World Bank to support Rs 3,650-cr projects aimed at reducing air pollution in state: Minister

Environment, Forests and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh expressed his gratitude to the World Bank for its proactive initiative in combating air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

He said the World Bank will support projects worth approximately Rs 3,650 crore aimed at reducing air pollution in Haryana. Under this partnership, the World Bank will contribute 70 per cent of the project funding, while the Haryana state government will contribute the remaining 30 per cent. In addition, it will include a grant-in-aid of more than Rs 80 crore from the World Bank.

Rao Narbir Singh said environmental pollution had become a global issue today, making it crucial to monitor and control the air quality index in the future. He emphasised the need for proactive measures, stating that Haryana, in collaboration with the World Bank, was committed to making the state free from air pollution by 2030.

"We must start working on this now," said Singh, pointing out that transitioning to electric vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR) was a crucial step. He also shared plans to purchase an additional 250-300 electric buses, promoting the use of public transport. Metro services, electric buses, and rapid rail systems will also be expanded to reduce the environmental impact of conventional transport.

Rao Narbir Singh further said the World Bank had expressed concern over the smog that frequently affects Delhi in winter months, adding that the Haryana Government is focusing on measures to tackle the issue. Apart from Faridabad and Gurugram, the Chief Minister has included Sonepat on the list of cities to be made air-pollution free.

The Environment Minister said while Saudi Arabia is a desert country, its people have transformed the sandy land into a green landscape and established a green wall. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia had made significant progress and was now self-sufficient in foodgrain production. He also mentioned that he would soon visit Saudi Arabia to observe the green wall there and explore the possibility of establishing a similar green wall in the Aravalli region of the state, which would help maintain the environmental balance.