Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the State government is actively expanding the operation of electric buses in Dehradun, Haridwar and Haldwani. Additionally, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are being established across the state to support the infrastructure needed for clean fuel-based vehicles. He said this while presenting capital grant and incentive subsidy checks to six primary beneficiary vehicle owners at a programme organised under the Uttarakhand Swachh Gatisheelta Parivartan Niti-2024 on Tuesday. The Transport department has also completed the subsidy and approval process for five other beneficiaries. On this occasion, the CM flagged off 11 clean fuel-based vehicles. During the event, the CM emphasised that this assistance is not merely financial support; it symbolises the State government’s commitment to transitioning Uttarakhand toward a clean, modern and environmentally friendly transportation system. He stated that this initiative will encourage the use of clean fuel-based public transportation in urban areas, reduce pollution from diesel-powered vehicles and foster environmental protection. He highlighted that the world is currently facing the significant challenge of climate change, making it our responsibility to balance development with environmental protection. Numerous initiatives, such as the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, the lifestyle for environment campaign, the PM e-Bus service and the expansion of solar and other renewable energy sources, reflect the country’s commitment to safeguarding the environment. “The State’s biodiversity, forest wealth, rivers and mountainous natural heritage are invaluable assets for the entire nation,” Dhami said. He stressed that protecting the environment and natural balance of this sacred land is a collective responsibility. The State government envisions that development and environmental sustainability go hand in hand; thus, they aim to accelerate development while ensuring environmental protection. He further added that the Uttarakhand Swachh Gatisheelta Parivartan Niti-2024 aims to enhance the efficiency and modernity of public transportation in urban areas, reduce pollution from outdated diesel-powered vehicles and promote CNG and other clean fuel-based transportation systems. Additionally, he said that work is progressing rapidly on the development of ropeways and modern urban transportation systems, which will make travel more accessible, safe and environmentally friendly while reducing traffic congestion and pollution in mountainous regions. CM stated that the government is not only focused on modernising the transportation system but is also working to position Uttarakhand as a national model for green development. Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the rapid promotion of rooftop solar plants is underway. The State has already met its initial target of 40,000 rooftop solar installations ahead of schedule, with approximately 95 per cent of the total target completed. CM said that the vehicle owners who received subsidy checks are not only beneficiaries of this scheme but also pioneers in the green transportation revolution in Uttarakhand.Transport minister Pradeep Batra and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion.
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