Starting December 1, 2025, out-of-state vehicles entering Uttarakhand will be charged a green tax to curb pollution and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
What Is the Green Tax in Uttarakhand?
The Uttarakhand government will implement a green tax from December 1, 2025, on vehicles entering from outside the state. This eco-focused move aims to safeguard the Himalayan environment from increasing vehicular pollution caused by the influx of tourists and commercial traffic.
- The green tax is a pollution control measure that charges vehicle owners for the environmental cost their vehicles impose.
- The initiative is part of the state’s broader plan to promote sustainable tourism and clean air in eco-sensitive zones.
How Much Will It Cost You?
The green tax rates will vary based on the type and size of the vehicle, according to the Uttarakhand Transport Department:
| Vehicle Type | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
| Small passenger vehicles | ₹80 |
| Small goods carriers | ₹250 |
| Buses | ₹140 |
| Trucks (varied loads) | ₹120 to ₹700 |
So, if you’re planning a road trip to Mussoorie, Nainital, or Rishikesh in your own vehicle from outside the state, factor this fee into your travel budget.
How Will It Be Enforced?
The state is using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to ensure smooth and accurate enforcement.
- 16 ANPR cameras have already been installed at entry points.
- 21 more are planned, taking the total to 37 cameras across Uttarakhand’s borders.
- These cameras will automatically capture vehicle numbers and charge the applicable green tax.
This tech-led enforcement ensures that no vehicle skips payment, minimizing manual intervention.
Why Is Uttarakhand Imposing a Green Tax?
There are environmental and economic reasons behind the move:
- Curb pollution: Tourist vehicles and outdated diesel trucks contribute significantly to air pollution in hill regions.
- Preserve fragile ecosystems: The Himalayan belt is ecologically sensitive—increased pollution affects glaciers, biodiversity, and water sources.
- Internalize pollution costs: According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, polluters should pay for the environmental damage they cause.
- Encourage cleaner vehicles: The tax nudges owners to upgrade to newer, less polluting vehicles.
- Revenue for environmental initiatives: Funds from the tax may be used for clean air projects and pollution mitigation programs.
Other States Already Charging Green Tax
Uttarakhand joins the list of Indian states that have already introduced green taxes, including:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
- Jharkhand
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli
This suggests a growing national trend towards pollution-linked vehicle taxation, especially in states with sensitive ecosystems or high vehicular density.
Starting December 1, 2025, vehicles entering Uttarakhand from other states will be charged a green tax—ranging from ₹80 to ₹700 depending on type—to curb pollution and preserve the Himalayan environment. Enforcement will be automated via ANPR cameras at state borders.
