Unnao (उन्नाव) is a district in Uttar Pradesh, India, situated between Lucknow and Kanpur. Its administrative headquarters is Unnao city. The district extends across the Gangetic plain, with the Ganga along its western side. It is known for agriculture, leather-related industries and connections to Hindi literature and India’s freedom movement.
Most residents live in rural communities, while Unnao city and nearby industrial areas support manufacturing, trade and services. Hindi and Awadhi are widely spoken. Farming, leather processing and footwear production contribute to livelihoods. Notable places include Nawabganj’s bird sanctuary, now named Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary, and Bithoor-facing river settlements such as Shuklaganj.
Common civic concerns include reliable drinking water, sanitation, roads, public transport and access to schools and healthcare. Industrial pollution, particularly wastewater from leather processing, and the health of the Ganga are important environmental issues. Residents also care about agricultural support, employment opportunities, drainage and flood preparedness in vulnerable areas.