Introduction: A Major Step Toward Urban River Rejuvenation
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved the Action Plan 2025 aimed at rejuvenating urban rivers across India. This initiative falls under the River Cities Alliance (RCA) and is a pivotal move to ensure the sustainable management of river ecosystems in urban areas. The plan intends to bring river-sensitive planning into mainstream urban governance by integrating ecological, economic, and social objectives.
🏙️ Objectives and Focus Areas of Action Plan 2025
The Action Plan 2025 is structured around key thematic areas such as wastewater treatment, solid waste management, urban biodiversity, riverfront development, and groundwater recharge. The plan encourages collaboration among stakeholders and promotes nature-based solutions, sustainable infrastructure, and public participation. This comprehensive approach supports the government’s larger goal of urban environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
🤝 Role of River Cities Alliance (RCA)
The River Cities Alliance, launched in 2021, is a joint initiative by NMCG and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). It brings together over 140 cities across India that share the objective of rejuvenating urban rivers. The alliance provides a platform for learning, sharing best practices, and capacity-building among urban local bodies (ULBs).
🧑🏫 Capacity Building and Citizen Participation
A unique feature of the Action Plan 2025 is the emphasis on capacity building for city officials and the active engagement of citizens. The plan includes training modules, workshops, and community-based activities to ensure long-term ownership and sustainability of urban river rejuvenation projects.
🌱 Integration with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The plan aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It enhances India’s global commitment to environmental protection and sustainable urbanization.
📌 Why This News is Important
📘 Important for Competitive Exam Syllabus
This initiative is crucial for aspirants preparing for UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, Railways, and Environmental Defence Services, as it covers themes like urban planning, environment, governance, and sustainability—core areas in general awareness and current affairs.
🌐 National Significance and Policy Relevance
The Action Plan 2025 showcases India’s proactive stance toward environmental rejuvenation and sustainable development. It demonstrates inter-institutional cooperation, forward-thinking policy design, and a shift toward nature-based urban planning, which are important governance trends.
🕰️ Historical Context: Background of River Cities Alliance
The River Cities Alliance (RCA) was formed in 2021 with an initial focus on the Ganga basin. It was later expanded to include other river cities across India. RCA aims to build a community of practice for cities to learn from each other in managing urban rivers. The NMCG, established under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, is the implementing agency for the Namami Gange Programme, a flagship project for river rejuvenation.
📊 Key Takeaways from “NMCG’s Action Plan 2025 for Urban River Rejuvenation”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | NMCG approved the Action Plan 2025 under the River Cities Alliance initiative. |
| 2 | Focus areas include waste management, riverfront development, and biodiversity. |
| 3 | The RCA now includes over 140 river cities across India. |
| 4 | The plan emphasizes public participation and capacity building of city officials. |
| 5 | It aligns with major SDGs like SDG 6, SDG 11, and SDG 13. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the full form of NMCG?
NMCG stands for National Mission for Clean Ganga, an initiative under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Q2. What is the main objective of the Action Plan 2025?
The Action Plan 2025 focuses on rejuvenating urban rivers through wastewater management, riverfront development, biodiversity enhancement, and citizen engagement.
Q3. What is the River Cities Alliance (RCA)?
The River Cities Alliance is a collaborative platform of Indian cities focused on urban river management, launched by NMCG and NIUA in 2021.
Q4. How many cities are currently part of the RCA?
As of 2025, over 140 cities are members of the River Cities Alliance.
Q5. Why is Action Plan 2025 important for exams?
It covers topics like environmental policy, urban development, sustainable cities, and climate action, which are frequently asked in UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Railways, and Banking exams.
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