challenge to climate resilience in the city.

This image highlights the presence of microplastics and sewage pollution along the Sabarmati River, particularly near major bridges. It emphasizes the urgent need for improved waste management and legal action to curb plastic pollution in river ecosystems.

Even the much-celebrated Sabarmati Riverfront has been criticized for contributing to flood risks due to poorly designed embankments and a lack of ecological buffers like wetlands and floodplains.

Economic Losses

The environmental degradation of the Sabarmati carries hidden but significant economic costs. Healthcare spending rises due to pollution-related illnesses. Real estate values in river-adjacent neighborhoods decline due to unpleasant living conditions. 

The tourism and recreation potential of the Sabarmati Riverfront is also underutilized because of persistent water pollution. According to local economic analysts, Ahmedabad stands to lose billions of rupees over the next decade if systemic river management reforms are not implemented.

Social Inequality

Perhaps the most striking consequence of river neglect is its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Many of Ahmedabad’s slums are located along the Sabarmati’s banks, where residents are directly exposed to pollution, flooding, and health risks. 

These communities lack access to basic services like clean drinking water and sanitation and are often left out of city planning initiatives.

Research by CEPT University reveals that while some urban renewal efforts like the riverfront project have improved infrastructure in central zones, they have also resulted in the displacement of thousands of poor families without adequate resettlement or support. 

This reinforces cycles of environmental injustice and deepens the divide between affluent and vulnerable populations.

Why Past Efforts Have Failed

Despite multiple high-visibility interventions, the ecological health of the Sabarmati River remains deeply compromised. The failures of past efforts can be attributed to fragmented governance, misplaced priorities, and a lack of community ownership.

One of the primary issues is the fragmented institutional responsibility among multiple agencies. The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd. (SRFDCL) handles infrastructure and beautification, while the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is tasked with waste and sewage management. 

However, there is limited coordination between these entities, which leads to inconsistent implementation of policies. For example, while the riverfront promenade has been showcased as a model of urban renewal, untreated sewage continues to be discharged upstream, effectively turning the river into a drain beyond the visible façade.

Furthermore, many efforts have focused more on beautification than ecological restoration. The Sabarmati Riverfront Project, though globally recognized for its design, has been criticized for channelizing the river into an artificial form. 

This approach has restricted the natural flow and seasonal dynamics of the river, which are essential for ecological processes like groundwater recharge and biodiversity regeneration.

Another major gap is the absence of real-time public monitoring systems. Citizens have little access to live data on water quality, pollution sources, or biodiversity health. 

According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Sabarmati is among the most polluted rivers in India, with high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)—indicators that rarely reach the public domain in an actionable form.

Crucially, there has been a lack of sustained citizen engagement. While one-time clean-up drives and awareness events are occasionally held, there are few institutionalized platforms for local residents to participate in decision-making or take stewardship roles. 

What Needs to Be Done: The Blueprint for Complete River Restoration

To truly restore the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad must move beyond cosmetic interventions and adopt a bold, systemic, and inclusive restoration strategy. This blueprint focuses on ecological integrity, community ownership, and sustainable urban systems.

Zero Untreated Sewage

The most urgent step is to stop all untreated sewage from entering the Sabarmati. Despite multiple sewage treatment plants (STPs) operating in Ahmedabad, reports by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) show significant gaps between sewage generation and treatment capacity. 

Interception and diversion systems, such as those implemented under the Namami Gange Programme, should be adapted for Sabarmati. Upgrading STPs with real-time compliance monitoring systems will help ensure that standards for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and coliform levels are consistently met.

Solid Waste to Circular Economy

Waste dumping remains a visible and hazardous problem. The riverbanks are littered with plastic waste, organic trash, and industrial debris. Ahmedabad must scale up local material recovery facilities (MRFs) and promote decentralized waste segregation, building on initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Urban Mission. 

Successful models like Earth5R’s Circular Economy Program in Mumbai demonstrate how community-led recycling and upcycling can drastically reduce river-bound waste while generating livelihoods.

Ecological Restoration

True revival of the Sabarmati will only be possible through scientific ecological restoration. This involves reintroducing native plant species along the riverbanks, restoring wetlands to serve as natural water filters, and creating biodiversity corridors. Urban wetlands like the Thol Lake Sanctuary offer blueprints for integrating urban ecology with water management.

Such interventions not only improve water quality but also support migratory birds and aquatic life that once thrived in the region.

Community Ownership Models

Top-down approaches have repeatedly failed. A lasting solution requires community stewardship through programs like Riverkeeper Initiatives and Citizen Science Monitoring. 

Earth5R’s Citizen-led Sustainability Workshops have successfully empowered urban residents to map pollution, monitor biodiversity, and participate in cleanup operations. Similar programs tailored for Ahmedabad could foster a culture of responsibility and pride in the river.

