Support to River Ganga Rejuvenation III (SGR III) - Accompanying the institutional development process of NMCG to improve RBM integration

The Ganga is one of India’s most ecologically, economically, and culturally vital rivers, with the basin providing drinking water and supporting the livelihood of around 500 million people. The Support to River Ganga Rejuvenation (SGR) project, implemented by GIZ, works closely with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to respond to the urgent challenges facing the basin such as pollution, resource mismanagement, and climate impacts. The project, now in its third phase, focuses on the rejuvenation and sustainable management of the basin, aiming to restore the ecological health and enhance the socio-economic role of the Ganga River by supporting improved water governance.

SGR III is organized into four main working areas ranging from institutional strengthening to ensure the necessary coordination structures are in place at the respective administrative levels, to supporting the implementation of river basin management measures, improving the coordination between actors responsible for integrated river basin management and the development of suitable policy instruments. This multi-level approach ensures that national, state and district priorities are recognised and addressed and the articulation between these different planning levels is improved. 

adelphi, together with our consortium partner KPMG India, is playing an important role in the institutional strengthening of the project landscape by supporting the implementation of existing strategies, developing capacities, and operationalizing Thematic Expert Groups (TEGs) within the NMCG, with an emphasis on integrated river basin management approaches and coordination among various stakeholders. Leveraging its extensive expertise in river basin management, adelphi has developed standardized research methodologies, stakeholder mapping tools, and custom-made guidance materials that translate high-level policy visions into actionable plans. The collaboration between adelphi and KPMG with GIZ, NMCG and other project partners is set to foster lasting and inclusive institutional reform for the Ganga River basin.