17 July 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. Collaborative Effort Underway to Initiate Robust Urban River Management Plan in Delhi

Source – Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Ministry of Jal Shakti (16 July 2025)

Objective of URMP

• The URMP seeks to rejuvenate the Yamuna River through an integrated urban planning approach that combines scientific assessment, risk-based planning, and stakeholder participation.

• It moves beyond being a static document, serving instead as a dynamic planning tool that addresses river health as central to sustainable urban development.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

• Multi-Stakeholder Participation:
  Involvement of 14 key government departments, academia, experts, and international partners to ensure holistic action.

• Leadership and Vision:
  Sh. Rajeev Kumar Mittal (DG, NMCG) emphasized embedding river-sensitive planning into urban development for long-term sustainability.

• Government Commitment:
  Sh. Dharmendra (Chief Secretary, Delhi) highlighted that rejuvenation of Yamuna means rejuvenation of Delhi and called for practical, actionable plans to improve water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and sustainable city planning.

Key Focus Areas

• Infrastructure Upgrade:
  URMP to prioritize drain treatment, sewage infrastructure, and flood management systems.

• Nature-Based Solutions:
  Promotion of biodiversity-friendly approaches and flood risk mitigation as discussed by IIT Delhi.

• International Collaboration:
  Partnerships with the Netherlands and Australia to leverage global best practices in urban river resilience and planning.

• Urban Resilience Centers:
  Establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Urban Water Resilience with collaboration from IIT Bhilai and Dutch institutions.

• Community Engagement:
  Role of River Cities Alliance (RCA) emphasized for mobilizing public participation and creative action for river health.

Institutional Support

• World Bank Involvement:
  Provides case studies and financial assistance for robust and practical URMP implementation.

• Academia’s Role:
  IIT Delhi will work on urban flood risk mapping, while NIUA will lead the preparation of the roadmap and DPRs.

Long-Term Goals

• Develop actionable projects and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to ensure measurable impact.

• Embed river rejuvenation within Delhi’s identity and sustainability narrative, making Yamuna restoration central to urban resilience and climate change adaptation.

Conclusion and Way Forward

The URMP signals a transformative shift from piecemeal, reactive measures to an integrated, science-driven, and participatory framework for urban river management. It underlines the role of collaborative governance, international partnerships, and citizen engagement in shaping resilient and sustainable urban ecosystems.

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