The Network of institutions of the GAP: a case study of Kanpur
Student name: Ms Smriti Iyer
Guide: Prof Badal Mokhopadhyay
Year of completion: 2013
Host Organisation: TERI University
Abstract: This paper attempts to analyse the role that institutions can take on, in a pollution abatement problem. It deals
with the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) at Kanpur. The paper identifies the GAP as a ‘wicked problem on a
network’, which is a complex problem as it involves many players, all of whom have different objectives The
solution to the GAP’s institutional problems is increased collaboration and a shared understanding amongst the
players. The paper moves away from the usual Samuelson formulation of welfare maximization by the
Government and gives us an insight as to why the GAP has not been as successful as it should have been.