Transparent Real-Time Data Monitoring

Creating a public dashboard for river health, updated with real-time data from IoT sensors, can revolutionize accountability. Such systems are already in use under the Smart Cities Mission in various Indian cities. 

Ahmedabad can deploy smart water quality sensors along the Sabarmati and make this data accessible to the public through a mobile app and interactive online portal. Transparency breeds engagement—and empowers both citizens and policymakers to act.

Earth5R BlueCities: The Proven, Scalable Solution

As India grapples with the twin crises of urban river pollution and climate vulnerability, Earth5R’s BlueCities Model offers a pragmatic, people-centric, and scalable framework for river restoration. This model is rooted in scientific methods, grassroots mobilization, and circular economy integration—all of which are crucial for reviving the Sabarmati River.

At the heart of this model is a data-driven river health diagnosis, where citizen scientists are trained to measure key environmental indicators like dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and solid waste levels. 

In Mumbai, Earth5R pioneered this method through its UN-supported Mumbai River Cleanup, where hundreds of volunteers and local communities participated in weekly pollution audits and cleanups across the Poinsur, Dahisar, and Oshiwara rivers.

Another pillar of the BlueCities model is community-first mobilization and training. Earth5R’s Sustainability Training Programs equip citizens, students, and corporate employees with the tools to engage meaningfully in restoration work. 

These programs emphasize the importance of local ownership and are designed to fit the specific needs of urban populations, like those living near the Sabarmati.

In terms of ecological restoration, Earth5R applies science-based frameworks that include native species plantation, wetland restoration, and urban biodiversity mapping. These strategies are tailored to promote ecological resilience and reconnect rivers with their natural floodplains. 

Such approaches can be highly effective in Sabarmati’s urban and peri-urban zones, especially where biodiversity has been lost due to riverfront construction.

Waste management is tackled through Earth5R’s Waste-to-Recycling Circular Economy Integration. Through its Trashonomics Program, Earth5R diverts river-bound waste by promoting segregation at source, material recovery, and upcycling. 

This creates green jobs while reducing pollution load, a critical step for Ahmedabad’s highly urbanized environment.

The model also fosters Corporate, CSR, and Government Partnership Models. In Pune, for instance, Earth5R has worked with corporations like Cummins and Aditya Birla on CSR-funded sustainability programs. A similar approach could be instrumental in mobilizing Ahmedabad’s large corporate base to fund and support Sabarmati’s regeneration.

Finally, Earth5R integrates technology platforms to enable real-time monitoring and citizen engagement. Using apps and dashboards, citizens can upload pollution sightings, track restoration progress, and participate in challenges and educational campaigns. This level of accessibility transforms passive awareness into active stewardship.

In essence, the Earth5R BlueCities Model is more than a restoration plan—it is a scalable ecosystem of sustainability, participation, and resilience. With proper adaptation and support, it holds immense potential for transforming the Sabarmati River from a neglected drain into a living, thriving lifeline for Ahmedabad.

The Urgent Choice Before Us

The Sabarmati River is at a critical crossroads. Over the past few decades, the river has borne the brunt of rapid urbanization, with untreated sewage, solid waste dumping, and pollution overwhelming its banks. 

Yet, its future need not be dictated by neglect and decline. Just as the Mithi River in Mumbai has begun to show signs of recovery through concerted efforts by Earth5R and other organizations, the Sabarmati River too can be restored if we act decisively and collaboratively.

The current state of the river presents a stark choice: allow it to continue deteriorating, or embrace a holistic, science-driven restoration approach. This is not merely a question of beautification or prestige; it is a matter of public health, climate resilience, and the economic future of Ahmedabad. 

The future of the river directly impacts the city’s ability to manage flooding, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, all of which are intricately tied to the health of urban ecosystems.

River restoration is no longer optional—it is critical. Through integrated solutions like those laid out by Earth5R, such as waste-to-recycling circular economies, community-driven riverkeeper programs, and real-time pollution monitoring systems, there is a feasible and scalable path forward. 

Ahmedabad has a chance to lead by example, transforming the Sabarmati from a symbol of urban neglect to a model of sustainability and resilience.

The solution lies in collective action. Citizens, corporations, NGOs, and government bodies must come together in a multi-stakeholder partnership to restore the Sabarmati. Earth5R’s BlueCities Model offers the framework and expertise to drive these initiatives forward, but it will require the commitment of every stakeholder in the region to make this vision a reality.

Now is the time for action. As we look towards the future, the Sabarmati River could become a global symbol of successful river regeneration, setting a precedent for urban river restoration across India. 

The choice is clear: we must act now, not just for the river, but for the generations that will depend on its health, its water, and the ecosystem services it provides.

