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To gauge public participation and willingness to clean the Assi river, a survey was conducted using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) with 204 respondents using the stratified random sampling. The overwhelming support (93%) received for a hypothetical government led Assi River clean-up program demonstrates a strong desire for change. Factors such as age, years of residence in Varanasi, education level, household size, and knowledge of pollution sources significantly influenced individuals' decisions to participate and their willingness to pay (WTP). In the analysis of respondents' willingness to pay (WTP) for the clean-up program, two dimensions were considered: WTP in terms of money (WTPM) and the WPT in terms of time (WTPT). The study revealed an average WTPM of Rs. 61.70 to improve the condition of Assi River from Scenario 0 to 1 (worst to good), and Rs. 70.75 to enhance its attributes from Scenario 0 to 2 (worst to best). Additionally, the average WTPT values were 2.82 hours and 4.26 hours for the respective scenarios. The identified significant factors that influence the WTPM of the respondents are number of years living in Varanasi, education level, occupation, and income level. However, when examining WTPT, the study found that education level becomes insignificant as a factor. Instead, the number of years living in Varanasi, occupation, and income level continue to play a significant role in determining respondents' willingness to contribute their time. The estimated annual economic benefits were Rs 310 crores for improving the river's condition from worst to good scenario and Rs 396 crores for enhancing its attributes from worst to best. A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was also conducted to evaluate the economic viability of the clean-up program under the best scenario. Over a five-year period, the clean-up program showed a favourable outcome with a net present value (NPV) of ₹710.80 crores, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 17.91%, and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.99 at a 12% discount rate. These findings highlight the urgent need to preserve the Assi River. Failure to act could result in the permanent loss of this valuable heritage, impacting both the river itself and the spiritual essence of Varanasi.
Keywords: Assi River, Varanasi, Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Willingness to pay (WTP), River Restoration.
