Uttarakhand govt announces weekly ‘No Vehicle Day’, work-from-home push and mandatory EV purchases

The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday announced a wide range of measures focused on energy conservation, fuel savings and sustainable development, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for responsible consumption amid global energy uncertainty.

According to a government press note issued after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state will implement several immediate and long-term reforms aimed at reducing fuel consumption and import dependence.

The Chief Minister said global supply chains had come under pressure after the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing West Asia crisis, particularly in sectors linked to fuel, food and fertilisers.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has appealed to citizens to support national efforts through small but practical behavioral changes in the current situation, the official note stated.

Weekly ‘No Vehicle Day’ and reduced fleets

Among the major decisions announced by the cabinet:

• The vehicle fleets of the chief minister and ministers will be reduced by 50%
• One day every week will be observed as a “No Vehicle Day”
• Work-from-home will be encouraged on the designated day
• Citizens will also be encouraged to voluntarily observe a weekly no-vehicle initiative

The government further stated that air-conditioner usage in government and private buildings would also be restricted wherever possible.

The development follows Dhami’s earlier decision to halve his official fleet while describing PM Modi’s energy conservation appeal as a “pledge in national interest”.

Work-from-home and public transport focus

The government said video conferencing-based meetings would be promoted across departments and the private sector would also be encouraged to adopt work-from-home models.

According to the cabinet decisions:

• Public bus services and capacity will be expanded
• Government employees will be encouraged to use public transport
• Officers handling multiple departments will be restricted to using only one vehicle per day

EV policy and clean energy push

The Uttarakhand government also announced that a new EV policy would be introduced soon.

According to the official statement:

• Fifty percent of all new government vehicle purchases will mandatorily be electric vehicles
• EV charging infrastructure will be expanded on priority
• PNG connections will be promoted in mission mode
• Rooftop solar projects under PM Surya Ghar Yojana will be encouraged
• Biogas promotion will be taken up through Panchayati Raj and Rural Development departments

The government added that approvals for mining, solar and power projects would be fast-tracked through a high-powered committee chaired by the chief secretary.

Measures on tourism, local products and consumption

The state government also announced restrictions on official foreign travel while promoting domestic tourism through a “Visit My State” campaign.

The official note stated that the campaign would promote heritage, religious, rural, wellness and eco-tourism circuits. The government also proposed encouraging destination weddings through a single-window clearance mechanism.

Under the “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” campaign:

• Local product sales will be promoted under “Made in State”
• Government procurement will strictly follow Make in India rules
• Citizens will be encouraged to limit gold purchases for one year

The government also announced awareness campaigns promoting low-oil diets and balanced consumption practices.

Part of nationwide BJP-led austerity measures

The measures come amid similar announcements by BJP-led governments across the country after PM Modi’s recent appeal on fuel conservation.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently announced limits">Rekha Gupta recently announced limits on official vehicle use and promoted carpooling and public transport, while Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav reduced the size of his official convoy">Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav reduced the size of his official convoy and discouraged vehicle rallies.

Several other BJP leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and union home minister Amit Shah, have also cut their official vehicles fleet and introduced measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting public transport, EV use and work-from-home systems.