Lucknow: In a major push towards sustainable development and green employment, the Uttar Pradesh government has partnered with 15 academic and research institutions under the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Project (UPCAMP). The collaboration aims to equip young people with skills required for emerging green sectors while strengthening the state’s capacity to address environmental challenges.
The initiative, supported by the World Bank, is designed to create a network of Regional Knowledge Centres that will contribute to workforce development, climate awareness, research, and innovation over the next five years. Alongside youth training, the programme will support government agencies, urban local bodies, and local communities through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities.
The partnership agreements were formalized at the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change. Principal Secretary V. Hekali Zhimomi attended the event, while UPCAMP Chief Executive Officer B. Chandrakala signed the MoUs on behalf of the project with participating institutions.
Among the institutions joining the initiative are Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Bundelkhand University, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee, and Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj.
Officials said the Regional Knowledge Centres will serve as hubs for technical training, research collaboration, and innovation-driven solutions related to environmental management. The programme also includes workshops and specialized training sessions for government officials and civic institutions to improve the implementation of climate and clean-air initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, UPCAMP Deputy CEO Mohammad Rahib outlined the roadmap for execution of the programme and emphasized its importance in developing a workforce capable of supporting Uttar Pradesh’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the state’s environmental governance framework while creating opportunities for youth to participate in rapidly growing green sectors.
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