Restoring the Sabarmati River is not just a task—it is an urgent call to action. If we choose the path of restoration, Ahmedabad can become a shining example of how cities can embrace sustainable urban water management, climate action, and community empowerment. 

Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative is ready to help guide this transformation every step of the way. The time to act is now, and the Sabarmati River’s future is in our hands.

Data Snapshot Box 

To better understand the current state of the Sabarmati River and to track progress over time, the following table provides a snapshot of key environmental indicators. These data points help assess the river’s health and identify areas for urgent intervention.

This data snapshot helps contextualize the Sabarmati River’s ongoing crisis while also serving as a baseline for future restoration efforts. By monitoring and updating these indicators, we can better assess the impact of restoration activities and adjust strategies accordingly.

These figures highlight the urgent need for action, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like Earth5R’s BlueCities Model in driving positive change.

Urban Sustainability Opportunities for Ahmedabad

While Sabarmati River restoration is central to Ahmedabad’s urban sustainability, addressing broader environmental challenges can create a holistic model of sustainable urban development. 

By integrating the river’s revival with other sustainability initiatives, Ahmedabad can transform into a beacon of ecological resilience and sustainable urbanization.

Waste Management and Circular Economy

One of the most pressing issues facing Ahmedabad is the growing volume of waste, much of which ends up polluting the Sabarmati River. According to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, the city generates over 3,000 metric tons of waste daily, with significant portions being plastic waste. 

The circular economy offers a path forward, where waste is not discarded but recycled and repurposed. By developing decentralized material recovery facilities (MRFs) and enhancing local waste management systems, Ahmedabad can drastically reduce the waste entering its rivers. 

Initiatives like Earth5R’s Circular Economy Projects have already demonstrated success in various parts of India, including plastic waste management in urban areas like Mumbai.

Sustainable Mobility and Transport

Ahmedabad faces a growing urban mobility challenge, with rising vehicle emissions contributing to air pollution and traffic congestion. Sustainable mobility solutions—such as electric vehicles (EVs), green public transport systems, and bicycle-sharing programs—can help mitigate these problems. 

The Smart Cities Mission is already driving efforts in cities like Ahmedabad, encouraging the shift towards sustainable transport. Earth5R’s collaboration with local governments and organizations can support this shift by creating green transport infrastructure and implementing low-emission zones, reducing both air pollution and the carbon footprint.

Urban Green Spaces and Biodiversity

Urban green spaces play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and providing mental health benefits to city dwellers. However, Ahmedabad’s green spaces are under threat from urban expansion. 

To combat this, the city can focus on restoring and expanding urban forests, parks, and green belts. Earth5R’s ecological restoration efforts, including native plant species and biodiversity corridors, can be leveraged to strengthen these initiatives. 

Collaborative projects with local schools and NGOs can help educate citizens on the importance of urban green spaces and encourage community-driven biodiversity efforts.

Water Conservation and Management

Water scarcity remains a significant challenge in Ahmedabad, especially in light of the city’s dependence on the Sabarmati River for water supply. As part of its sustainable development goals, Ahmedabad can promote rainwater harvesting in every household and encourage the retrofitting of greywater recycling systems. 

According to the Gujarat State Water Resources Department, Ahmedabad has immense potential to enhance its water conservation efforts, which can reduce its dependency on freshwater sources. Programs that teach water conservation at schools and community centers can also raise awareness about the city’s role in safeguarding water resources.

Carbon Footprint Reduction and Climate Action

Ahmedabad’s growing industrialization and urbanization have contributed to a rising carbon footprint. The city can adopt climate action strategies that focus on reducing emissions through renewable energy, energy-efficient building standards, and solar power installations. 

The Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance (CNCA) can play a pivotal role in guiding cities like Ahmedabad to meet their climate goals. 

Earth5R’s expertise in carbon footprint reduction initiatives can be integrated into the city’s climate action plans, helping businesses and citizens alike reduce their environmental impact and transition to green energy solutions.

Citizen Sustainability Engagement

Sustainability efforts cannot succeed without the active participation of citizens. Ahmedabad can engage its residents in eco-citizen programs, such as green awards, sustainability challenges, and volunteer initiatives aimed at cleaning local waterways and promoting waste segregation. 

Earth5R’s environmental awareness campaigns have successfully mobilized citizens in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, encouraging local communities to take ownership of their surrounding environments. Ahmedabad can build on this momentum by providing citizens with the tools and knowledge to contribute to a more sustainable future.

By integrating these urban sustainability initiatives with the Sabarmati River’s restoration, Ahmedabad can truly become a model for the sustainable city of the future. 

Earth5R’s BlueCities model offers comprehensive solutions that will not only rejuvenate the river but also strengthen the city’s resilience to climate change, enhance biodiversity, and promote green jobs. With the right focus on sustainability, Ahmedabad’s transformation will be a beacon of hope for other cities across India.