World Bank Approves Funding For Haryana Clean Air Project
The World Bank has cleared a USD 305 million assistance package to support Haryana’s Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development, a major intervention aimed at delivering measurable improvements in statewide air quality by 2030. The approval follows high-level engagements between Haryana’s leadership and World Bank officials, reflecting growing international support for the state’s environmental roadmap.
Financing Structure and Government Commitments
The project carries a total cost of Rs 3,646 crore, with the World Bank contributing Rs 2,498 crore as loan support. The state government will provide Rs 1,065 crore, supplemented by an additional grant component. This financing framework enables large-scale deployment of pollution reduction strategies across multiple sectors.
Project Governance and Implementation Mechanism
Implementation will be anchored by ARJUN, a specialised SPV created to oversee planning, coordination, and real-time monitoring. Chaired by Rajesh Khullar, the body integrates technological tools with administrative oversight to streamline execution. Its mandate includes ensuring sectoral alignment and tracking the impact of interventions on air quality.
Sectoral Interventions and Statewide Coverage
The initiative targets transport, industry, agriculture, and urban systems. Key investments include enhanced emission monitoring, capacity-building for regulatory bodies, and policy incentives to curb pollution at source. Transport emerges as the largest beneficiary with Rs 1,688 crore earmarked to upgrade mobility infrastructure and reduce vehicular emissions.
Exam Oriented Facts
- The World Bank package supports a project valued at Rs 3,646 crore.
- ARJUN acts as the implementation SPV for Haryana’s clean air mission.
- Transport-sector allocation stands at Rs 1,688 crore, the largest among all sectors.
- 500 electric buses are planned for deployment across four major cities.
Electric Mobility And Industrial Transition Measures
The project funds 500 electric buses for Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Jhajjar, alongside investments in 200 EV charging stations and incentives for electric three-wheelers. Industry-focused measures include incentives for adopting Piped Natural Gas, phasing out diesel generator sets, and installing Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems. Agriculture-sector spending of Rs 746 crore supports soil management and cleaner farm practices, contributing to long-term emission reduction across rural belts.