River rejuvenation and law

The state of rivers in India is not satisfactory both from a quality and quantity point of view. As a result, a number of efforts have been undertaken to rejuvenate rivers in India by the central government, state governments and non-state entities. However, there does not seem to be adequate clarity on the concept of ‘river rejuvenation&s;, which has led to diverse understandings. The legal framework relating to rivers and water in general also plays a crucial role in protecting and rejuvenating rivers. The role of the legal framework is more complex than it appears. At the outset, the law appears to be contributing positively towards protection and rejuvenation of rivers, for instance, by providing rules and an institutional framework to prevent and control water pollution. A closer and a more critical look at the nuances reveals a different scenario of law playing both protective and destructive roles. In this context, this chapter develops a broader understanding of the concept of river rejuvenation and discusses the relevant legal framework. It highlights the fundamental flaws in the premises of the existing legal framework and think through certain broad principles and approaches to address the issue.