The Uttarakhand government will soon introduce a ‘Green Cess’ on vehicles entering the state from other parts of India. The move aims to reduce pollution and promote eco-friendly development as the state marks 25 years of its formation.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to keeping Uttarakhand clean and green. “The revenue generated from the Green Cess will be used to improve air quality, develop green infrastructure, and implement smart traffic management systems,” his office said in a statement.
Funds to support environmental projects
According to the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), the funds collected through the cess will be used for air pollution control, tree plantation drives, and the development of eco-friendly infrastructure. The money will also support road dust management and air quality monitoring systems across the state.
Officials estimate that the new cess could generate about ₹100 crore annually. This revenue will be spent on expanding green zones, setting up modern traffic systems, and promoting clean transport options.
UKPCB Member Secretary Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate said road dust is the biggest source of air pollution in Dehradun, accounting for about 55 per cent, while vehicular emissions contribute around 7 per cent.
“Through the Green Cess, we can control road dust and encourage the use of clean-fuel vehicles, which will significantly improve the city’s air quality,” he said. The government also plans to regulate old and polluting vehicles while encouraging the use of electric, hydrogen, solar, and battery-operated vehicles, which will be exempted from the cess.
Growing number of vehicles entering the state
Uttarakhand sees a high number of tourists every year. More than 23 crore tourists have visited the state in the past three years, according to government figures. With new projects such as the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, the number of vehicles from neighbouring states is expected to rise further.
Officials believe the Green Cess will help balance tourism growth with environmental protection.
In the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 conducted by the central government, Rishikesh ranked 14th and Dehradun ranked 19th among India’s cleanest-air cities. Authorities say the new policy could help Uttarakhand improve these rankings further and serve as a model for other hill states aiming for sustainable growth.
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