Call for Research Proposals: Shallow Aquifer Management (India)

Organisation Name:

National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)

Application Deadline:

21 August 2025

About Organisation

The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) functions under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India. It is a premier institute dedicated to research, policy formulation, capacity building, and knowledge dissemination in the field of urban development and governance. NIUA acts as a think-tank that supports the development of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban centers across India.

As part of its commitment to informed and data-driven urban management, NIUA undertakes initiatives that address environmental challenges, infrastructure development, and public service delivery. It works closely with government bodies, academic institutions, civil society, and private stakeholders to promote innovation and evidence-based planning. Through its various programs, NIUA aims to foster urban ecosystems that are environmentally sustainable and socially equitable.

In collaboration with MoHUA, NIUA has launched the Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM 2.0) program under the AMRUT 2.0 initiative. The program is designed to enhance the understanding, monitoring, and management of shallow aquifers in urban India. With a focus on practical implementation and knowledge dissemination, NIUA is inviting proposals that contribute toward building robust groundwater management frameworks and implementation strategies suited to Indian cities.

About the Grant

The grant, offered under the Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM 2.0) initiative by NIUA, seeks to support short-term, practical, and interdisciplinary research that can significantly contribute to the scientific understanding and management of shallow aquifers in urban India. The aim is to foster a solution-driven approach that integrates science, governance, and community engagement for sustainable groundwater management.

Each selected proposal can receive funding support of up to ₹5,00,000. Researchers are encouraged to propose projects that not only explore technical aspects such as hydrogeology and aquifer mapping but also address policy frameworks, institutional governance, and public participation in water resource management. Proposals leveraging data science to develop GIS tools, dashboards, or mobile applications for aquifer monitoring are especially encouraged.

The grant also focuses on identifying regional needs and knowledge gaps, building local capacity, and piloting scalable solutions. Innovative solutions and startups providing applicable technology models are welcome to contribute. Selected applicants will also be invited to participate in a two-day workshop in Delhi, share their findings with SAM 2.0 city stakeholders, and contribute to a special edition of a reputed journal. The grant includes a certificate of meritorious achievement for successful applicants.

Who can Apply?

The grant opportunity is open to a wide range of institutions engaged in research, innovation, and implementation related to urban water management. Eligible applicants include:

Academic and Research Institutions: Universities, colleges, and independent research bodies with a background in environmental science, urban planning, water management, or similar disciplines.
Think-Tanks and Policy Institutions: Organizations involved in policy formulation, urban governance research, and sustainable development.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Especially those working on community-based water initiatives, citizen engagement, and urban infrastructure.
Start-ups and Social Enterprises: With demonstrated potential in technological innovation or service models applicable to aquifer management and urban planning.

Applicants must demonstrate the capability to conduct interdisciplinary research and translate findings into actionable strategies for implementation under the AMRUT 2.0 framework. Preference may be given to proposals that combine technical expertise with practical engagement, including tools for citizen participation, urban governance integration, and digital solutions.

Collaborative projects between multiple eligible organizations are also encouraged to ensure diverse expertise and wider impact. All applicants should ensure their project timeline and deliverables align with the short-term and outcome-oriented nature of this funding.

How to Apply?

Interested applicants must prepare a detailed research proposal aligned with the objectives of the SAM 2.0 initiative. The proposal should outline the project rationale, methodology, outcomes, and budget. Submissions must be made to NIUA following their prescribed format and documentation requirements. Selected proposals will be reviewed based on relevance, innovation, feasibility, and potential for impact in urban aquifer management.

Application Deadline

The final date to submit research proposals is 21st August 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time for internal review and required documentation.

Last Date to Apply

Ensure your application reaches NIUA no later than 21-Aug-2025, as late submissions may not be considered under the Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM 2.0) research initiative.

Grant Amount

Selected research proposals will be awarded a grant of up to ₹5,00,000 to conduct impactful, short-term studies focused on strengthening the urban management of shallow aquifers in India.