Uttarakhand Fixes Green Tax Rates for Vehicles, ANPR Cameras to Enforce Automatic Payments

Uttarakhand will begin levying a green tax on vehicles entering the state from other regions starting in December, aimed at curbing pollution, safeguarding the ecologically sensitive Himalayan environment, and promoting cleanliness. The initiative, announced by the state transport department, targets out-of-state vehicles and varies by category: Rs 80 for small passenger vehicles, Rs 250 for small cargo carriers, Rs 140 for buses, and between Rs 120 and Rs 700 for trucks based on weight. The measure reflects growing concerns over vehicular emissions in a state renowned for its forests, rivers, and tourism-dependent economy.

To enforce the tax, the department has deployed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at border entry points. Currently, 37 cameras are operational—an increase from the initial 16—with plans for further expansion. Additional Transport Commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh explained that the system captures registration details of incoming vehicles in real time. A designated vendor company processes the data, filtering out locally registered vehicles, government fleets, and two-wheelers, which are exempt from the levy.

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The automated collection mechanism integrates with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) database to identify linked digital wallets or bank accounts of vehicle owners. Once verified, the applicable tax is deducted electronically and credited directly to the transport department’s account. This contactless process is designed to minimise delays at checkpoints while ensuring compliance, particularly for commercial and tourist traffic that peaks during pilgrimage and holiday seasons.

The introduction of the green tax aligns with broader national efforts under the Motor Vehicles Act to incentivise cleaner transport and fund environmental conservation. Revenue generated will support pollution mitigation programmes, including afforestation and air quality monitoring in urban centres like Dehradun and Haridwar. Officials have urged vehicle owners to ensure updated digital payment linkages to avoid penalties, with awareness campaigns planned ahead of the December rollout. The policy underscores Uttarakhand’s proactive stance in balancing developmental pressures with ecological preservation in one of India’s most biodiverse regions.

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