Action Plan 2025 for the River Cities Alliance

Reently, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved a national plan for the River Cities Alliance (RCA). This plan lays out clear steps to be taken throughout the year. It includes training programs, sharing of ideas, creating technical tools, expert advice, and case studies — all aimed at helping India’s cities grow while efficiently managing their rivers.

River Cities Alliance

The River Cities Alliance (RCA) is initiative aimed at promoting sustainable urban river management in India. Established in 2021, it is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The RCA currently comprises 145 cities, focusing on integrating river-sensitive urban planning into urban development.

Objectives of RCA

The RCA’s primary goal is to encourage sustainable river-centric development. It aims to enhance knowledge exchange among member cities. The initiative promotes best practices in urban river management. It also facilitates collaboration between cities to address common challenges related to river management.

Key Features of the RCA

The RCA operates on three main themes – Networking, Capacity Building, and Technical Support. Networking involves connecting cities to share experiences and strategies. Capacity building focuses on training and resource development for local authorities. Technical support provides expert guidance and tools for effective urban river management.

Urban River Management Plans (URMPs)

The Urban River Management Plans (URMPs) are a mainstay of the RCA’s strategy. Launched in 2020, these plans ensure that environmental, economic, and social dimensions are integrated into urban planning. Five cities have already developed their URMPs, setting a precedent for others. The aim is to create 60 URMPs across India within the next few years.

Capacity-Building Initiatives

The RCA has outlined a robust annual master plan for capacity-building programs. This includes training sessions for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to enhance governance in river-sensitive planning. The NMCG will conduct specific training for cities in Tamil Nadu and other states. These programs aim to operationalise the URMP framework effectively.

Knowledge Exchange and Best Practices

To promote knowledge exchange, the RCA will organise key events such as DHARA, a basin-level meet. Exposure visits to cities like Udaipur and Hyderabad are also planned. The initiative will document successful practices through weekly case studies. Public awareness campaigns will raise consciousness about river conservation.

Financial and Technical Support

The RCA is committed to providing financial advisory services to cities. This support will help cities mobilise resources for river-related projects. The NMCG will also benchmark member cities based on their urban river management performance. This will guide improvements and promote accountability.

Governance and Institutional Framework

The NMCG plays important role in steering the RCA. It has established Steering Committees in several states to guide the implementation of URMPs. The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable urban development. The URMP for Delhi aims to redefine the city’s rivers as essential ecosystems.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2025

Category: Environment Current Affairs