Uttarakhand is all set to complete 25 years as a separate state, and to mark this occasion, the government has announced a new step to protect the environment. The state will now collect a “Green Cess” from vehicles entering Uttarakhand from other states. The main goal is to reduce pollution and improve the air quality in the state.

The office of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the money collected from this cess will be used for projects that support clean and environmentally friendly living. These projects will include controlling air pollution, improving green infrastructure, and using modern technology to manage traffic more efficiently.

Chief Minister Dhami said that as the state celebrates this milestone, it is important to work toward a cleaner and greener future. He added that the Green Cess will help the government invest in development that reduces pollution and protects the environment.

Vehicle pollution has been a major concern in cities like Dehradun. A study by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board shows that road dust causes about 55 percent of the pollution in the city, while around 7 percent is due to emissions from vehicles. These findings highlight the need for better dust control and cleaner transportation options.

With the help of the Green Cess, the state plans to take several measures. These include reducing road dust, encouraging the use of cleaner and fuel-efficient vehicles, and discouraging older vehicles that create more pollution. The money collected will also support programmes such as planting more trees and increasing the number of air quality monitoring systems across the state.

Uttarakhand’s efforts are already showing results. In the Government of India’s “Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024” report, which ranks cities based on air cleanliness, Rishikesh stood at 14th place and Dehradun at 19th among the cleanest air cities in the country.

Officials believe that with the proper use of funds collected through the Green Cess, Uttarakhand can further improve its environment. The initiative is expected to help the state lead by example when it comes to sustainable and pollution-free development in India.