Government of Uttarakhand announced introduction of a Green Tax on all vehicles entering the state from outside, effective December 1, 2025, in a landmark environmental initiative. This move aims to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, control vehicular pollution, and promote sustainable and responsible tourism across popular hill destinations such as Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh.
Key Features of Initiative
Objective of Green Tax
- Control vehicular pollution in ecologically sensitive hill areas.
- Preserve the Himalayan environment and natural beauty.
- Encourage sustainable tourism and cleaner mobility.
- Promote transparency and efficiency through digital automation.
Automated, Technology-Driven System
- The entire system powered by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
- Installed at 37 border entry points across the state.
- ANPR cameras capture vehicle registration numbers as they enter Uttarakhand.
- Data transmitted in real-time to National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) database.
- After verification, the tax is automatically deducted from the vehicle owner’s digital payment wallet.
- Amount is credited instantly to Uttarakhand Transport Department account- ensuring a tamper-proof, transparent, and fully digital process.
Green Tax Slabs (Vehicle-wise Charges)
| Vehicle Type | Green Tax Amount |
| Small private vehicles | ₹80 |
| Small cargo vehicles | ₹250 |
| Buses | ₹140 |
| Trucks | ₹120 – ₹700 (based on weight category) |
Exemptions
The following vehicles will not be charged under the Green Tax system:
- Vehicles registered in Uttarakhand.
- Electric and CNG vehicles.
- Government vehicles.
- Ambulances and fire brigade trucks.
- Two-wheelers.
- Vehicles re-entering the state within 24 hours of first entry.
How Automated Green Tax System Works?
- ANPR cameras capture the vehicle registration number at the entry point.
- Data is sent to a vendor system authorized by the State Transport Department.
- The vendor system verifies details with NPCI’s database.
- Once verified, the applicable green tax is automatically deducted from the owner’s digital wallet.
- The amount is credited instantly to the Transport Department’s account, with a receipt generated automatically.
Administrative Details
- Implemented by: Uttarakhand Transport Department.
- Technology Partner: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- Monitoring & Enforcement: State Transport Department via real-time digital dashboards.
- Expansion of ANPR Network:
- From 16 cameras (earlier) to 37 cameras (current) to ensure complete state border coverage.
Benefits of Initiative
- Promotes eco-friendly and responsible tourism.
- Ensures real-time tax collection with no manual interference.
- Reduces traffic congestion and revenue leakages.
- Minimizes human error and corruption.
- Ensures pollution control in high-traffic hill regions.
- Serves as a model for other Himalayan and tourist states.
Why Green Tax Matters?
- Rapid tourism growth in Uttarakhand has led to rising vehicular pollution.
- The Green Tax ensures that tourists contribute to environmental conservation.
- Funds collected will support eco-restoration, clean mobility infrastructure, and waste management projects.
- The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to sustainable and digital governance.
Concept of “Green Tax”
- A financial levy imposed on vehicles or activities that cause environmental pollution, especially air pollution from vehicular emissions.
- Serves two main purposes:
- Discourages pollution-causing vehicles.
- Generates funds for environmental protection and sustainability initiatives.
- Common in many countries as a “Polluter Pays Principle” measure.