Odisha and its 24x7 Water Supply: A Tale of Taps and Triumph (DFT)

06 May, 2025 | Blog
Urban Water Bodies in India: Challenges, Initiatives, and NIUA's UWD Tool

16 April, 2025 | Blog
Integrating Community Participation in Water-Sensitive Urban Futures

11 April, 2025 | Blog
River Cities and Artificial Intelligence On using AI for Planning River Cities

11 April, 2025 | Blog
India’s Groundwater Crisis: A Silent Emergency Beneath Our Feet

09 April, 2025 | Blog

About

The Water and Environment vertical of the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), established in 2020, is driving transformative change in India’s urban landscape by fostering ecologically responsible development. Its mission is to bridge the gap between economic growth and environmental sustainability, demonstrating how these forces are not mutually exclusive but inherently complementary. Through innovative frameworks, tools, and strategic guidance, it aims to create harmonious, river-sensitive cities where urban growth thrives alongside natural ecosystems. By building an enabling environment for effective water management and supporting cities in navigating and utilizing these systems and interventions, NIUA is actively shaping India’s national narrative, contributing to nation-building, and transforming ground realities that strive for a sustainable tomorrow.

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Our Impact

26

Indian states now engage with NIUA's Water & Environment vertical, showcasing its national impact and commitment to sustainable change

140+

Cities have joined the River Cities Alliance (RCA) — a sharp rise from the initial 30 cities that had joined the RCA when it first launched in 2021

75

Cities are part of Phase II of the SAM project, expanding its reach and promoting sustainable groundwater practices in urban governance systems

60

Cities are being supported by the World Bank to adopt NIUA’s URMP framework, promoting river-sensitive urban development across India

1,200+

Urban residents, including slum dwellers, were surveyed by NIUA to assess Odisha’s ‘Drink from Tap’ mission for impact and service efficiency

800+

Students have participated in 5 seasons of the Student Thesis Competition, crafting innovative solutions to reimagine India’s urban river systems

Featured

2020 Publication

A Strategic Framework for Managing Urban River Stretches in the Ganga River Basin: URMP

The Urban River Management Plan (URMP) Framework is a comprehensive guide developed by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) with support from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). It aims to provide cities with a structured approach for the sustainable management and rejuvenation of urban rivers, which have often been neglected or exploited due to rapid urbanization. The framework recognizes rivers not only as water bodies but also as critical ecological, cultural, and economic assets. As urban areas expand, the framework emphasizes the need to protect rivers through effective governance, planning, and coordination across urban sectors.The URMP framework follows a seven-stage process. The first step involves a city-river profiling that helps in understanding the current condition of the river, its ecological status, and the socio-economic dependence of the surrounding urban population. The second stage involves developing a vision for the river's future and setting long-term and short-term goals. The third stage focuses on preparing actionable strategies, including identification of projects for river rejuvenation and flood management. The next stage includes alignment with city development plans, ensuring that river management becomes part of the urban development process. The framework also emphasizes institutional integration to ensure that various urban departments and stakeholders are involved in the implementation of the plan. The final stage involves developing a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess the progress of river management initiatives and ensure long-term sustainability.A key element of the framework is its focus on nature-based solutions and climate resilience, which aim to restore the ecological health of the river systems while also addressing urban vulnerabilities such as flooding and water scarcity. The URMP also promotes multi-stakeholder engagement, bringing together local communities, municipal authorities, and national agencies to work towards a shared vision for river management.The framework aligns with existing national programs like AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Smart Cities Mission to ensure synergy and effective implementation. Additionally, it provides tools, templates, and performance indicators that cities can use to customize their river management plans.Overall, the URMP aims to create river-sensitive cities by restoring ecological integrity and improving the overall quality of life for urban residents.

