World Bank Green Air Initiative: $600M Programs in UP and Haryana to Improve Air Quality

December 11, 2025

New Delhi: The World Bank has approved financing for two major programmes in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana aimed at improving air quality and making the two states more attractive as hubs for business and job creation.

Serious impacts of air pollution in South Asia

“Air pollution is causing serious health impacts, loss of productivity and deterioration in quality of life in South Asia. These multi-sectoral programmes in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are the first airshed-based efforts by state governments to reduce air pollution. These initiatives will help create green jobs for youth and women and increase productivity,” said Paul Procy, Executive Country Director, World Bank India. The programme will improve air quality by investing in key sectors like transport, agriculture and industry.

3.9 million households will get clean cooking facilities.

Efforts to introduce 15,000 electric autos and 500 electric buses in Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi and Gorakhpur.

Incentives to replace 13,500 polluting heavy vehicles with low-emission vehicles.

Farmers will be encouraged to improve fertilizer use efficiency and animal waste management.

MSMEs will be encouraged to adopt clean technologies and promote e-mobility in urban areas.

Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development

US$ 300 million project in Haryana will support the state’s air quality action plan.

Investment in air quality and emission monitoring systems.

Clean transport through electric buses and three-wheelers in Gurgaon, Sonipat and Faridabad.

Support for adoption of clean technologies in MSMEs and machinery and technology for agricultural waste management.

Promotion of productive reuse of paddy straw.

Private investment and long-term planning

A special purpose vehicle called ARJUN has been set up in Haryana to help coordinate, implement and monitor initiatives across relevant agencies. The programme aims to mobilize US$127 million in private investment.

Regional Initiative for Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills

Both programmes are part of the World Bank’s Regional Air Quality Management Programme, which focuses on air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF). These initiatives will also receive grants from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the multi-donor Energy Sector Management Assessment Programme.

Programme Duration

The total duration of the Uttar Pradesh programme is 10 years, including a 2-year grace period.

The total duration of the Haryana programme is 23.5 years, including a 6-year grace period.