THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
VARANASI, FEBRUARY 15, 2026
In a major environmental intervention at one of India’s most revered
pilgrimage sites, Jindal Stainless has undertaken its largest CSR initiative by
funding an advanced indigenous air purification system at the Shri Kashi
Vishwanath Dham ramp building overlooking the historic Manikarnika Ghat. The
project, titled ‘Sanjeevan’ — meaning “restoring to life” — aims to
significantly improve ambient air quality in the temple corridor and
surrounding areas.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Amida Cleantech
Private Limited and aligns with the National Clean Air Programme of the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The system has been
installed following approval from the SKVD Authority to address emissions
originating from the Manikarnika Ghat cremation area and to ensure healthier
air for devotees and local residents.
The one-of-its-kind project deploys AMIDA’s ACE+ (Attract, Capture,
Eliminate) technology, validated by leading government bodies including NITI
Aayog. Designed to neutralise a broad spectrum of airborne pollutants, the system
captures particulate matter ranging from nano black carbon to larger organic
particles, while also reducing toxic vehicular emissions such as SOx and NOx
and eliminating microbial contaminants. A total of 58 stainless steel air
purification units have been installed, with a combined air treatment capacity
exceeding 3,00,000 cubic metres per hour.
Commenting on the initiative, Jindal Stainless stated, “This initiative
is in line with company’s ongoing commitment to environmental preservation. By
improving air quality at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, we aim to enhance the
environment for both local residents and the millions of devotees who visit
this revered landmark. Our collaboration with Amida Cleantech showcases our
support for innovative Indian technology while driving meaningful change and
delivering tangible environmental benefits.”
Amida Cleantech asserted that its unwavering commitment to sustainable clean air has driven continuous innovation, culminating in the breakthrough ACE+ technology systems. Focused on advanced solutions to combat severe pollution, the company aims to safeguard both environmental and human health — guided by its core principle, “The Air You Breathe.” AMIDA’s ACE+ innovations address the critical need for effective mitigation of ambient air pollution across diverse sectors facing escalating pollution levels and their adverse impact on the wider community.
Local authorities have commended both organisations for their proactive role in enhancing environmental conditions at the sacred site. The project’s primary objective is to capture a substantial portion of emissions from the Manikarnika cremation centre, while also reducing particulate matter along the temple approach corridor. This is expected to improve air quality for pilgrims, priests and residents, and help protect the exterior surfaces of both the heritage and newly developed structures within the Kashi Vishwanath complex.
