At present the rivers in India lie neglected and characterized by unimaginative and unplanned development. It's potential to provide city level social infrastructure and recreation facilities lie untapped. Though it is a major source of water for the city and despite the building of a major barrage to retain water, except for a few months during the monsoon the river is always dry during the year. Sewage contaminated storm water out-falls and the dumping of industrial waste pose a major health and environmental hazard. Though the riverbanks and bed provide a place to stay and source of livelihood for many migrants and urban poor citizens, the riverbank slums are disastrously flood prone and lack basic infrastructure services. The slums located along the riverbed also pose a major impediment to efficient management of monsoon floods in the river as well as health hazards.

It has long been acknowledged that appropriate land use and planned development of the riverfront can turn the river into a major asset, which can improve the quality of environment and life in city and improve the efficiency of its infrastructure resulting in livable good environment for work as well as residence.

"A waterfront is a significant resource and a challenging opportunity for a city; a chance to be an escape for the pressure-cooker of crowded city life, a chance to be a bright breathing edge of city living."

--A.C. Moore