The Uttarakhand government has announced a landmark initiative to curb air pollution by imposing a ‘Green Cess’ on vehicles entering the state from outside.
Targeting road dust and vehicular emissions, the two major contributors to air pollution in the state, the move is expected to generate around Rs 100 crore annually for the state exchequer, which will be reinvested in clean-air initiatives, green infrastructure, and smart traffic management.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the new tax will be implemented as part of the state’s silver jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years since its formation in 2000.
“As Uttarakhand completes 25 years of its formation, we are committed to making the state clean, green, and free of pollution. The revenue generated from the ‘Green Cess’ will be utilised for improving air quality, green infrastructure, and smart traffic management,” Dhami said.
He clarified that the Green Cess will be levied only on vehicles entering from other states, excluding electric, hydrogen, solar, and battery-operated vehicles.
Explaining the rationale behind the Green Cess imposition for other state’s vehicles, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board Chief and Member Secretary Parag Madhukar Dhakate said the decision was taken to reduce dust levels in the air and facilitate the adoption of a clean vehicle policy in the state.
“According to a study conducted by UKPCB, nearly 55 percent of air pollution in Dehradun comes from road dust, while vehicular emissions contribute another seven percent. Implementing road dust control measures and adopting a clean vehicle policy through the Green Cess will be the most effective step to improve the air quality of the state capital,” Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), said.
“Uttarakhand cities and towns have performed remarkably well in the Government of India’s ‘Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024’ (Clean Air Survey 2024). Rishikesh secured 14th place and Dehradun was adjudged the 19th cleanest city in the country. The state government will use the Green Cess revenue to further strengthen this achievement,” he added.
“Green Cess will help in reduction of air pollution and improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI). Green cess scheme of UKPCB will also help controlling old polluting vehicles, promotion of clean fuel-based vehicles and improvement, afforestation and Strengthening air monitoring network,” he added.
According to the UKPCB, the initiative will also support the control of old polluting vehicles, the promotion of clean fuel-based transport, the expansion of green cover, and the enhancement of the state’s air quality monitoring network.