Why is it in the news?

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has signed a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), marking progress towards the establishment of the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA).

More about the news

• The River Cities Alliance (RCA), initiated by NMCG in 2021, has expanded its membership to 267 global river-cities, including India, the USA, and Denmark.
• The agreement at COP28 in the UAE includes a water monitoring program, sharing best practices for renaturing urban areas, and restoring aquatic ecosystems for sustainable urban development.
• The program underscores the significance of restoring urban forests and lakes connected to rivers, emphasizing the importance of green spaces.

River Cities Alliance (RCA)

• Initiated by NMCG under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2021.
• Facilitates discussions and information exchange among river cities in India for sustainable urban river management.
• Focuses on enhancing the capacity of member cities.
• Provides technical assistance for effective urban river management.
• Currently includes 142 Indian river cities and the city of Aarhus in Denmark.

Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI)

• Represents 124 cities/towns along the banks of the Mississippi River in the USA.
• Since 2012, MRCTI has been promoting economic and environmental security and stability along the Mississippi River Corridor.
• Aims to build the capacity of member mayors, empowering them with tools and support for effective local initiatives.

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

• Registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, NMCG aims to ensure effective pollution abatement and rejuvenation of the Ganga River.
• Two-tier structure with a Governing Council and an Executive Committee. Both headed by the Director-General of NMCG.
• The Executive Committee has the authority to approve projects up to Rs. 1000 crore.
• Implements the Namami Gange scheme, a comprehensive effort to clean and protect the Ganga River.