Strategic Workshop on River Basin Planning and Management for Ganga Rejuvenation

The Support for the Ganga Rejuvenation Project – Phase III organised in a pivotal strategic workshop in Delhi, led by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in collaboration with State Missions (SMCGs) on 13-14 September in New Delhi. This workshop aimed to advance the institutionalisation of River Basin Planning and Management (RBM) for the Ganga and its tributaries, enhancing governance structures as outlined in the 2016 Authority Orders (A.O.).

A host of stakeholders, members of District Ganga Committees (DGCs) including international bodies such as the World Bank and notable organisations like KPMG, NIUA, TERI-SAS, IIPA, and NRCD, contributed to robust discussions focusing on the successful progress made under the Namami Gange Mission. Key highlights of the workshop included the presentation of pilot initiatives such as the Ramganga River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) and District Ganga Plans (DGPs). These initiatives serve as a blueprint for the vital alignment of River Basin, Urban River, and District Plans, thereby ensuring effective coordination across varying administrative levels.

The workshop resulted in a clear consensus emerging on pivotal next steps necessary for reinforcing River Basin Management at multiple tiers. Participants underscored the importance of fortifying the RBM Unit at NMCG and advocated for the establishment of similar units at state levels to enhance collaborative efforts. This alignment was deemed essential for the successful integration of Urban River Management Plans (URMP), District Ganga Plans (DGP), and River Basin Management Plans (RBMP).

The discussions highlighted a holistic, integrated approach to managing river ecosystems, with emphasis on capacity building, stakeholder coordination, and the implementation of localised solutions. The necessity to standardise training, establish robust monitoring frameworks, and engage local communities was recognised as critical components in ensuring the Ganga’s long-term sustainability. Moreover, promoting nature-based solutions within existing institutional frameworks was a recurring theme, signaling a commitment to fostering an inclusive dialogue that honors both ecological and community-centric considerations. The workshop marked a critical step towards building a more resilient and coordinated approach for sustainable rejuvenation of the Ganga River system.