Strategies for the development of the Riverine Edge: A case of Ganga Heritage Zone, Kanpur

Rivers – the cradle of civilisation, lifeline & heritage asset of any settlement. In Indian culture, rivers, especially Ganga, have supreme religious value. Ganga is sacred and a feminine river, personified as a goddess.

Kanpur - an industrial city that flourishes along the sacred Ganges, is never seen as a religious spot. Many temples and Ghats exist on the banks of the Ganga in Kanpur. Due to unregulated religious activities along the river and the mixing of domestic and industrial effluents, the condition is miserable.

This paper visually assesses the area designated by the city authorities as the Ganga Heritage Zone along the sacred river. Further, it identifies the major issues in the study area and suggests development strategies for its balanced planning.