In a landmark initiative led by India to manage rivers more effectively, the ‘Global River Cities Alliance’ (GRCA), was launched at COP-28 in Dubai by representatives of nine countries on Sunday. The countries who committed their support for the GRCA include India, Egypt, the Netherlands, Denmark, Cambodia, Japan, Bhutan, Australia and Ghana.
The GRCA is modeled on the lines of India’s River Cities Alliance established by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in November 2021. River Cities Alliance is a first-of-its kind initiative to propagate river-sensitive development in cities around the world. The River Cities Alliance currently has 142 river cities in India and serves as a dedicated platform for members to have concerted discussions on aspects related to urban river management. The recently released India Infrastructure Report 2023 also categorically called for "urban redevelopment" to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change that are manifesting around the world.
The landmark launch of GRCA comes three days after a Memorandum of Common Purpose was inked between NMCG and Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, representing 124 cities or towns situated along the banks of the Mississippi River as part of the River Cities Alliance.
Three central level national ministers for water resources were present on the occasion. These include Hani Swilam, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt; Mark Harbers, the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Netherlands and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, who made a virtual address.
G. Asok Kumar, Director General, NMCG convened the session. The world renowned spiritual leader, Sadhguru, known for his passion for rivers, made a special address at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said: “The launch of the GRCA with the support of member countries is a testament to the fact that river management is a matter of global interest. India is happy to lead the efforts in this direction”.
