The Ramganga River, a key tributary of Ganga, is a crucial water resource for cities and communities across western Uttar Pradesh. Beyond meeting the region’s water demands, it plays a vital role in supporting the region's economy, particularly in industrial and commercial hubs like Moradabad and Bareilly. However, rapid urbanisation and unregulated discharge of industrial and domestic waste have severely impacted the river’s health, leading to deteriorating water quality and posing significant environmental and public health risks.

To address these challenges, WWF, in collaboration with NIUA, is working on the conservation and sustainable management of the Ramganga River through the development and implementation of Urban River Management Plans (URMPs) for Moradabad and Bareilly.

With support from NMCG, NIUA has developed a comprehensive framework to help river cities plan and implement interventions that restore and maintain urban river stretches sustainably. This framework promotes a multi-stakeholder approach, ensuring better coordination and minimising conflicts among various sectors involved in river management.

By adopting this framework, NIUA has developed URMPs for Bareilly and Moradabad and will work closely with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to implement them, fostering long-term river health and resilience.

The URMPs integrate scientific assessments, nature-based solutions, and community engagement strategies. They provide key recommendations for river-centric urban planning and blue-green infrastructure conservation, ensuring the river’s sustainability and resilience.