Dehradun, May 13, 2026 — In a major push towards energy conservation, fuel efficiency, clean energy adoption, and economic self-reliance, the Uttarakhand Cabinet chaired by Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday approved a series of significant short-term and long-term measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting sustainable practices across the state.
Addressing the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said that the global economy continues to face severe challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ongoing crisis in West Asia have disrupted global supply chains, particularly impacting fuel, food commodities, and fertilizers. As a result, India is also witnessing rising fuel costs, increasing import dependence, and economic pressure.
The Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to contribute to national efforts through small but meaningful behavioral changes. In line with this vision, the Uttarakhand Government has decided to implement several immediate reforms focused on energy savings, public transportation, clean energy, and the promotion of indigenous products.
Promotion of Work From Home and Digital Meetings
The state government has decided to encourage video conferencing-based meetings in government departments to reduce unnecessary travel and fuel consumption. Private sector organizations will also be encouraged to adopt work-from-home practices wherever feasible. Citizens will be motivated to maximize the use of public transport systems.
Weekly “No Vehicle Day” Initiative
The Cabinet has decided to reduce the number of vehicles in the Chief Minister’s and ministers’ official fleets by 50 percent. In addition, one day every week will be observed as a “No Vehicle Day,” during which work-from-home arrangements will be promoted. The general public will also be encouraged to avoid using private vehicles for one day every week.
Efforts will also be made to regulate and minimize the use of air conditioners in government and private buildings.
“One Officer, One Vehicle” Policy
The Transport Department has been directed to enhance the capacity and frequency of public bus services across the state. Government employees will be encouraged to use public transport facilities. Officers handling multiple departments will be allowed to use only one vehicle per day for official purposes.
New EV Policy to be Introduced Soon
The government has announced that a comprehensive and effective Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy will soon be implemented in Uttarakhand. Under the new policy, 50 percent of all newly purchased government vehicles will mandatorily be electric vehicles.
The state will also prioritize the expansion of EV charging stations and charging infrastructure networks.
Restrictions on Official Foreign Tours
The Cabinet has decided to limit official foreign tours by government officials. Simultaneously, the state will launch a “Visit My State” campaign to promote domestic tourism.
Special emphasis will be placed on promoting heritage tourism, religious tourism, wellness tourism, rural tourism, and eco-tourism circuits throughout Uttarakhand.
The government will also encourage destination weddings in the state and introduce a single-window clearance system for related approvals. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) will also be encouraged to spend their holidays in Uttarakhand.
“Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” Awareness Campaign
The state government will launch public awareness initiatives such as “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” to encourage citizen participation in national development efforts.
Under the “Made in State” campaign, local products and industries will be promoted. The government also emphasized strict compliance with “Make in India” norms in all public procurement processes.
Citizens will also be sensitized to limit gold purchases for one year in order to reduce unnecessary import pressure on the economy.
Focus on Reducing Edible Oil Consumption
The government will launch awareness campaigns highlighting the health and economic benefits of low-oil diets. Schools, hospitals, and government canteens will review and reduce edible oil consumption wherever possible.
Hotels, roadside eateries, and street food vendors will be encouraged to introduce and promote “Low-Oil Menus.”
Promotion of Natural Farming
Farmers across the state will receive training in Natural Farming, Zero Budget Farming, and the use of bio-inputs. Awareness drives will also be conducted regarding balanced fertilizer use and soil health conservation.
Push for Clean Energy and Solar Expansion
The government has decided to expand PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections in mission mode. Hotels, restaurants, and government accommodations will be encouraged to prioritize PNG usage.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, rooftop solar projects will be promoted aggressively across the state.
The Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Departments have also been directed to promote biogas plants and gobar gas initiatives in rural areas.
Faster Clearances for Energy and Infrastructure Projects
The state government has decided to accelerate approvals for mining, solar, and power projects. A High-Powered Committee (HPC) chaired by the Chief Secretary will ensure that project proposals are approved within 60 days.
The Chief Minister said the government is committed to building Uttarakhand into an economically stronger, energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and self-reliant state through public participation, clean energy adoption, and sustainable development initiatives.
