Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra IAS (Retired)

Rajiv Ranjan Mishra , an officer belonging to the Indian Administrative Service (1987 batch), worked as Director General of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in the rank of Secretary to Government of India and spearheaded Namami Gange programme since 2018 till Dec 2021. He changed the discourse of this program developing it into an integrated multi sectoral initiative evolving a model framework for River Rejuvenation in India. Bringing several policy level changes momentum gained in mission led to completion of several projects. He has made pioneering effort for developing a framework for planning for river cities by main-streaming River & water into Urban Master Plans and developing River City Alliance.

He made valuable contribution in waste water management through introduction of Hybrid annuity mode of PPP, improving governance and promoting reuse. As Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, he steered several policies in housing sector and spearheaded the enactment of the landmark Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016.

The book “Ganga: Reimagining Rejuvenating, Reconnecting” co-authored by him gives an unique account by a change maker, of the enormity of challenge, institutional processes and reforms which led to momentum and impact on river health and how it could be sustained.

He led NMCG to several international and national recognition including Public Agency of the Year Award by Global Water Intelligence, London. He has also been recently given prestigious Annual Research Award of IIT, Roorkee and Lifetime Achievement Award by Water Digest in partnership with UNESCO.
He continues to be a water champion and sustainability warrior even after his superannuation sharing his experience and advising institutions like National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and also associated with several other initiatives such as strengthening River Basin Management & Planning cycle, study of Riverine Islands, deltas, river & water heritage etc. Recently, under his guidance, NIUA came up with a publication ‘Traditional and indigenous Practices for Climate Resilience in India’ and a white paper ‘Ensuring Water security’ in Urban 20 (U20/G20) in July 2023.

He is committed to bring his expertise to the AIWASI Project as the Chair, Delhi Water Forum. His profound understanding of government mechanisms and grassroots-level engagement will catalyze efforts and activities under the Delhi Water Forum.