India-Denmark Partnership Launches Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers in Varanasi

The SLCR has already cleared four projects under the collaboration. The first project focuses on developing a Decision Support System (DSS) for water management.

The Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark has led to the establishment of the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi, marking a significant milestone in small river rejuvenation and management. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Government of India’s Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, the Indian Institute of Technology - Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), and the Government of Denmark.

The SLCR aims to harness the expertise of both nations to rejuvenate the Varuna River using sustainable approaches. It will serve as a collaborative platform for government bodies, knowledge institutions, and local communities to share insights and develop solutions for clean river water. The initiative features a hybrid lab model at IIT-BHU and an on-field living lab at the Varuna River, designed to test and scale solutions in real-world settings.

To ensure excellence in river management, the SLCR has a robust institutional and appraisal mechanism. The highest decision-making body, the Indo-Danish Joint Steering Committee (JSC), provides strategic guidance and reviews progress. The Project Review Committee (PRC), which includes members from the National Mission on Clean Ganga (NMCG), Central Water Commission (CWC), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), IIT-BHU, and Denmark’s Urban Sector Counsellor, will oversee quality control at the project level.

The Multi-Stakeholder Working Group (MSWG), chaired by the District Magistrate and co-chaired by NMCG and IIT-BHU, will coordinate efforts among central and state agencies. Day-to-day activities, project development, and knowledge dissemination will be managed by the SLCR Secretariat, funded with Rs. 16.80 crore from India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and an additional INR 5 crore from Denmark.

The SLCR has already cleared four projects under the collaboration. The first project focuses on developing a Decision Support System (DSS) for water management. This project will analyze basin water dynamics, integrate groundwater and hydrological models, and create a comprehensive river management plan within 2-3 years.

The second project involves the characterization of emerging pollutants and fingerprint analysis. Over the next 18 months, this initiative will use advanced analytical techniques to identify and quantify contaminants, aiming to enhance water quality monitoring and propose effective remediation strategies.

A selected stretch of the Varuna River will serve as a demonstration site for interventions based on SLCR’s vision. This project aims to enhance regional economic and social development while ensuring good river health, with a focus on preserving archaeological and historical heritage.

The final project, focusing on the Hydrogeological Model of the Varuna Basin, will enhance base flow through Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). Over 24 months, the project will use advanced geophysical techniques to identify optimal recharge sites and rates, supporting informed decision-making and water resource optimization.

The SLCR is expected to be a unique collaboration between academia, sub-national and national governments, and an international partner, co-creating solutions for river health and small river rejuvenation.