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Dehradun: As Uttarakhand celebrates 25 years of its formation, the state government has taken a big step toward protecting the environment. A new “Green Cess” will now be charged on all vehicles entering Uttarakhand from other states. This decision is aimed at reducing pollution and improving air quality across the state.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the initiative, saying, “As Uttarakhand completes 25 years, our commitment is to make the state clean, green, and pollution-free.” The money collected from this cess will be used for various green projects.

Project aims to control air pollution

These projects include controlling air pollution, building eco-friendly infrastructure, and installing smart traffic management systems. The goal is to make cities cleaner and more sustainable for residents and tourists alike.

According to Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Member Secretary of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), road dust is the biggest contributor to air pollution in Dehradun, making up about 55% of the total. Vehicle emissions add another 7%. The Green Cess will help fund efforts to manage road dust and reduce harmful emissions.

The government plans to use the funds for:

Promoting clean-fuel vehicles
Discouraging old and polluting vehicles
Tree plantation drives
Expanding air quality monitoring systems
These steps are expected to make a big difference in how pollution is handled in the state.

Dehradun 19th among cities with the cleanest air in the country

Uttarakhand’s cities have already shown good progress in keeping the air clean. In the Government of India’s “Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024” survey, Rishikesh ranked 14th and Dehradun 19th among cities with the cleanest air in the country.

Officials believe that with proper use of the Green Cess funds, Uttarakhand can improve even more and become a model for other states in sustainable urban planning. Tourists and visitors will need to pay this cess when entering the state, but the government hopes people will support the move, knowing it helps protect the natural beauty and health of Uttarakhand.

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