Source: News on Air
Context: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved an annual master plan to integrate river-sensitive urban planning under the River Cities Alliance (RCA).
About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):
- What it is: It is the implementation arm of the National Ganga Council for rejuvenating and managing the river, Ganga.
- Launched in: Registered on 12th August 2011 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Ministry Involved: Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation).
- Objectives:
- Prevention and control of pollution in river Ganga.
- Ensure continuous adequate water flow for rejuvenation of Ganga.
- Implement river basin management strategies.
- Key Features:
- Two-tier management structure: Governing Council and Executive Committee, both headed by the Director General.
- Executive Committee can approve projects up to ₹1,000 crore.
- State Program Management Groups (SPMGs) act as state-level implementing arms.
- Functions under a five-tier structure from national to district level.
About River Cities Alliance (RCA):
- What it is: A dedicated platform for river cities to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate for sustainable urban river management.
- Launched in: 2021 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- Objective:
- Promote networking among river cities.
- Enhance capacity building for sustainable river management.
- Offer technical support and innovation-sharing platforms.
- Key Features:
- Open to all river cities in India; started with 30 member cities like Varanasi, Dehradun, Chennai, and Pune.
- Secretariat housed at the National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA).
