Orientation Training for Uttarakhand’s Urban Leaders Under AMRUT 2.0 Conducted by RCUES Lucknow

Inauguration & Objectives

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Nishith Rai, Director, RCUES Lucknow, who emphasized the critical need for strengthening urban governance through mission-led frameworks like AMRUT 2.0. He underlined the importance of capacity building for elected officials through continuous learning and real-world exposure.

Dr. Alka Singh, Joint Director of RCUES, followed with a comprehensive overview of the training agenda, setting the stage for an insightful and interactive learning experience.

Training Highlights

The event featured technical sessions covering the core goals, structure, and reform-oriented approach of AMRUT 2.0. Specific focus areas included:

• Urban water body rejuvenation

• Rainwater harvesting techniques

• Wastewater reuse and recycling

• Field exposure visits to support practical learning

The primary objective was to build awareness and understanding among elected leaders regarding sustainable urban development and integrated water resource management under AMRUT 2.0.

Key Takeaways & Discussions

Participants expressed that urban transformation starts with informed and empowered leadership. Sharing his experience, Mr. Saurabh Thapliyal, Mayor of Dehradun, stated:"This training under AMRUT 2.0 has given us fresh insight into sustainable urban development and water resource management. We’re returning with renewed focus and actionable ideas."

During the open discussions, representatives recommended:

• Strengthening interdepartmental coordination

• Promoting integrated urban policy-making

• Mandating underground septage pipelines for public safety

• Implementing GIS-based systems for taxation and utility services

• Conducting regular policy reviews

• Empowering ULBs with tools to generate local revenue

• Providing low-interest loans (2%) for infrastructure projects

• Addressing land ownership conflicts

• Resolving manpower gaps by recruiting essential technical and sanitation personnel

Concerns were raised regarding infrastructure gaps in newly constituted ULBs (post-2018) and industrial stress on cities like Rudrapur, calling for urgent administrative and technical reforms.

Participants

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from a wide range of urban leaders across Uttarakhand, including:

Mayors

• Mr. Saurabh Thapliyal (Dehradun)

• Mr. Shailendra Singh Rawat (Kotdwar)

• Mr. Gajraj Singh Bisht (Haldwani-Kathgodam)

• Mr. Vikas Sharma (Rudrapur)

Chairpersons

• Mr. Bhupendra Singh Chauhan (Uttarkashi)

• Mr. Mohan Singh Rawat (Tihri)

• Mr. Santosh Singh Rawat (Rudraprayag)

• Mr. Vipin Kumar (Champawat)

• Mr. Suresh Khetwal (Bageshwar)

Councilors

• Ms. Sushma (Uttarkashi)

• Mr. Dinesh Kumar (Champawat)

• Mr. Vicky Suyal (Bageshwar)

• Mr. Pawan Kumar Rana (Udham Singh Nagar)

Urban Development Directorate

• Ms. Mukta Singh, Joint Director

• Other senior ULB officials and urban sector professionals

About RCUES Lucknow

As a leading institution in urban governance and management, RCUES Lucknow continues to drive transformational capacity-building programmes across states. Through mission-aligned training and exposure, it is empowering urban decision-makers to lead their cities toward a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive future.