Lucknow: In a significant step towards building a sustainable and environmentally resilient future, the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Project (UPCAMP) Authority has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 15 Regional Knowledge Centres to strengthen capacity building, training, and green workforce development across the state.
The initiative, supported by the World Bank, was formalized at the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change and is being hailed as a landmark move in Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to tackle air pollution and promote a green economy.
Under the agreement, thousands of young people will receive green skills training over the next five years, preparing them for emerging employment opportunities in environmentally sustainable sectors. The programme will also include regular capacity-building workshops for government officials, local bodies, and community stakeholders to enhance environmental governance and climate resilience.
The event was chaired by V Hekali Zhimomi, who highlighted the state’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. The MoUs were signed by B Chandrakala on behalf of the project authority.
Participating institutions include leading universities and technical institutes such as Aligarh Muslim University, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Bundelkhand University, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, along with several government engineering colleges and specialized environmental institutions.
Officials said the collaboration will create a statewide ecosystem for knowledge sharing, research, innovation, and skill development in green technologies and sustainable practices. The involvement of academic and research institutions is expected to help develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting Uttar Pradesh’s transition towards a cleaner and greener economy.
During the programme, Mohammad Rahib provided an overview of the project and outlined its long-term objectives to participating institutions.
Key Objectives of the Initiative
The partnership is built around three major goals:
- Capacity Building: Strengthening the capabilities of government officials, local bodies, and communities on issues related to environment, climate change, and sustainable development.
- Green Workforce Development: Equipping youth with industry-relevant green skills to improve employability in sectors linked to renewable energy, environmental management, and climate resilience.
- Knowledge Sharing and Innovation: Promoting research, innovation, and dissemination of best practices through a network of regional knowledge centres.
Officials believe the initiative will play a crucial role in preparing Uttar Pradesh for future environmental challenges while generating new employment opportunities in the rapidly expanding green economy. By integrating academia, government, and industry expertise, the programme is expected to contribute significantly to cleaner air, sustainable growth, and climate-conscious development across the state.
