The Indian Journal of River Affairs (IJRA) is a flagship publication initiated under the aegis of the International Institute of River Affairs (IIRA) with the vision of creating a dedicated platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and policy advocacy on rivers and river systems. Conceived as an interdisciplinary journal, IJRA seeks to bridge the gap between science, governance, and society by promoting in-depth dialogue on the sustainable management of rivers across India and beyond. 

IJRA provides a forum for researchers, academicians, policymakers, practitioners, and civil society organizations to contribute their insights on issues ranging from hydrology, ecology, and river basin management to climate change, livelihoods, culture, and governance of rivers. Its focus extends to understanding the multi-dimensional role of rivers—not only as sources of water and energy but also as cultural symbols, ecological lifelines, and engines of sustainable development. As a publication of IIRA, the journal underscores the Institute’s mission to “Think River Differently” and promote innovative approaches to river affairs. It encourages case studies, research articles, policy reviews, and thought pieces that capture the diverse challenges and opportunities surrounding rivers, including themes like river rejuvenation, transboundary water cooperation, flood and disaster management, riverine biodiversity conservation, urban-river interactions, and community participation in river governance.

The journal will cover a broad spectrum of themes, including but not limited to: River Basin and Watershed Management, River Hydrology and Hydro-ecology, Climate Change and River System, Riverine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, River Pollution, Wastewater, and Remediation, Trans-boundary River Cooperation and Diplomacy, Floods, Droughts, and Disaster Risk Reduction, River and Culture: Socio-economic and Spiritual Dimensions, Community Participation and Governance Models, Smart Technologies for River Monitoring and Management etc. Through its bi-annual issues, IJRA aspires to build a knowledge repository that informs decision-making, strengthens academic research, and nurtures a new generation of river professionals. By fostering a dialogue between local experiences and global perspectives, IJRA stands as a vital intellectual contribution to the emerging discourse on rivers in the 21st century.