New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- The World Bank has approved financing for two critical programs in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to help improve air quality.

The World Bank programme approved on December 10, 2025, will also aim to increase further the attractiveness of both states as business destinations and engines of job creation, it said in a statement on Thursday.

"Air pollution is causing severe health impacts, loss of productivity and reduced quality of life across South Asia," said Paul Procee, Acting Country Director, World Bank India.

"These operations in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh represent the first airshed-based, multi-sectoral programs undertaken by state governments in India to tackle the complex challenge of reduc...