Riding on river rejuvenation

In response to droughts and issues of water scarcity, river rejuvenation projects are being undertaken in different parts of India. This chapter analyses two of such urban-centric projects initiated and led by the Art of Living (AoL) to rejuvenate the Kumudvathi River in Karnataka and the Manjra River in Maharashtra to increase the water availability for the city of Bengaluru and Latur, respectively. The chapter illustrates how the concept of river rejuvenation is conveniently framed as ‘recharging groundwater&s; while rejuvenating Kumudvathi River and as ‘deepening and widening of river channel&s; while rejuvenating Manjra River by selectively simplifying the problems of the regions under consideration. The chapter reveals the nexus of state, religious organisations, political parties, and multi-national corporations riding on the problem of water scarcity to earn social recognition and political benefits in the name of philanthropy. In both cases, river rejuvenation projects initiated with wide support and grand promises did not achieve their intended outcomes, made misleading claims, and involved organisations proclaimed themselves as experts and saviours of people. Moreover, these projects were celebrated as successes without evidence of an increase in water flow in Kumudvathi River and without contributing a single drop of water to Latur&s;s water supply.