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.

The Gomti River originates from Gomat Taal in Pilibhit district and flows through Lucknow. It is ecologically important but heavily polluted in urban stretches. Conservation efforts have been initiated under the Namami Gomti Project.

Dudhwa National Park in Lakhimpur Kheri is part of the Terai Arc and is home to tigers, rhinos, and elephants. It is a critical part of India’s Project Tiger and Project Elephant. It is also rich in wetlands and grasslands.

The Terai belt, adjacent to the Himalayan foothills, has tropical moist deciduous forests rich in biodiversity. This region receives high rainfall and has fertile soil. Sal, teak, and bamboo are commonly found.

Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Solar Cities Program, Varanasi was selected as a pilot solar city. The aim is to reduce dependency on conventional energy. This includes rooftop solar panels and energy-efficient street lighting.

As per Article 243I, the State Finance Commission reviews financial positions of Panchayats and recommends resource allocation. It ensures fiscal devolution and autonomy at the local level. UP sets up a new commission every five years.

Article 243K deals with elections to the Panchayats and Municipalities and empowers the State Election Commission. The UPSEC conducts local body elections across the state. It is an autonomous body.

The PAC examines the accounts showing the appropriation of funds granted by the assembly. It ensures that public money is spent efficiently. Members are elected every year from among MLAs.

The Speaker is elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly from among themselves. He presides over the assembly sessions and maintains decorum. He plays a key role in legislative proceedings and decisions.

Article 165 provides for the appointment of an Advocate General for each state. He is the highest legal officer of the state government. The appointment is made by the Governor.

The Governor is the nominal head of the state and performs duties as per constitutional provisions. Executive powers are exercised in the name of the Governor. He acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

The CAG submits an annual Audit Report to the Governor of UP, who then lays it before the legislature. It reviews government expenditures and revenue collections. It helps ensure transparency and accountability.

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Article 243D of the Indian Constitution provides for reservation of seats for SC/STs and women in every Panchayat. UP implements these reservations in accordance with this provision. It promotes inclusive and participatory rural governance.

The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Amendment Act (1985), lays down provisions related to disqualification of legislators due to defection. This is applicable to both Parliament and State Assemblies. The Speaker decides on disqualification matters.

The UP Human Rights Commission was formed under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It looks into violations of human rights by public servants. The commission can recommend actions but doesn’t have binding powers.

As per the 91st Constitutional Amendment (2003), the total number of ministers in a state cannot exceed 15% of the legislative assembly’s strength. In UP, this limit is around 60 ministers. This provision curbs unnecessary expansion of the cabinet.

This act provides legal provisions for the functioning of Nagar Nigams and municipalities in UP. It outlines powers, responsibilities, taxation, and structure. It was amended in accordance with the 74th Constitutional Amendment.