The White Paper – From Protest to Policy

The most strategic outcome of Hindon Mahotsav 2025 was the release of a comprehensive White Paper—a blueprint for saving not only the Hindon River but also serving as a model for similar endangered water bodies across India. Developed by Utthan Samiti with the technical support of the Centre for Water Peace, the document proposes a time-bound, evidence-backed, and community-participatory revival strategy.

1. Water Quality Improvement

This section recommends a three-pronged approach:

Strict Enforcement of Environmental Norms: The document proposes real-time monitoring of water quality parameters such as BOD, COD, and fecal coliform through sensors installed at key discharge points. Non-compliance by industries and municipalities should result in immediate penalties, license cancellations, or legal prosecution.
Upgradation and Expansion of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): Many towns along the Hindon lack sufficient sewage treatment infrastructure. The paper proposes construction of cluster-based STPs at Muradnagar, Dhaulana, and Loni, equipped with advanced technologies like SBR and MBBR. It also recommends retrofitting existing plants for greater efficiency.
Catchment-Based Water Quality Mapping: A basin-wise recharge-discharge study is proposed using GIS overlays to identify groundwater interaction zones, untreated drainage points, and stagnation pockets. The aim is to decentralize intervention based on catchment characteristics.

2. Biodiversity Conservation

To bring back ecological balance, the White Paper emphasizes:

Riparian Afforestation: Native species like jamun, kadamba, neem, and banyan will be planted along a 10-meter buffer zone on both riverbanks. These trees not only support biodiversity but also stabilize soil and absorb toxins.
Revival of Aquatic Ecosystems: The reintroduction of local fish species such as Rohu, Catla, and Magur in cleaner stretches is recommended. The document stresses the importance of plankton diversity and dissolved oxygen levels in sustaining aquatic life.
Wetland and Marshland Restoration: The paper identifies over 30 small wetlands along the Hindon’s historical floodplain that have been encroached or dried up. It recommends their demarcation, desiltation, and legal protection under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

3. Restoration of River Flow

A key insight is that rejuvenation is not only about water purity—but about ensuring sustained and seasonal flow:

Traditional Water Source Revival: Historical water bodies like baolis and stepwells in Hapur, Baraut, and Modinagar are recommended for restoration, as they act as percolation points feeding into the river.
Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge Shafts: The document proposes mandatory rooftop rainwater harvesting in all new constructions above 500 sq.m, particularly in Ghaziabad and Noida, where impermeable surfaces dominate.
Subsurface Dikes and Hydro-Mapping: Underground barriers called dikes are suggested in strategic upstream areas to prevent rapid water runoff and enhance groundwater levels. Satellite imagery and hydro-mapping will guide their placement.

4. Community Participation

The paper underscores the role of citizens as river guardians:

“River Friend” Campaign: Inspired by the Swachh Bharat Swachhagrahi model, the paper proposes appointing 5,000 “Nadi Mitras” across the Hindon Basin, each trained to monitor, report, and advocate for river health at the ward and village levels.
Student Engagement: It suggests integrating river health into school curricula as a separate module under environmental education. Activities such as bio-testing kits, river walks, and inter-school river quizzes will be encouraged.
Local Monitoring Committees: Ward-wise River Health Committees comprising residents, RWAs, school teachers, and retired officials are to be constituted. Their reports would be submitted quarterly to the District Administration.

5. Policy and Governance

River revival cannot succeed without institutional backing. The White Paper proposes:

Formation of the Hindon River Basin Restoration Mission (HRBRM): A statutory body to coordinate efforts across 7 districts, headed by a senior IAS officer and comprising representatives from Jal Shakti, Environment, Urban Development, and Civil Society.
Legal Recognition of Hindon and Its Tributaries as Living Entities: Taking inspiration from Uttarakhand High Court’s 2017 ruling on the Ganga and Yamuna, the paper demands that Hindon be declared a legal entity with rights to flow, thrive, and be protected.
Convergence with Flagship Schemes: The Mission will converge with MGNREGA (for afforestation), Jal Jeevan Mission (for STP maintenance), Namami Gange (for tributary revival), and CSR funds (for technology and outreach).

6. Watershed Management

Controlling erosion and improving percolation is vital for long-term sustainability:

Contour Trenching and Check Dams: The paper identifies high-slope zones in Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar districts as ideal locations for contour trenches, gully plugs, and check dams to slow water runoff.
Soil Health and Agroforestry: Promotion of bio-fertilizers, rotational cropping, and agroforestry is advised. Soil Health Cards will be distributed with recommendations to reduce chemical load near the riverbanks.
Protection of Forest Patches: The Mahotsav team found illegal logging in buffer forest zones near Muradnagar. The paper recommends fencing and patrolling, as well as assigning village forest guards.

7. Pollution Control

Mitigating pollutants—especially from domestic, industrial, and agricultural sources—is the final pillar:

Decentralized Wastewater Management: Household-level bio-toilets and greywater treatment systems are recommended in peri-urban villages where centralized drainage is not viable.
Promotion of Organic Farming: The paper suggests subsidies and training for organic farming within a 2 km buffer zone from the riverbanks, with buy-back guarantees from local markets.
Solid Waste Segregation and Bioremediation: Municipalities will be encouraged to enforce strict segregation-at-source, with bioremediation applied in high-contamination pockets through bacterial culture deployment.