India and World Bank sign $300 million deal for Haryana clean air plan

New Delhi: The World Bank, Haryana government and the Center have signed a $300 million agreement to support the state’s multi-sectoral action plan aimed at improving air quality while creating employment opportunities. The Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development Operation program aims to reduce air pollution through a combination of policy measures, investments and institutional capacity building. The initiative is expected to provide benefits beyond Haryana, including the larger National Capital Region, which faces persistent air quality challenges.

Under the programme, Haryana will expand its air quality monitoring network and develop a decision support system to improve the use of data in pollution management and policy making. The program also aims to mobilize approximately $127 million in private capital for investments in sectors such as transportation, energy and industry.

Part of the effort will focus on expanding electric public transport, including supporting the hiring of around 10,000 people as drivers, conductors and operational staff for e-bus services in Gurugram and Faridabad, officials said.