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A groundbreaking partnership between India and Denmark is set to revolutionize river management with the launch of the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi. This ambitious project, a collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology - Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), the Government of India, and the Government of Denmark, aims to rejuvenate the Varuna River through cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.

The SLCR will serve as both a hybrid laboratory and a real-world testing ground. The laboratory, based at IIT-BHU, will focus on developing and testing innovative solutions for river management, while the on-field living lab at the Varuna River will apply these solutions directly in the river's environment.

This initiative brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities. Its goal is to create a comprehensive platform for collaboration, enabling the development of effective strategies for maintaining clean river water and sustainable river management.

Key Projects and Funding

The SLCR will launch several key projects with an initial funding boost of Rs. 16.80 crore from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and an additional grant of Rs. 5 crore from Denmark. The projects include:

Decision Support System (DSS): This project aims to develop advanced tools for water management. By integrating groundwater and hydrological models, the DSS will provide real-time monitoring, data visualization, and scenario simulations to support effective river management.

Emerging Pollutants Characterization: Over the next 18 months, this project will use state-of-the-art techniques to identify and analyze contaminants in the river. Led by international experts, this initiative will help enhance water quality monitoring and develop strategies for pollution remediation.

Hydrogeological Model of the Varuna Basin: This project focuses on optimizing water recharge sites and rates. By using advanced geophysical techniques and mathematical modeling, the project aims to improve water resource management and support sustainable water harvesting.

Collaboration and Oversight

The project will be overseen by several committees to ensure its success. The Indo-Danish Joint Steering Committee (JSC) will provide strategic guidance, while the Project Review Committee (PRC) will monitor quality control. The Multi-Stakeholder Working Group (MSWG), chaired by the District Magistrate and co-chaired by NMCG and IIT-BHU, will coordinate efforts among various agencies. Additionally, the SLCR Secretariat, established between NMCG and IIT-BHU, will manage day-to-day operations and knowledge sharing.