A view of the Ganga River in Varanasi

The Ganga River is the lifeline of India, flowing through the heart of the country and sustaining millions of lives along its banks. Revered as a sacred river and a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage, the Ganga faces unprecedented challenges from pollution, industrial effluents, and urbanization. The Government of India, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has taken significant steps towards the rejuvenation of the Ganga through the Namami Gange Programme.

The Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) initiative represents a landmark collaboration between India and Denmark, conceptualized during the meeting between the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister of Denmark. This joint venture aims to develop innovative solutions for river restoration through cutting-edge research, technology transfer, and capacity building.

In the sacred city of Varanasi, the SLCR initiative takes special significance. The city, also known as Kashi or Banaras, derives its very name from two rivers - the Varuna in the north and the Assi in the south, both tributaries of the Ganga. The Varuna River, in particular, has been a focus of restoration efforts as it flows into the holy Ganga at the northern boundary of the city.

Unlike the main Ganges stream, the Varuna has suffered from reduced flow and heavy encroachment. The water, which should be a lifeline for the northern districts, often stagnates. A lack of dissolved oxygen promotes the growth of anaerobic bacteria, leading to foul odors and a decline in aquatic life. The present situation reflects decades of indifference towards the environment. The basin has been treated as a reservoir for dumping waste—plastic bags, industrial effluent from small-scale dyeing units, and untreated sewage.

Such exogenic activities have robbed the river of its pristine glory. Therefore, collective action from all stakeholders—government, academia, and citizens—is needed to bring "Varuna" back to life. The Smart Laboratory on Clean River (SLCR) at IIT (BHU) has made a remarkable effort by establishing this digital SLCR Gallery.

The SLCR at IIT (BHU) Varanasi serves as a Living Laboratory where global knowledge meets local wisdom. Through a multi-disciplinary approach involving hydrology, environmental science, social engagement, and policy research, the laboratory works towards developing sustainable solutions for river rejuvenation. The initiative brings together experts from Indian Institutes of Technology, Danish universities, and various government bodies to create a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange.

This digital gallery serves as a window into the various activities, research initiatives, field work, and events organized under the SLCR umbrella. Through these visual narratives, we aim to inspire collective action and raise public awareness about the importance of river conservation for our future generations.