Lucknow, June 6: A pioneering environmental initiative aimed at managing atmospheric conditions across regional air basins was formally introduced in Uttar Pradesh on Friday during a state-level convention.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Project at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, marking the country’s first air shed-based environmental program. Backed by a ₹2,741 crore investment supported by the World Bank, the initiative was formalized through a memorandum transfer between regional World Bank director Anne Janet Glover and project chief executive B. Chandrakala.
“Surha Tal in Ballia has been officially designated as the 100th Ramsar Site of India,” Forest Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena announced during the proceedings, presenting the official global certification to the Chief Minister. Officials noted that the declaration expands the state’s total international wetlands tally to 13, coinciding with the debut of a new electronic wetland monitoring portal tracking 100 localized marshes.
The state administration paired the technological rollout with the launch of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ mass afforestation drive, establishing a seasonal target to plant 35 crore saplings across various districts. Additionally, environmental planners declared that the Gulra area in Shravasti will receive protective status as a recognized Biodiversity Heritage Site to preserve local ecosystems.
The assembly concluded with the recognition of local civic leaders and youth contributors. The Chief Minister presented awards to six village headmen for their local wetland conservation efforts, while several regional students received cash prizes for their success in state-sponsored environmental design and painting competitions.
