Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on World Environment Day, unveiled a series of major environmental and conservation initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable development and ecological protection in Uttar Pradesh. The highlights included the launch of the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Project (UP CAMP), the recognition of Surha Tal in Ballia as India’s 100th Ramsar Site, and the rollout of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Plantation Campaign 2026.
The programme was held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow and witnessed participation from senior government officials, environmental experts, and representatives of the World Bank.
₹2,741 Crore Clean Air Project Launched
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Project, India’s first Air Shed-based clean air initiative, with an investment of ₹2,741 crore and support from the World Bank.
During the programme, Anne Janet Glover, Practice Manager for the Asia Region at the World Bank, and B. Chandrakala, CEO of UP CAMP, formally handed over the project MoU in the presence of the Chief Minister.
Officials said the project aims to improve air quality through scientific planning, coordinated action, and technology-driven monitoring systems across identified air sheds in the state.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign Launched
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ mega plantation campaign by pressing the launch button. The campaign for 2026 has set an ambitious target of planting 35 crore saplings across Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Minister unveiled the campaign logo and emphasized the importance of public participation in environmental conservation and afforestation efforts.
New Digital Initiatives for Environmental Governance
The event also saw the unveiling of the UP CAMP logo and official website, along with the screening of a short film showcasing the organisation’s environmental initiatives.
CM Yogi launched a compilation related to the notification of 100 wetlands in Uttar Pradesh and inaugurated the Wetland Portal, aimed at improving wetland conservation and monitoring.
Additionally, the mascot of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board was unveiled, while officials announced that Gulra (Ken Nala) in Shravasti would be developed as a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
Surha Tal Achieves Ramsar Recognition
In a significant achievement for the state’s environmental conservation efforts, Surha Tal in Ballia was officially designated as India’s 100th Ramsar Site and the 13th Ramsar Site of Uttar Pradesh.
On the occasion, Forest Minister Dr Arun Kumar Saxena presented the Ramsar certificate to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Chief Minister also released a special docket and booklet highlighting the Ramsar Sites of Uttar Pradesh.
Students Honoured for UP CAMP Logo Design
The state government organised a logo design competition for UP CAMP, which attracted participation from professional designers and nearly 2,000 students from 100 schools across Uttar Pradesh.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath felicitated the winners:
- First Prize: Mahi Raza (Class 7, Lalitpur) – ₹50,000
- Second Prize: Sumbul Fatima (Class 5, Kannauj) – ₹25,000
- Third Prize: Shraddha (Class 10, Mirzapur) – ₹10,000
Winners of Painting Competition Felicitated
The Chief Minister also honoured winners of a painting competition organised by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
The awardees included:
- First Prize: Ajay Kumar Dubey (Divyang Student) – ₹25,000
- Second Prize: Srishti Shukla – ₹15,000
- Third Prize: Sudhakar (Divyang Student) – ₹10,000
Gram Pradhans Recognised for Wetland Conservation
As part of the wetland conservation initiative, 100 Gram Pradhans associated with notified wetlands were honoured. The Chief Minister felicitated six representatives on stage:
- Rajkishor Verma (Barabanki)
- Mantu Singh (Chitrakoot)
- Mansharam (Ayodhya)
- Sushil Kumar Singh (Barabanki)
- Harendra Singh (Farrukhabad)
- Anita Devi (Chandauli)
Strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s Environmental Vision
Officials said the initiatives launched on World Environment Day reflect the state government’s commitment to clean air, biodiversity conservation, wetland protection, and large-scale afforestation. The projects are expected to play a significant role in improving environmental sustainability while supporting Uttar Pradesh’s broader development goals.