Black Zone areas suffer from high salt concentration in the soil, affecting fertility and crop productivity. Such areas are common in central UP. Soil reclamation and gypsum treatment are adopted solutions.

Funded by the Japanese government, the Yamuna Action Plan aims to improve water quality and restore the Yamuna’s ecology. It includes STPs, solid waste management, and afforestation. Agra and Mathura are focus areas in UP.

The Vindhya range in Sonbhadra and Mirzapur districts contains large limestone deposits. These are used for cement and construction industries. Mining has also caused deforestation and displacement in these areas.

According to the Forest Survey of India, UP contributes around 3.1% to the country’s total forest area. The state's forest cover is lower than the national average. Afforestation programs are underway to bridge the gap.

Located in Unnao district, this sanctuary is a major habitat for the Sarus crane. It attracts many migratory and resident birds. Wetland conservation is a key environmental priority here.

Sugarcane is a water-intensive crop, and its large-scale cultivation in western UP has led to significant groundwater depletion. Over-irrigation and subsidized electricity worsen the issue. Sustainable farming practices are being promoted.

Namami Gange is a central government program with focus areas in UP to clean the Ganga, especially in Varanasi, Kanpur, and Allahabad. It funds sewage treatment plants and riverfront beautification. It also emphasizes public awareness.

The National Chambal Sanctuary, part of which lies in UP, is home to critically endangered Gharials. It also supports dolphins, turtles, and migratory birds. It is a tri-state protected zone between UP, MP, and Rajasthan.

Firozabad, known for its glass bangles, discharges untreated industrial effluents into local water bodies. The Yamuna River is significantly impacted downstream. Efforts are being made to establish a common effluent treatment plant (CETP).

Almost the entire state of Uttar Pradesh lies in the Ganga Basin. This river system supports agriculture, industry, and over 200 million people. Floods and pollution are major environmental challenges.

Kanpur often ranks among the world’s most polluted cities due to industrial emissions, vehicular traffic, and brick kilns. The city exceeds PM2.5 and PM10 standards consistently. Pollution control boards and the NGT are actively monitoring this.