Haryana govt to launch Rs 100 billion project to fight air pollution

05 Jun 2024 CW Team

The Haryana government is set to launch a Rs 100 billion initiative to combat air pollution, with funding from the World Bank, announced Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad. The project, known as the Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development, aims to initially improve air quality in NCR districts before extending its reach state-wide. Prasad highlighted the importance of collective efforts in addressing air pollution, emphasising the project's comprehensive approach. The initiative includes enhancing air quality monitoring infrastructure, establishing a modern laboratory, and implementing training programs for stakeholders. Sectoral interventions will target transportation, industry, construction, road dust, biomass burning, and household pollution. Plans involve promoting cleaner vehicles, incentivising the adoption of electric vehicles, and phasing out older, more polluting vehicles. Industries will be encouraged to switch to clean energy, and efforts will be made to increase green spaces in urban areas. Additionally, initiatives will address stubble burning by promoting alternative crop residue management practices. Prasad noted the state's progress in strengthening air quality measurement institutions, with the establishment of state sample-testing laboratories and operational air quality monitoring stations across districts. (Source: ET)

Building Material

03 Dec 2025

Cement Makers Positive on H2 Demand Outlook

The leading cement producers have posted high single-digit volume growth and better sales realisation in the July–September quarter, setting a positive tone for the second half of FY26. Companies are upbeat on demand prospects, supported by a strong housing sector and continued government spending on major infrastructure projects. UltraTech, Ambuja Cement, Shree Cement, Dalmia Bharat and Nuvoco Vistas recorded revenue growth of up to 18 per cent in the September quarter. The rise was driven by firm realisations, softer input costs and an increased share of premium products. With coal price..

Odisha Targets Role as MSME Hub for Eastern India

Odisha has set its sights on becoming the MSME gateway of eastern India, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said at the Odisha Industrial Conclave 2025, organised by Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB). Calling the state a land of possibilities, he noted that Odisha has emerged as a leading destination for micro, small and medium enterprises.He said that reforms such as the Go-Swift single-window system now allow project approvals within a day. Odisha has also invested 6.1 per cent of its GDP in infrastructure development, which is expected to further accelerate industrial and MSME growth.Majhi emphasise..

Coal Ministry Eases Process for Exploration and GR Approvals

The Ministry of Coal has introduced a simplified approval mechanism for exploration programmes and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks. The reform aims to accelerate exploration activity, reduce procedural delays and strengthen India’s preparedness for rising energy demand.Under the revised process, reports prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) and peer-reviewed by another accredited agency no longer require approval from the committee set up in January 2022. This marks a major shift towards faster, more transparent and technology-driven exploration.By ..