This work aimed at addressing the dimension of water ecosystems where a pattern of misuse, disuse and neglect has turned rivers, a major public resource and community asset into a public liability.  In Mumbai, where this initiative began, there are four rivers – Mithi, Dahisar, Poisar and Oshiwara – that have become ‘nalas’ – conduits for storm water drainage and sewage waste. In the context of climate change, these patterns of waste production and disposal need a rethink and rivers returned to the city as they were. To do this, Riverse was initiated by a group of urban professionals, who founded Water Environs in 2010-11 and began their exploration on the Dahisar river. In 2013, INHAF was brought in as a mentor in collaboration with River March, a movement active local residents concerned about the health of rivers.

The issue of urban waters was considered in two broad categories :
a) State Agencies and Industries: municipalities, infrastructure, industries and large scale occupations affecting the water ecologies, and;
b) the Community – local to the water body’s catchment area and the global community.

The initiative meant to build a network of citizens and organizations working on Reviving and Nurturing Water Ecosystems for cleaner, greener, healthier and more bio-diverse cities and settlements. It was meant to inform, address and periodically review the policies and undertake the advocacy measures at the State level. 

The strength of the initiative has been its success in bringing together various stakeholders, students, and activists, and organizations to work on Riverse. Despite the political interest garnered by Riverse, current policies including the Smart cities mission have focused on concretizing the banks of existing rivers and their beautification from an economic vantage point rather than the cleaning of long neglected water bodies.