Explanation: UP relies heavily on coal-fired thermal power plants, especially in Sonbhadra and Anpara, which emit large quantities of carbon and particulate matter. This leads to acid rain, respiratory issues, and ecological damage.

Explanation: The Vindhya hills support a unique ecosystem of dry deciduous forests that act as corridors for species like leopards, sloth bears, and hyenas. Conservation in this region helps prevent habitat fragmentation and species isolation.

Explanation: This project, launched under the Namami Gange mission, focuses on conserving the endangered Gangetic dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal. UP is a critical habitat with large populations near Varanasi and Farrukhabad.

Explanation: Kanpur has frequently topped the list of most polluted cities globally, particularly in PM2.5 levels. The term 'Airpocalypse' refers to life-threatening air quality that affects lungs and heart. Seasonal smog worsens this crisis.

Explanation: Ken, Chambal, and Betwa originate outside UP but flow through Bundelkhand before meeting the Yamuna. Due to poor rainfall and excessive damming, these rivers often run dry in summer, causing ecological stress.

Explanation: The policy aims to increase forest cover to 15% by encouraging afforestation, eco-restoration, and participatory forest management. It emphasizes balancing ecology with livelihood needs of forest dwellers. Special attention is given to degraded forest lands.

Explanation: Sonbhadra, often called the ‘Energy Capital’ of India, also has dense forests due to its hilly terrain. It borders the Vindhya and Kaimur hills. However, mining activities have posed a threat to this ecology.

Explanation: UP has multiple Ramsar sites, including Haiderpur, Parvati Arga, and Okhla, which support rich biodiversity and migratory birds. These wetlands are crucial for groundwater recharge and climate regulation. Protection under Ramsar ensures international support.

Explanation: Located in the Bundelkhand region, Banda faces recurring droughts due to erratic rainfall and poor water conservation. Traditional tanks have dried up, worsening the agrarian crisis. Water harvesting efforts are now being revived.

Explanation: UP experiences hot summers, cold winters, and moderate to high monsoon rains, characteristic of a humid subtropical climate. This variation supports diverse agricultural activities. However, it also makes the state vulnerable to both floods and droughts.

Explanation: As population pressure increases, forest lands are converted into farmland and settlements in the Terai region. This leads to habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. Encroachments also threaten protected areas.

Explanation: Districts like Ballia, Ghazipur, and Varanasi suffer from arsenic in groundwater due to natural geogenic processes. Long-term consumption leads to skin lesions and cancer. Government schemes now aim to provide piped surface water.

Explanation: 'Namami Gange' is a flagship initiative by the central government with significant implementation in UP, where the Ganga flows for 1,140 km. It aims to reduce pollution, promote riverfront development, and encourage public participation.

Explanation: Dudhwa National Park, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and Katarniaghat form a contiguous habitat in the Terai region and are crucial for tiger conservation. Together, they form the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. They also host swamp deer and elephants.

Explanation: High vehicular density, construction dust, and coal-based industries significantly contribute to poor air quality in UP’s major cities. Kanpur often ranks among the world’s most polluted cities in global indices. Lack of public transport worsens the issue.

Explanation: Despite being a lifeline for Lucknow, the Gomti River is highly polluted due to untreated sewage and industrial effluents. CPCB lists it among the most polluted stretches in India. Its ecological health has deteriorated significantly in recent decades.

Pawapuri is a revered Jain pilgrimage site where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana and was cremated.

Jat-Jatin is a traditional folk dance of Bihar, representing themes of love, separation, and rural life.

Patliputra (modern-day Patna) was the capital of Magadh and later Maurya and Gupta empires; it was a hub for politics, education, and trade.

Though Vedic Maths is popular, it was pioneered by Bharathi Krishna Tirtha, who was from Odisha—not Bihar.

Explanation: TAL includes forest areas and protected reserves in UP, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. It focuses on connectivity for elephants and tigers across fragmented habitats. It is supported by WWF and government agencies for corridor protection and community-based conservation.

Explanation: Sugarcane requires massive water input, and the associated mills further consume and pollute water. In regions like Western UP, groundwater over-extraction is alarming. Sustainable farming techniques and drip irrigation are being promoted.

Explanation: Bijnor was awarded under the Swachh Survekshan for decentralized waste management and segregation practices. It focused on door-to-door collection and composting. Citizen participation and private partnerships were key to its success.

Explanation: The Ken-Betwa link aims to transfer surplus water from MP to water-scarce Bundelkhand areas in UP. But it involves submergence of forest and displacement in Panna Tiger Reserve. Ecologists warn of biodiversity loss and human displacement.

Explanation: This central act applies to UP and restricts the de-reservation or use of forest land for non-forest purposes without approval. It ensures sustainable forest use and compensatory afforestation. The act is enforced by both state and central authorities.

Explanation: In western UP, post-harvest rice stubble is often burned to clear fields for wheat sowing. This contributes significantly to winter air pollution, especially in the NCR. The government promotes happy seeders and bio-decomposers as alternatives.