Musi River Rejuvenation
Learning from Rhine
River Purification
Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
The Hans
India (03-11-2024)
{In the 1980s, the Rhine
was severely polluted, primarily from industrial waste. Countries along the
Rhine (Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands) collaborated through the ‘International
Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR)’ to implement pollution
control, wastewater treatment plants, and industrial discharge regulations. The
River's water quality has significantly improved, making it a source of
drinking water for millions of people} – Editor Hans India
With just
four days left for our departure from Amstelveen (Amsterdam) to Hyderabad,
after eight weeks of stay at my son Aditya’s house, four of our family members decided
to go on a short visit to ‘Emmerich’ in Germany, located near the
German-Dutch border, and nearby ‘Hochelten.’ We started in the morning
and returned the same day. Emmerich is called as ‘Emmerich am Rhein’ indicating
the town's location on the banks of the ‘Rhine River.’ Emmerich is
a German name and derives from old Germanic roots, and ‘am Rhein’
literally means ‘On the River Rhine.’ It indicates that, the town is
located on the banks of the Rhine River.
En route,
we had a bird’s eye view of few charming towns and cities, natural reserves,
historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural highlights. They included among
others: Abcoude, a small picturesque village; Utrecht, one of the Netherlands'
oldest cities; Arnhem City famous during World War II; A large National Park (De
Hoge Veluwe); Nijmegen, the oldest city of Roman Times in Netherlands; Groesbeek
village bordering Germany which is known for its wine and World War II history
etc.
Since
Netherlands and Germany are part of the Schengen Area, travelling from
Amsterdam to Emmerich with a valid Schengen visa, did not require for us to go
through regular visa checks when crossing the border between the two countries.
However, we were cautioned by some friends in Amsterdam before our visit, to
carry our Valid Visa Passports, in case of any spot or random checks. We did
not come across any such check.
We reached
Emmerich in the next two hours, despite an unusual heavy traffic. And once we
are in Emmerich, before exploring the places to visit in the shortest time that
was at our disposal, we had our ‘German Cuisine Breakfast’ on the way to
St Vitus Church (St Vitus Kirche). The Church is located in Emmerich’s
neighborhood of ‘Hochelten’ a historic part of the town that is situated
on a hill providing scenic views of the surrounding area.
St Vitus
Church, a significant landmark in Hochelten, and an important religious site
for the Catholic Community, has a long history dating back to medieval times.
Originally built around the 9th century, it was rebuilt after damage
during World War II, with the architectural style of ‘Romanesque’ with
later ‘Gothic Elements’ giving it a blend of historical and artistic
significance. The Tower of the Church is a prominent feature and can be seen
from a long distance. The surrounding area of Hochelten is a picturesque one.
The hill on which the Church is located offers panoramic views of the ‘Rhine
River’ and Dutch Border.
‘Hochelten’
is a small district near Emmerich, and the area around it has been inhabited
for centuries. When we dropped in the ‘Tourist Information Center’ a
little away from St Vitus Church, the Old Lady sitting there briefed us about
the place. Archaeological findings suggest that it was settled as early as the
Stone Age. Its strategic location near the ‘Rhine River’ made it a
desirable place, and became more established during the Middle Ages. ‘Hochelten’
has been derived from ‘Old High German’ (High Land or Hill)
referring to its elevation above the surrounding areas.
The
community was part of the medieval structure of small villages that dotted the
Rhine Region. Hochelten was incorporated into the town of Emmerich in the 19th
century. This integration contributed to the growth and development of the area
as part of a larger urban framework. However, the community retained its rural
charm while benefiting from the amenities of a growing town. Today, Hochelten
is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic buildings, and community
spirit. It retains a blend of historical architecture and modern living. The
district is also appreciated for its scenic views of the Rhine River,
attracting residents and visitors.
In fact, after
World War II, many areas in Germany, including Emmerich and its districts like
Hochelten, experienced extensive damage due to bombing and military actions.
