Vision of SLCR
The Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi is a flagship Indo-Danish initiative advancing sustainable rejuvenation of small rivers and tributaries through integrated scientific and institutional collaboration. Conceptualized under the joint leadership of the Prime Ministers of India and Denmark, the initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September 2022.
SLCR aims to mobilize global expertise, advanced technologies, and best practices to support holistic river rejuvenation aligned with environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social relevance. The laboratory functions as a collaborative platform for knowledge creation, transfer, and co-creation, linking government authorities, research institutions, technology providers, and citizens within an operational governance framework.
SLCR adopts a Living Lab approach to enable real-world testing and validation of innovative river rejuvenation solutions. The initiative directly supports the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) by focusing on small rivers and tributaries that critically influence basin-scale water quality outcomes.
Coordinator's Desk
Leadership Insight
Prof. Shishir Gaur
Coordinator, SLCR
Dept. of Civil Engg., IIT (BHU)
"As a coordinator, I have the privilege to lead the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR)... SLCR represents a strategic platform for integrating global knowledge, advanced technologies, and ground implemented solutions to address persistent challenges related to river water quality."
" आपो हि ष्ठा मयोभुवः "
(Waters are indeed the source of well-being)
Our Aim
The government of India is dedicated towards clean and sustainable rivers. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conceptualised the visionary Smart Laboratory for Clean Rivers (SLCR) initiative with his Danish counterpart.
The Smart Laboratory in Varanasi serves as a platform for knowledge creation, transfer, and co-creation; it provides global and local sustainable solutions for the rejuvenation of streams/rivers, jointly managed by Indian and Danish partners.
News
Meeting with CDO Bhadohi for Administrative Support toward Varuna River Pilot Technology Demonstrations
Strategic Consultation with Prayagraj Officials for Scientific Rejuvenation of Varuna River Stretch
Interactive Session with VECC–DAE under "Namami Gange" for Holistic River Rejuvenation
Participation in NMCG Workshop on Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring Stations, New Delhi
SLCR Participates in IWT-RRR National Symposium on Innovations in Water Treatment & Resource Recovery
4th International Conference on River Health (RHAR 2025) Organized at IIT (BHU), Varanasi
Meeting with CDO Varanasi on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Structures along Varuna River
Participation in Stockholm World Water Week 2025 – "River Cities Reimagined" Session
Two-Day Expert Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions for Varuna & Assi River Rejuvenation
Visit of H.E. Shri Manish Prabhat, Ambassador of India to Denmark at SLCR
Expert Meeting on Decision Support System (DSS) for Water Resource Management
Visit of Shri Dheeraj Joshi to Review SLCR Research Activities
Workshop on Characterization of Emerging Pollutants & Fingerprint Analysis
Expert Workshop on Hydrogeological Modeling of Varuna Basin for Recharge Planning
Technical Visit to 30 MLD Advanced Oxidation Wastewater Treatment Plant near Assi Ghat
Stakeholder Interaction with SMCG-UP & GIZ Team at Lucknow
Capacity Building Programme on TEM Data Processing & Interpretation
Training on Thermal Drone Imaging for Environmental Monitoring
Meeting with CDO Bhadohi for Administrative Support toward Varuna River Pilot Technology Demonstrations
Strategic Consultation with Prayagraj Officials for Scientific Rejuvenation of Varuna River Stretch
Interactive Session with VECC–DAE under "Namami Gange" for Holistic River Rejuvenation
Participation in NMCG Workshop on Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring Stations, New Delhi
SLCR Participates in IWT-RRR National Symposium on Innovations in Water Treatment & Resource Recovery
4th International Conference on River Health (RHAR 2025) Organized at IIT (BHU), Varanasi
Meeting with CDO Varanasi on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Structures along Varuna River
Participation in Stockholm World Water Week 2025 – "River Cities Reimagined" Session
Two-Day Expert Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions for Varuna & Assi River Rejuvenation
Visit of H.E. Shri Manish Prabhat, Ambassador of India to Denmark at SLCR
Expert Meeting on Decision Support System (DSS) for Water Resource Management
Visit of Shri Dheeraj Joshi to Review SLCR Research Activities
Workshop on Characterization of Emerging Pollutants & Fingerprint Analysis
Expert Workshop on Hydrogeological Modeling of Varuna Basin for Recharge Planning
Technical Visit to 30 MLD Advanced Oxidation Wastewater Treatment Plant near Assi Ghat
Stakeholder Interaction with SMCG-UP & GIZ Team at Lucknow
Capacity Building Programme on TEM Data Processing & Interpretation
Training on Thermal Drone Imaging for Environmental Monitoring
Our Core Intent.
Knowledge Platform
Create a platform between Government authorities, Knowledge institutions, technology providers and citizens for knowledge sharing and co-creation to achieve clean river water.
Innovative Solutions
To bring the global solutions on current challenges in the field of clean river water and conduct research and development to fit in real environment through Living lab approach to make them scalable and economically attractive.
Support NMCG
Support National Mission for Clean Ganga in achieving its vision by focusing on small rivers.
Technology Repository
Develop the repository of all collected knowledge and technologies, which can be shared through various initiatives like River Cities Alliance/Global River Cities Alliance to perform rejuvenation work on other small rivers or tributaries in India and in GRCA member countries.