The Uttarakhand government is set to begin collecting Green Cess on vehicles entering the state from outside at 15 designated border points from February 15. The initiative is aimed at balancing environmental protection with sustainable revenue generation and is expected to fetch the state around ₹100 crore annually.
According to officials, the Transport Department has already identified 15 entry points across the state where the cess will be levied. At present, Green Cess is being collected only from private vehicles entering Uttarakhand at the Narson border, but the new system will significantly expand its coverage.
Uttarakhand: ANPR Cameras to Ensure Transparency
To ensure smooth and transparent collection, the Transport Department is installing Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at all identified points. These cameras will automatically scan vehicle number plates and collect the cess digitally, reducing manual intervention and minimising the scope for irregularities or revenue leakage.
Officials said the use of technology will also help in better traffic monitoring and data collection, which can be useful for future transport and environmental planning.
DON'T MISS
Reducing Dependence on Tourism Revenue
The move reflects the state government’s intent to diversify its revenue sources rather than depending solely on tourism. While Uttarakhand witnesses heavy tourist inflow throughout the year, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons, the government believes that environmental compensation through Green Cess is necessary to manage the pressure on infrastructure and natural resources.
Heavy Tourist and Pilgrim Inflow
Every year, lakhs of vehicles from other states enter Uttarakhand for religious and tourism purposes. Major attractions such as Char Dham Yatra, Kanwar Yatra, Hemkund Sahib, along with Haridwar and Rishikesh, draw visitors from across the country. The influx significantly increases vehicular movement, contributing to pollution and environmental stress in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Revenue and Environmental Impact
Currently, Uttarakhand earns around ₹25–30 lakh per day as Green Cess from commercial vehicles. In addition, private vehicles registered within the state already pay a one-time Green Cess at the time of registration. The new mechanism specifically targets private vehicles coming from other states, which have seen a sharp rise in recent years.
Once fully implemented, the expanded system is expected to generate an additional ₹100 crore annually, strengthening the state’s finances while supporting environmental conservation efforts.
Protecting a Fragile Himalayan State
Officials emphasised that the Green Cess is not just a revenue measure but also a step towards environmental accountability. Uttarakhand’s sensitive geography makes it particularly vulnerable to pollution, traffic congestion, and ecological degradation.
By imposing Green Cess, the government aims to send a clear message that every vehicle entering the state must share responsibility for protecting its environment, ensuring sustainable development while preserving Uttarakhand’s natural heritage for future generations.