The post-war period focused on reconstruction and urban planning. Hochelten,
benefiting from its historical architecture, was part of efforts to restore and
preserve its cultural heritage while modernizing infrastructure. The post-war
years saw a significant increase in population as people migrated from rural
areas to towns for better economic opportunities. Hochelten, being part of
Emmerich, attracted new residents looking for housing and jobs.
Hochelten's
location near the Netherlands facilitated cross-border interactions, fostering
relationships between communities on both sides of the Rhine River. Post-World
War II, Hochelten transformed from a historically significant district into a
vibrant community focused on reconstruction, economic development, and cultural
preservation. Its evolution during this time reflected broader trends in
Germany, emphasizing recovery, integration, and community identity. The
district remains an important part of Emmerich's cultural landscape, embodying
the resilience and adaptability of its residents.
From there we moved to the nearby ‘Emmerich Rhine Bridge’ on
the Rhine River, which is part of ‘Emmerich am Rhein’ and is situated
closer to the town center. This bridge is the ‘Longest Suspension Bridge in
Germany’ spanning about 803 meters, and was opened in 1965. The Rhine River
is a major European waterway, flowing through several countries, including
Germany. In Emmerich, it offers picturesque views with pathways along the
riverbank that are perfect for walking and cycling.
In
the 1980s, the Rhine was severely polluted, primarily from industrial waste.
Countries along the Rhine (Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands)
collaborated through the ‘International Commission for the Protection of the
Rhine (ICPR)’ to implement pollution control, wastewater treatment plants,
and industrial discharge regulations. The River's water quality has
significantly improved, making it a source of drinking water for millions of
people.
The cleanup fostered
strong international cooperation among River Rhine-Bordering countries,
demonstrating the benefits of multilateral environmental governance. Now the
River supports tourism, transportation, and economic activities like fishing
and agriculture along its banks. If the proposed ‘Musi River Purification
and Restoration Project’ in Hyderabad, conceived by Chief Minister
Revanth Reddy, emulates, and learns some lessons from the ‘Rhine River
Purification Process’ probably it may sound better, and may yield
desired results.
Though Rhine
Bridge is not directly in Hochelten, it is nearby, and just a short drive
away. ‘Emmerich am Rhein’ and the ‘Hochelten Area’ are indeed
geographically close but distinct. The Bridge also connects ‘Emmerich am
Rhein’ with ‘Kleve’ a town in the Lower Rhine region of Northwestern
Germany near the Dutch Border and the River Rhine. The bridge besides providing
stunning views of the Rhine River, is great spot for photography or a leisurely
walk.
Along the
riverside walkway, number of restaurants, with seating arrangements made open
to the sky, facing the river view for relaxation, offer a mix of local and
international cuisine. After exploring the historic St Vitus Church, ‘Hochelten’
and Rhine Bridge, we randomly chose ‘Restaurant Hof Von Holland’ and
sitting under the bright sunshine, enjoyed sipping distinctive German Beers the
‘Krombacher Pils’ and ‘Krombacher Weizen.’ The first one, a ‘Genuine
Premium Pilsner Beer’ was a characteristic, finely bitter tasted and a
full-flavored aroma. The second one is a ‘Well-Loved Wheat Beer’ with typical
German fruity, slightly spicy flavor Wheat Beers, from the nearby North
Rhine-Westphalia Region in Western German State.
Though
there are couple of other places of tourist interest to visit like ‘Emmerich
Town Hall building, Klever Gate, St Martin's Church, PAN
Art Forum’ (A modern art museum and cultural center) etc. we were not able
to see them for paucity of time. Nevertheless, we perfectly enjoyed visit to St
Vitus Church, the Rhine Suspension Bridge, and stunning Rhine
River views, not to speak of a relaxing meal over German Beer, that made
the experience both enriching and memorable. {
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