2021 Publication

Strategic Guidelines for “Making River Sensitive Master Plans

The Strategic Guidelines for Making River-Sensitive Master Plans, developed by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), provide a comprehensive framework to help cities across India incorporate river-sensitive approaches into their urban planning processes. The document underscores the importance of recognizing rivers not just as water bodies, but as vital ecological, cultural, and economic assets that are crucial to the sustainability of urban environments. With rapid urbanization often putting rivers at risk through pollution, encroachment, and poor management, these guidelines aim to embed river conservation into city development plans.The guidelines outline a structured process that cities can follow to integrate rivers into their master planning. The first stage involves conducting a river baseline assessment, which includes understanding the river’s current ecological status, water quality, and the pressures it faces due to urbanization. This data helps form the foundation for the next stage, which involves visioning—setting a long-term, sustainable vision for how rivers can be integrated into urban life. Along with this, clear, actionable goals are set for the river’s management, health, and ecological restoration.A crucial component of the guidelines is the integration of policies and regulations that align with river-sensitive principles. This ensures that urban planning processes actively contribute to the health of rivers, not just as a passive component of the landscape. Specific sectoral strategies for land use, water supply, sanitation, and flood management are tailored to address river concerns, ensuring that these elements of urban planning incorporate river restoration and preservation.The guidelines also emphasize public participation throughout the planning process, engaging local communities, stakeholders, and citizens. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for river health, ensuring that the community plays a key role in implementation. Additionally, a robust monitoring and evaluation system is established to track progress and assess the effectiveness of river-sensitive interventions over time.By embedding these principles into master planning, the guidelines aim to create river-sensitive cities that promote not only ecological sustainability but also social and economic resilience. The approach is aligned with national missions such as the Namami Gange Programme and the Smart Cities Mission, ensuring that river management is integrated into broader urban development goals. This strategic framework enables cities to manage their rivers effectively while promoting overall sustainable growth.

2021 Publication

Urban River Management Plan - Kanpur

The Urban River Management Plan (URMP) for Kanpur, developed by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) with the support of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), is a comprehensive strategy aimed at integrating river health into urban planning and governance. It focuses on the restoration, protection, and sustainable management of the Ganga and Pandu rivers, which are critical to Kanpur’s ecological balance, cultural identity, and public health.Kanpur, historically a major industrial and cultural hub along the Ganga, has long suffered from the degradation of its rivers due to untreated sewage, industrial effluents, solid waste dumping, and unplanned urban expansion. The URMP addresses these issues through a multi-dimensional approach that combines infrastructure development, policy reform, ecological restoration, and community engagement.The plan’s objectives include reducing direct pollution into rivers, improving sewage and solid waste management, rejuvenating natural habitats, and enhancing public access to the rivers through planned riverfront development. Key interventions include the installation of decentralized wastewater treatment systems, promotion of solid waste segregation at source, restoration of natural buffers along the riverbanks, and development of public amenities like ghats, parks, and walkways. These measures aim to reconnect people with the rivers and foster stewardship.A strong emphasis is placed on community involvement through awareness campaigns, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building programs. The URMP encourages local ownership of river health, making river-sensitive behavior a civic priority. It also includes a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of interventions over time.Institutional coordination is vital to the URMP's success. The Kanpur Nagar Nigam leads implementation efforts, supported by urban planning bodies, pollution control boards, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. The plan aligns with national initiatives like the Namami Gange Programme and the Smart Cities Mission, demonstrating a scalable model for river-sensitive urban development across India.Ultimately, the URMP for Kanpur envisions a future where rivers are treated as living ecosystems—integrated into the fabric of urban life, protected by thoughtful planning, and celebrated by communities. It offers a sustainable pathway for cities to coexist with their natural water systems while enhancing resilience and quality of life for all.

