The Annual Meeting of Members of the River Cities Alliance (RCA) "DHARA" is being organized in Pune from 13th - 14th February 2023.

* DHARA which stands for Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers.

* The annual meeting of the members of the River Cities Alliance (RCA), is being organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) from 13th to 14th February in Pune.

* The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will deliver the keynote address on the inaugural day of the event while the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore will deliver the valedictory address on day two.

* DHARA 2023 will provide a platform for senior officials including Commissioners, Addl. Commissioners, Chief Engineers and Senior Planners of the 95-member river cities in India to co-learn and discuss solutions for managing local water bodies.

Key Points :

* DHARA strong synergies with Urban20 initiative under ambit of India’s G20 Presidency

* Day 2 of the event will witness a Yoga session & visit to Mulla Mutha riverfront

* PM laid foundation stone for a pollution abatement project for Mulla Mutha River in Pune in March 2022.

* River Cities Alliance started with 30 cities in 2021 and currently has 95 cities as members across India

* RCA was launched in 2021 as a dedicated platform for river cities across India to discuss & exchange information for sustainable management of urban rivers

* DHARA 2023 is being organised for Municipal Commissioners of member cities to come up with possible learning solutions for urban river management

* Expected outcome includes development of a compendium of technological solutions that cities may adopt for enhancing management of local rivers

* DHARA will shine light on unaddressed issues & challenges for river management in cities and help NIUA & partners in formulating an effective work plan..

Source : PIB