SLCR at a Glance
Indo - Denmark Partnership
Establishment of Secretariat for Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers in Varanasi (SLCR) is the initiative discussed between the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, H.E. Shri. Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Denmark, H.E. Ms Mette Frederiksen, on 09th October 2021 during the latter's visit to India. SLCR was also mention in the India–Denmark Joint Statement released on 3rd May 2021 during the Visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, H.E. Shri. Narendra Modi On 03rd May 2022 as one the initiatives both the countries looked forward eagerly to be launched. On 12th September 2022 during the Hon'ble Minister of Jal Sakti's visit to Denmark, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Danish Environment Ministry as a broad-based framework in the field of Water Resources Development and Management including the SLCR initiative.
Hon'ble Prime Minister of India and Prime Minister of Denmark
Concept of Smart Living Lab on Clean River (SLCR)
Small River Rejuvenation
SLCR is more than a laboratory; it is an ecosystem of learning, engagement, co-creation, and experimentation in the real environment. SLCR consists of two major components:
Hybrid Lab (Virtual + Secretariat): Provides the platform to bring all Govt. Dept., Stakeholders, Academician, Industries and Community to engage to evaluate the Global sustainable solutions (technologies, Policies, frameworks) and enable their implementation in local context through Engagement, Learning and Co-creation. The Hybrid lab will also enable the upscaling of the solutions to the basin level and other rivers.
The second component consists of the On-field Living Lab having the real field area as an experimental site and is used to demonstrate the co-creation on the field.
Structure of SLCR
Joint Steering Committee
National level committee with high-level representatives from both Denmark and India. To provide strategic guidance and review the progress activities which are identified by the Multi Stake Holder Working Group. To explore and secure funding for new projects, if necessary.
Project Review Committee
To review the progress of the ongoing projects to assist the JSC. Quality control of the proposed new projects by the Multistakeholder Working group and share recommendation with the JSC. The PRC can request for a JSC meeting if new projects are to be reapproved or if they need strategic direction.
The Multi Stakeholder Working Group
It is the platform to bring the different Central and State Government agencies, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), District Administrations and state and central missions that are relevant for the Varuna. Share the challenges in their respective areas to SLCR. Inform the ongoing activities in their respective areas to SLCR. Establish synergy and convergence with the other schemes/initiatives. Give strategic inputs if any during framing of the individual projects to SLCR.