Innovative Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) Project unveiled in Varanasi by strategic alliance between NMCG, IIT (BHU) and Denmark.
The Green Strategic Partnership between the Governments of India and Denmark has fostered significant collaboration, resulting in the establishment of the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi.
This alliance is a unique tripartite initiative between the Government of India (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation), Indian Institute of Technology – Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) and the Government of Denmark.
It aims to bring excellence in conservation and management of small rivers.
SLCR aims to conserve the Varuna River using a sustainable approach by leveraging expertise from both countries.
Its objectives also include creating a collaborative platform for government bodies, knowledge institutions and local communities to share knowledge and develop solutions for clean river water.
The initiative involves setting up a hybrid lab model at IIT-BHU and an on-field living lab on the Varuna River to virtually test and benchmark solutions.
The Indo-Danish Joint Steering Committee (JSC) is the apex forum for SLCR which provides strategic guidance and reviews progress.
The Project Review Committee (PRC) comprising members from National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Central Water Commission (CWC), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), IIT-BHU and Danish Urban Sector Consultant will oversee quality control at the project level.
The SLCR Secretariat will receive an initial funding of Rs 16.80 crore from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and an additional grant of Rs 5 crore from Denmark to provide support in long-term sustainability and project development.