2023 Publication

Urban River Management Plan – Ayodhya

The Urban River Management Plan (URMP) for Ayodhya, jointly developed by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), is a comprehensive framework aimed at restoring and preserving the ecological, cultural, and social value of the Saryu River. As Ayodhya undergoes rapid urban development, especially in the context of growing tourism and religious importance, the URMP serves as a roadmap to ensure that the city’s growth remains environmentally sustainable and river-sensitive.The plan identifies key challenges facing the Saryu River, including untreated sewage discharge, unregulated construction along the riverbanks, solid waste accumulation, and loss of natural buffers and biodiversity. To address these, the URMP outlines ten interlinked objectives ranging from pollution abatement and ecological restoration to riverfront development and enhanced public engagement.Key interventions proposed under the URMP include the creation of decentralized wastewater treatment systems to manage sewage more efficiently, strengthening the solid waste management framework to prevent waste dumping near the river, and restoring riparian vegetation to improve biodiversity and reduce erosion. The development of inclusive riverfronts that support both recreational use and cultural activities is another focus area, aiming to reconnect citizens with the river through safe, accessible public spaces.Importantly, the URMP highlights the need for institutional coordination and local capacity building. It proposes structured governance mechanisms involving the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation, development authorities, pollution control boards, and citizen groups. Public participation and community stewardship are core principles, promoted through awareness campaigns and educational programs.The plan is implemented in phases—starting with baseline assessments and diagnostics, followed by detailed planning, stakeholder consultations, execution, and continuous monitoring. It integrates principles of climate resilience, heritage conservation, and sustainable land use.By aligning with national programs like the Namami Gange Mission, the URMP for Ayodhya not only focuses on river health but also offers a model for other heritage cities seeking to harmonize development with ecological preservation. It envisions a future where the Saryu River continues to thrive as the spiritual and environmental heart of the city.

2023 Publication

Urban River Management Plan - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad)

The Urban River Management Plan (URMP) for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad, is a comprehensive and strategic planning document prepared by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation. This plan focuses on the rejuvenation and sustainable management of the Kham and Sukhana rivers, which flow through the heart of the city and have long been central to its ecology, heritage, and urban development.The URMP identifies a number of environmental and urban pressures affecting the rivers, including untreated sewage discharge, solid waste dumping, urban encroachment on floodplains, and degradation of natural ecosystems. The plan proposes a holistic approach structured around ten thematic objectives that integrate river health into the broader urban governance and planning framework. These objectives include pollution abatement, ecosystem restoration, riverfront development, solid and liquid waste management, risk reduction, and enhanced public access.Key proposed interventions include the establishment of decentralized wastewater treatment systems, scientific management of solid waste to reduce river pollution, restoration of green buffers and riparian vegetation, and development of public spaces like ghats, walkways, and parks to promote community interaction with the river environment. These measures are supported by strong institutional mechanisms involving multiple stakeholders, including government departments, technical experts, and local communities.A central focus of the URMP is on community engagement and education. Public awareness campaigns, stakeholder consultations, and participatory planning exercises are embedded into the process to foster local ownership and behavioral change. The plan also outlines a robust monitoring and evaluation system to ensure transparency, accountability, and adaptive management.By aligning with broader national missions such as Namami Gange, AMRUT, and the Smart Cities Mission, the URMP for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar serves as a replicable model for other Indian cities facing similar river degradation challenges. It envisions a city where rivers are not just passive recipients of waste but active, vibrant ecosystems that contribute to the city's livability, resilience, and identity.

River Cities Alliance: Fostering Harmony Between Cities and Rivers

Launched in November 2021, the River Cities Alliance (RCA) aims to promote a symbiotic relationship between Indian river cities and their waterways. Initially comprising 30 cities, the RCA has grown to over 145 member cities. The alliance was formed in response to the Honorable Prime Minister's 2019 call to action, emphasizing the need for cities to take responsibility for river rejuvenation.

Urban areas significantly contribute to river degradation, making their effective management crucial. Rivers provide numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits, and cities can reap these rewards by fostering a harmonious relationship with their rivers — this is where the RCA comes in. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) jointly manage the RCA, working together to promote sustainable urban river management practices.