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.