Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
The World Bank has agreed to provide USD 300 million to support Uttar Pradesh's Clean Air Plan, aiming to improve air quality while creating jobs for youth and women. The UP Clean Air Management Program will focus on transport, agriculture, and industry, installing nearly 200 new air quality monitors and transitioning over 700 brick kilns to efficient technology. The initiative will also provide clean cooking solutions to 3.9 million households and promote efficient fertiliser use among farmers. The programme leverages around USD 150 million in private investment, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The World Bank recently signed an agreement to provide a USD 300 million loan to Uttar Pradesh to support the state's clean air transition. This funding will bolster the Uttar Pradesh government's Clean Air Plan, which emphasizes integrated solutions to enhance air quality while generating employment opportunities for youth and women. Advertisement
The UP Clean Air Management Program, valued at USD 299.66 million, will focus on reducing pollution across key sectors such as transport, agriculture, and industry. The benefits of cleaner air are expected to extend to neighbouring states as well. As part of the programme, nearly 200 new air quality monitoring stations will be installed, with data being managed by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
The loan agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, representing the Government of India; B Chandrakala, CEO of the Clean Air Management Authority and Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, representing Uttar Pradesh; and Paul Procee, Acting Country Director, India, representing the World Bank.
Uttar Pradesh is aiming to become a USD 1 trillion economy, balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted. He mentioned that the success of the Clean Air Management Program will not be measured by GDP alone, but also by cleaner skies, healthier citizens, and a sustainable environment.
The programme is expected to attract nearly USD 150 million in private investment in the transport and MSME sectors. Paul Procee noted that investments will include electric buses and three-wheelers, emission monitoring systems, and cleaner industrial technologies, which will enhance productivity and generate employment for young men and women in the state.
The initiative will also provide clean cooking solutions to approximately 3.9 million households, and more than 700 brick kilns will adopt resource-efficient technologies. Farmers are set to implement improved fertiliser practices to boost crop productivity.
The Uttar Pradesh programme forms part of the World Bank's Regional Air Quality Management Program in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills, a region identified as a global air pollution hotspot. The loan has a 10-year maturity period, including a two-year grace period, and will receive additional support from the multi-donor Energy Sector Management Assistance Program.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1: What is the purpose of the World Bank loan to Uttar Pradesh?
A1: The World Bank has approved a USD 300 million loan to support Uttar Pradesh's Clean Air Plan, aimed at improving air quality, promoting sustainable practices in transport, agriculture, and industry, and creating employment opportunities for youth and women.
Q2: What is the UP Clean Air Management Program?
A2: The program, valued at nearly USD 300 million, focuses on pollution reduction across key sectors, including transport, agriculture, and industry. It involves installing around 200 new air quality monitoring stations and transitioning over 700 brick kilns to resource-efficient technology.
Q3: How will households and farmers benefit from the program?
A3: The initiative will provide clean cooking solutions to approximately 3.9 million households and support farmers in implementing efficient fertiliser practices to improve crop productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Q4: What private investments are expected alongside the loan?
A4: The program is projected to leverage around USD 150 million in private investment, targeting sectors such as electric buses, three-wheelers, emission monitoring systems, and cleaner industrial technologies, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Q5: Who are the key officials involved in signing the agreement?
A5: The loan agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee (Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs), B Chandrakala (CEO, Clean Air Management Authority, UP), and Paul Procee (Acting Country Director, India, World Bank).
Q6: How does this initiative fit into broader regional efforts?
A6: The program is part of the World Bank's Regional Air Quality Management Program targeting the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills, recognized as a global air pollution hotspot. It combines government, private, and multilateral support to deliver cleaner air and sustainable economic development.
Q7: What is the expected timeline for the loan?
A7: The loan has a 10-year maturity period, including a two-year grace period, with additional support from the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program to ensure effective implementation.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
