Uttarakhand to Impose Green Tax on Vehicles from Outside States from December 2025

Uttarakhand is set to introduce a green tax on all vehicles entering the state from December 2025 as part of its broader environmental conservation and pollution control efforts. The initiative, led by the state transport department, aims to protect the Himalayan ecosystem and maintain cleanliness across popular tourist destinations.

New Green Tax Mechanism in Uttarakhand

According to state officials, varying rates have been fixed for different categories of vehicles: ₹80 for small vehicles, ₹250 for small cargo vehicles, ₹140 for buses, and between ₹120 and ₹700 for trucks depending on their weight. The collection process will be fully automated, using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at 37 entry points along the state borders. These cameras will capture vehicle registration numbers and transmit the data to a vendor appointed by the transport department.

From there, the vendor’s system will cross-check the information with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) database, identify the owner’s wallet, and automatically deduct the tax amount, which will then be credited to the state’s transport department account.

Objective and Broader Environmental Goals

The primary purpose of the green tax is to discourage unnecessary vehicular movement into eco-sensitive zones, reduce emissions, and generate funds for environmental protection measures. Uttarakhand’s initiative aligns with the Clean Uttarakhand Mission, complementing the state’s ongoing campaigns to preserve air quality in fragile hill ecosystems such as Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh.

Green Tax Policies Across India

Several Indian states already implement green tax frameworks to address vehicle pollution. Himachal Pradesh, for example, has introduced a similar levy on vehicles from other states entering tourist hubs like Shimla, where local vehicles enjoy exemptions. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand impose recurring green taxes primarily on older vehicles—commercial ones over eight years old and private ones over fifteen years old. Revenue from these taxes is typically directed toward funding pollution control and urban air quality programmes.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Uttarakhand’s green tax takes effect from December 2025, with rates ranging from ₹80 to ₹700.
• Collection will use ANPR cameras and automatic deduction via the NPCI system.
• Similar taxes exist in states like Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• Funds raised are earmarked for pollution control and environmental conservation.

National Trend Towards Eco-Friendly Transport Policies

India’s adoption of green tax regimes signals a shift toward sustainable mobility management. As vehicular emissions remain a major contributor to urban air pollution, states are increasingly relying on automated monitoring, digital payment systems, and stricter environmental regulations to balance development with ecological preservation. Uttarakhand’s model—combining real-time surveillance with automatic payment—could soon become a template for other environmentally sensitive regions nationwide.