In a major boost to the Yogi Adityanath government’s industrialisation drive in Bundelkhand, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted environmental clearance to the proposed Greenfield Industrial City under the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) Master Plan-2045.
The ambitious project, with a proposed investment of Rs 1.51 lakh crore, will be developed across 253.33 sq km (62,599.20 acres) covering 33 villages in Jhansi tehsil. The project is expected to transform the Bundelkhand region into a major industrial hub while generating employment opportunities for more than 5.6 lakh people.
According to officials, the project underwent a comprehensive environmental assessment process in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. The Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee first examined the proposal on June 30, 2025, following which initial approval was granted on July 20, 2025.
As part of the statutory process, a public hearing was conducted in Jhansi on December 22, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Additional District Magistrate. Prior notice of the hearing was published in leading newspapers on November 20, 2025. Local residents reportedly extended broad support to the project during the consultation process.
The Expert Appraisal Committee subsequently reviewed environmental safeguards, technical parameters and project modifications during meetings held on March 5 and April 9-10, 2026. After finding the proposal compliant with prescribed norms, the committee recommended grant of environmental clearance.
Officials said the Master Plan-2045 places significant emphasis on sustainable development, with nearly 25 per cent of the total area earmarked as green space. The project also incorporates a zero-liquid-discharge framework and includes plantation initiatives aligned with the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
The environmental clearance marks a significant step forward for one of Uttar Pradesh’s largest planned industrial development projects and is expected to accelerate investment and infrastructure growth across the Bundelkhand region.
Based on the suggestions of the Ministry of Environment and the Expert Appraisal Committee, the proposed land-use allocation under the revised Master Plan is as follows:
Industrial Area (33.02%): An area of 83.66 square kilometres has been reserved for industrial development, where industries related to agriculture and food processing, textiles, defence equipment, electronics, data centres and electric vehicles will primarily be established.
Residential and Habitation Area (16.90%): A total of 37.40 square kilometres has been earmarked for new residential areas, while 5.40 square kilometres has been designated for existing rural settlements.
Green and Recreational Area (24.92%): A total of 63.13 square kilometres has been preserved as a green area (green zone).
Transport and Logistics (11.56%): An area of 29.30 square kilometres has been allocated for the development of roads, rail infrastructure and logistics hubs.
Commercial, Mixed and Other Uses: The remaining land has been reserved for commercial use (3.92 sq km), mixed use (13.02 sq km) and public institutions.
Green Buffer Zone: A 50-metre-wide green belt will be developed along the project boundary, while a 150-metre-wide green belt will be created around Dongri Dam. Large-scale plantation will also be undertaken through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
Zero Liquid Discharge: The city’s drinking water requirement of 217.22 MLD will be met from Rajghat Dam, while treated water will be used for other purposes. BIDA will establish a 163.26 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant and a 150.88 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant in phases. Used water will be treated and reused, and no wastewater of any kind will be discharged into the Betwa, Pahuj or Angauri rivers.
Successful Land Acquisition: BIDA has so far acquired a total of 25,706 acres of land. Compensation is being provided to landowners at transparent rates in accordance with the provisions of the Act, 2013.
Development of Rural Settlements: Local rural habitation areas will be integrated with the BIDA city and provided with facilities such as modern parks, health centres, educational institutions and skill development centres.
BIDA CEO Sanjay Kumar Khatri said, “The environmental clearance received from the Environment Ministry marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Bundelkhand’s development. In line with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BIDA will be developed as one of the country’s most modern, sustainable and environment-friendly industrial smart cities.”
He said, “While ensuring full compliance with all conditions laid down in the environmental clearance, the project will establish Bundelkhand on the global manufacturing map and bring significant improvement in the living standards of local citizens. The project will also play an important role in realising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.”