Rivers in the Ganga River Basin are facing increasing threats on several fronts. Pollution concerns are escalating. Streams are drying up. River-supported biodiversity is disappearing. Citizens are losing their connect with rivers. The list goes on. A common element in all these is the anthropogenic (human) factor, especially that associated with disruptive activities. Somehow these disruptive activities are more prevalent in urban areas (cities). So, it may not be incorrect to say that cities have largely been responsible for the sorry state of the rivers. Therefore, any improvement in the river’s state cannot be achieved without first addressing the issues and drivers in urban areas. Cities in the basin, therefore, have a central role to play in the rejuvenation and replenishment of the rivers. This project is being carried out to support cities in this endeavor.

The project activities focus on the Ganga river Basin but the outputs produced can be used by any river city in India, and abroad.

The overarching vision of this project is to promote river-sensitive development in cities. The vision is being achieved through four specific objectives:

River-Sensitive Planning

Produce a strategic guidance note to help cities mainstream river thinking into city planning.

Urban River Management

Develop a common framework for an Urban River Management Plan (URMP) that cities can use to develop their own river-specific management plans.

Piloting in Kanpur

URMP framework in the city of Kanpur.

Capacity Building

Build capacities of relevant stakeholders in various facets of river management.