Launch of River Cities Alliance (RCA)

Launch of River Cities Alliance (RCA)

Part of: Main GS-III: Climate Change and Conservation

What: A dedicated platform for river cities in India to ideate, discuss and exchange information for sustainable management of urban rivers, here today. 

• This first of its kind Alliance in the world symbolizes the successful partnership of the two Ministries i.e., Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. 
• The Alliance will focus on three broad themes- Networking, Capacity Building and Technical Support.

The primary objective of RCA is to 

• Provide the member cities with a platform to discuss and exchange information on aspects that are vital for sustainable management of urban rivers such as minimizing their water footprint, reducing impacts on river and water bodies, capitalizing on natural, intangible, architectural heritage and associated services and develop self-sufficient, self-sustainable water resources through recycle, reuse strategy. 
• The Alliance cities will work towards adopting and localizing national policies and instruments with key river-related directions, prepare their Urban River Management Plans and develop city-specific sectoral strategies that are required for sustainable urban river management. 
• The Alliance gives opportunities to these cities to strengthen governance aspects for river cities and improves their liveability to attract external economic investments, access state of the art knowledge and frameworks as well as an opportunity to serve as the site for unique demonstration projects which will be implemented by NIUA and NMCG.

News Source: PIB