In August 2024, in which of the following Indian cities, India and Denmark collaborated to create a 'smart laboratory on clean rivers'?

Correct option is B

• Funding: The project received initial funding of ₹16.8 crore from India's Ministry of Jal Shakti and an additional ₹5 crore grant from Denmark. 

• Collaborative Effort: This tripartite initiative involves the Government of India, the Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), and the Government of Denmark. 

• Objectives: The SLCR aims to create a platform for government bodies, academic institutions, and local communities to develop and implement solutions for clean river water. It features a hybrid lab model at IIT-BHU and an on-field living lab at the Varuna River to test and scale solutions. 

Additional Information:

• Varanasi's Significance: Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and holds immense religious significance, particularly due to its proximity to the Ganges River. The city has been at the heart of India's spiritual and cultural life for centuries, making the revitalization of its rivers crucial for both environmental and cultural preservation.

• Clean River Initiatives: The collaboration is part of broader initiatives aimed at improving India's water quality, especially within its sacred rivers like the Ganga and its tributaries. Such initiatives are key to India's goals of maintaining sustainable urban development and environmental preservation.

• Technology Integration: The smart laboratory model combines advanced technology with environmental science, allowing real-time monitoring of river water quality and testing new methodologies for sustainable water management.