Lucknow: In a major step toward improving air quality at one of India’s most revered spiritual sites, Jindal Stainless has announced financial support for the installation of an advanced, indigenous air purification system at the Ramp Building of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The project will also cover the historic Manikarnika Ghat.
Named ‘Sanjeevan,’ the initiative marks Jindal Stainless’ largest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project to date. The system is being implemented in collaboration with Amida Cleantech Private Limited, which will deploy its proprietary ambient air purification technology at the site.
The initiative aligns with the National Clean Air Programme launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aimed at ensuring cleaner and healthier air at city, regional, and national levels. The project has received approval from the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham Authority.
Under the plan, a specialized air purification system will be installed in the SKVD Ramp Building located near the cremation grounds at Manikarnika Ghat. The primary objective is to mitigate air pollution generated by funeral pyres at the ghat and prevent the spread of pollutants toward the temple corridor frequented by millions of pilgrims annually.
The project will utilize Amida’s advanced Attract-Capture-Eliminate (ACE+) technology, which has been tested, verified, and endorsed by leading government institutions, including NITI Aayog. The ACE+ system works by attracting, capturing, and eliminating airborne pollutants. It is capable of neutralizing particles ranging from nano black carbon and pollen to biological contaminants between 100 nanometers and 50 microns in size.
Additionally, the system can help neutralize harmful vehicular gases such as sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, along with viruses and bacteria, thereby significantly improving ambient air quality. The project will include 58 stainless steel air purification units, collectively delivering a purification capacity exceeding 300,000 cubic meters of air per hour.
Commenting on the initiative, Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, said the project reflects the company’s sustained commitment to environmental protection. He noted that enhancing air quality at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham would benefit both local residents and the millions of devotees visiting the sacred site each year. He added that the collaboration with Amida Cleantech underscores the company’s support for innovative Indian technologies aimed at delivering measurable environmental impact.
Siddharth Dixit, Managing Director of Amida Cleantech, emphasized the company’s commitment to clean and sustainable air solutions. Guided by its core philosophy, “The Air You Breathe,” the company has focused on developing advanced ACE+ systems to combat severe air pollution and safeguard both environmental and human health.
Local authorities have appreciated the joint effort by Jindal Stainless and Amida Cleantech, highlighting its importance in improving public health and preserving the structural integrity of both new and heritage buildings within the temple complex.
The project has two primary objectives: to control emissions arising from the cremation site at Manikarnika Ghat and to reduce pollutant levels along the corridor leading to the temple’s main sanctum. By doing so, the initiative aims to provide cleaner air for pilgrims, priests, and visitors while minimizing environmental damage to the sacred complex.
