Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad announced the launch of a Rs 10,000-crore project funded by the World Bank to address air pollution in the state. The Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development will be rolled out in phases, starting with districts in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Enhancing Air Quality Monitoring Infrastructure
The initial phase of the project focuses on upgrading Haryana’s air quality monitoring infrastructure. This includes establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory and modernizing existing ones. Additionally, a dedicated program management unit will oversee implementation, alongside training programs for stakeholders involved in air quality management.
Sectoral Interventions
The project allocates resources to tackle various sources of air pollution, including transportation, industry, construction, road dust, biomass burning, and household pollution. Efforts will promote cleaner vehicles, incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and phase out older, more polluting vehicles. A model for automated testing stations (ATS) will be developed to monitor vehicle health.
Promoting Clean Energy and Green Spaces
Industries will be encouraged to transition to clean energy through financial incentives and the promotion of cleaner fuels. Initiatives will also focus on increasing green spaces in urban areas through the establishment of biodiversity parks and green belts.
Combatting Stubble Burning
To address stubble burning, the project will promote in-situ crop residue management practices, such as the use of bio-decomposers to accelerate residue decomposition and reduce the need for burning.
Strengthening Monitoring Institutions
The Haryana government has made strides in strengthening institutions for air quality measurement and monitoring, including establishing state sample-testing laboratories and operating ambient air quality monitoring stations across different districts.