Possible actions can be ...

Possible actions can be summarized from all the discussions we had till date -

• Preventive actions (to stop recurrence of erosion) -

- Ecosystem based control measure i.e. Vetiver grass plantation could be the most useful control measure to tackle Ganga river bank erosion. This control measure can be used as a preventive action to protect unaffected and partly affected river banks from further erosion.

- Any other vegetative (alternative to Vetiver grass) shield can be used. In case of vegetative cover, it needs to be remembered that the vegetative cover should not work as invasive to the local ecosystem.

- Control of animal movement in river banks, especially where vegetative cover will be grown.

- Detailed morphological analysis at planning and design stage, especially erosion and sediment modeling.

- Analysis of river oscillation with the help of satellite imagery

- Development of emergency preparedness and response guideline to monitor and control emergency situations towards river bank erosion in future.

• Corrective actions (to take immediate action) –

-   Construction of revetments (e.g. stone) or constriction of bed bars to safeguard the bank already under erosion.

-    Directing the flow longitudinally to the central channel with scientifically designed river training works.

-     Deepening of channel. Selective dredging for channelization will be required in this case.

- Depth of flow is needed to be maintained.

- Groynes can be used where the river is not wide enough.

Further inputs in this context are always welcome.

Two more open questions in this context-

• How to develop a comprehensive standard or Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) which will work as a structured guideline to combat river bank erosion in Ganga by employing best practices to achieve a balance among environment, society and economy?
• Is it possible to restore lands lost in Ganga due to river bank erosion?