Draft:Chambal Riverfront

Chambal Riverfront is a riverside development located in Kota, Rajasthan, India. It is situated along the banks of the Chambal River and is designed to provide recreational spaces, enhance tourism, and preserve the natural environment of the area.

History and Development
The Riverfront project was initiated by Municipal Corporation of Kota in collaboration with the Rajasthan Tourism Department with the aim of beautifying the riverbank and providing a scenic spot for both residents and visitors. The project includes a series of tracks, parks, food courts, shores. Water sports complex, and museum is also present there. The project began in 2020 and postponed many times due to unforeseen circumstances but now it has become a landmark in the Kota city.

Features
The Riverfront includes several key features:

Gardens and Parks
There are numerous gardens and parks along the riverbank, providing green spaces for relaxation and leisure activities. These areas are planted with a variety of local and exotic plants.

Walkways and Cycling Paths
The riverfront is equipped with extensive walkways and cycling paths, making it a suitable spot for walking, jogging, and cycling.

Children’s Play Areas
There are designated play areas for children, making it a family-friendly destination.

Statues and Monuments
The riverfront have various statues and monuments, showcasing the cultural heritage of Kota and Rajasthan.

Statue of Chambal Mata
This statue is constructed with 1,200 pieces and 40 meters high and its feet alone are 4 feet tall. The statue is constructed in Jaipur and feature a waterfall from the urn of Chambal Mata.

Ghats
There are 22 ghats that showcase the culture and heritage. some of them are:

Sahitya Ghat
This ghat is shaped like a book, and 60 metres long. It have a 5-story library that house the ancestral books of Tulsidas, Kabir, Kalidas, and other Indian notable writers.

Bal Ghat
This 80 metre long ghat is dedicated for children to play. It features a water park for water activities.

Hadoti Ghat
The Hadoti Ghat is a 120 meter long stretch of prosperous architectural carvings. Various paintings from Bundi, Jhalawar, and Kota displayed at this ghat.

Criticism
The Riverfront project has also drawn criticism from environmentalists who have said that it will not do any good for the Chambal river.

Violation of green norms
A joint committee, constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), revealed that the Riverfront project in Kota proceeded without obtaining the mandatory environmental clearance, potentially violating regulations set forth by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Rupture in river front
Media reports published in September 2023 allegedly claimed that the riverfront could not withstand the pressure of 2.83 lakh cusecs of water that was released from the Kota Barrage on September 19, 2023. Due to this, Riverfront had to suffer a lot of loss.

Significance
The development of the Chambal Riverfront is seen as a step towards urban beautification and enhancing the quality of life in Kota. It serves as a recreational and cultural hub, providing a scenic environment for visitors to enjoy.