Gujarat is set to strengthen urban environmental governance through the ‘Lake and Air Watch’ initiative under the Gujarat Urban Development Mission. The programme aims to monitor lake health and air quality in real time across cities, using digital tools, satellite analysis and automatic alerts. It is designed to address the impact of rapid urbanisation, including lake pollution, declining water quality, reduced groundwater recharge and worsening urban air pollution.
Objective of the Initiative
The initiative seeks to create sustainable and future-ready cities in Gujarat. It will support timely conservation of urban lakes and improve air quality management in densely populated areas. The focus is on coordinated action across departments, faster response to pollution-related issues and better public awareness.
Digital Monitoring System
The Gujarat Urban Development Mission will develop an integrated platform to track lake health and air quality across cities. The system will include:
- Real-time monitoring of lake conditions and AQI.
- Satellite-based analysis of lake area, waste presence and algae growth.
- Automatic alerts for rising pollution levels.
- A centralised dashboard with maps, trends and operational status.
Coverage and Infrastructure
Air quality monitoring stations will be installed in 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipal areas. These stations will provide real-time AQI data and help concerned departments take immediate curative measures. The estimated provision for the initiative is Rs 10 crore.
Significance for Urban Development
The initiative is expected to improve environmental protection, climate resilience and quality of life in urban areas. It will also support groundwater recharge, lake conservation and transparent sharing of environmental data with citizens.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026