Title: Sustainable restoration strategies for rivers Mula-Mutha, Pune, India - adaptive learnings from global river restoration experiences and thematic analysis

Authors: Urvashi Gill Dhingra; Madhura Bedarkar; Prakash Rao

Addresses: Symbiosis School of Economics, Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University), 3rd Floor, SCHC Building, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune, 411004, India ' Symbiosis Institute of Business Management Pune, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Symbiosis Knowledge Village Lavale, Tal Mulshi, Via Sus Road, Pune, 412115, India ' Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), G No. 174/1, Hinjawadi, Pune, 411-057, India

Abstract: This study explores the causal link between the drivers and impacts of pollution in Mula-Mutha rivers and further recommends sustainable restoration strategies for these rivers based on the driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework. It also draws learnings from 20 degraded rivers across the globe with respect to their drivers, corresponding pressures, and restoration strategies and identifies a pool of thirteen best practices to guide Mula-Mutha restoration efforts. To understand specific issues associated with Mula-Mutha rivers, the study organised 18 semi-structured interviews, and performed thematic analysis to explore themes for each component of the DPSIR framework. Finally, the study recommends suitable response strategies for sustainable restoration of Mula-Mutha rivers. The paper strengthens understanding of river restoration practices and supports policy-making by providing a set of sustainable river restoration strategies for urban, degraded rivers.

Keywords: river restoration; DPSIR framework; Mula-Mutha river; global best restoration practices; sustainable restoration; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2023.128328

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2023 Vol.33 No.1/2, pp.171 - 203

Received: 23 Jul 2019
Accepted: 14 Jan 2020
Published online: 18 Jan 2023 *

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