Dehradun, Oct 27: In a major step toward combating air pollution, the Uttarakhand government has announced the imposition of a ‘Green Cess’ on vehicles entering the state from outside. The move, which targets road dust and vehicular emissions the two primary contributors to air pollution aims to raise around ₹100 crore annually for clean-air and green infrastructure projects.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the initiative would be rolled out as part of the state’s silver jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years since Uttarakhand’s formation in 2000.
“As Uttarakhand completes 25 years, we are committed to making it clean, green, and pollution free. The revenue from the Green Cess will be utilised for improving air quality, developing green infrastructure, and implementing smart traffic management systems,” Dhami said.
The cess will apply only to vehicles entering from other states, while electric, hydrogen, solar, and battery operated vehicles will be exempted to encourage the use of clean energy transport.
Explaining the rationale, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) Member Secretary Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate said the measure is designed to curb dust pollution and promote a cleaner vehicle policy.
“A UKPCB study revealed that 55% of Dehradun’s air pollution comes from road dust, while vehicular emissions contribute 7%. The Green Cess will help reduce both, paving the way for cleaner air,” Dr. Dhakate said.
He added that Uttarakhand cities have already performed well in the ‘Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024’, with Rishikesh ranked 14th and Dehradun 19th among India’s cleanest cities. The Green Cess revenue will be used to strengthen these achievements through enhanced air quality management and green cover expansion.
According to the UKPCB, the scheme will also aid in phasing out old polluting vehicles, promoting clean fuel-based transport, improving afforestation, and upgrading the state’s air quality monitoring network.
“The Green Cess will play a crucial role in improving the Air Quality Index (AQI), promoting sustainable mobility, and ensuring long-term environmental health for Uttarakhand,” Dr. Dhakate added.