Shimla, December 30, 2023:
In a bold move towards achieving the ambitious goal of a "Green and Clean Himachal," Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued a directive to all government departments, urging them not to procure diesel or petrol vehicles from January 1, 2024.
As part of the 'Green and Clean Himachal' initiative, there is a strong emphasis on promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) across the state, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed.
Government departments will only be permitted to purchase petrol or diesel vehicles after obtaining approval from the state cabinet, underlining a commitment to the transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.
Since his inaugural budget speech, Chief Minister Sukhu has consistently advocated for environmental conservation and has introduced various measures to encourage the widespread use of e-vehicles in the state.
"The government's unwavering efforts have resulted in a notable increase in the number of government e-vehicles, reaching a total of 185, while private electric vehicles registered in the state now stand at 2,733," the release stated.
In a leading example of commitment, Chief Minister Sukhu himself has been using an e-vehicle for several months.
"The Himachal Pradesh government is leading the charge in promoting e-vehicles, with the Transport Department pioneering the replacement of its official vehicle fleet with e-vehicles. Other departments are expected to follow suit, gradually replacing fuel vehicles with e-vehicles," Sukhu declared.
This transition is not merely a symbolic gesture but a tangible demonstration of the government's dedication to environmental preservation. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized, "We must take initiatives today to preserve the environment for future generations."
To meet the demand for vehicles in various departments, the government has authorized the operation of e-taxis on a contractual basis. As part of the ₹ 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme, youth are being granted e-taxi permits with a 50 per cent subsidy on their purchase.
Recognizing the need for charging infrastructure, the government is actively developing charging stations across the state, with 54 locations already identified. Some of these stations are near completion, facilitating the convenient charging of e-vehicles.
In a bid to further promote e-vehicles, the government plans to designate six highways as green corridors. Additionally, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is undergoing a phased conversion of all diesel buses into e-buses. The state government has urged manufacturers to consider the unique geographical conditions of Himachal in the production of e-buses.
"The introduction of Type-1, 2, and 3 e-buses into the HRTC fleet on long routes is underway, aligning with the objective of transforming Himachal into a clean and green energy state by March 31, 2026," reiterated Chief Minister Sukhu.
As Himachal Pradesh takes decisive steps towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, the 'Green and Clean Himachal' initiative sets a commendable precedent for other regions to prioritize environmental conservation in their policy decisions.
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