The Uttarakhand cabinet on Wednesday announced a significant reduction in the number of vehicles in the chief minister's and ministers' convoys, cutting them by half. Additionally, the state will observe one 'No Vehicle Day' every week as part of a broader energy-conservation plan. This decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel saving and sustainable practices. The government stated that officials would work from home wherever feasible on the weekly no-vehicle day, and the public would also be encouraged to participate voluntarily.
Chief Minister's Statement on Global Crisis
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the ongoing West Asia crisis have increased pressure on global supply chains, particularly for fuel, food items, and fertilisers. 'Due to this global crisis, India is also facing rising fuel costs, import dependency and economic pressure. PM has appealed to citizens to support national efforts through small, practical behavioural changes, and in this context, several short-term and long-term reforms are being implemented in Uttarakhand with immediate effect,' he said.
Fuel-Saving Measures and Work from Home
As part of the broader fuel-saving measures, the government said it would make efforts to restrict the use of air-conditioners in government and private buildings. Video-conferencing across departments will be promoted to reduce unnecessary travel, and work from home will be encouraged in the private sector. People will also be encouraged to use public transport more frequently, while the transport department has been directed to increase the service and capacity of public buses.
'One Officer, One Vehicle' Policy
The cabinet also approved a 'One Officer, One Vehicle' policy, under which officers handling multiple departments will be allowed to use only one official vehicle per day. The government said an updated electric vehicle (EV) policy will be introduced soon, and 50% of all new government vehicle purchases will have to be EVs. Charging stations and EV networks will be expanded on priority.
Curtailment of Foreign Travel and Tourism Promotion
The government also decided to curtail official foreign travel as part of the austerity and energy-conservation measures. Domestic tourism will be promoted through the 'Visit My State' campaign, with extensive publicity for heritage, religious, wellness, rural and eco-tourism circuits. Destination weddings in Uttarakhand will be encouraged through a single-window clearance system, and non-resident Indians (NRIs) will be motivated to spend holidays in the state.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Public awareness campaigns such as 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' will be run across Uttarakhand, while sales of local products will be increased under the 'Made in State' campaign. Government procurement will have to strictly comply with 'Make in India' rules, and citizens will be made aware about limiting gold purchases for one year.
Health and Dietary Measures
The cabinet also decided to run public campaigns on the health benefits of low-oil food. The government said it will review and reduce oil use in schools, hospitals and government canteens, while hotels, dhabas and street-food vendors will be encouraged to adopt a 'Low-Oil Menu'.
Agriculture and Energy Initiatives
Farmers will be trained in natural farming, zero-budget farming and bio-inputs, while awareness campaigns will be conducted on balanced use of fertilisers and soil health. Piped natural gas (PNG) connections will be rolled out in mission mode, with priority for hotels, restaurants and government residences. Rooftop solar will be promoted under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, while the panchayati raj department and gram vikas department were directed to promote gobar gas, or biogas.
Expedited Approvals and Committee Formation
The government said approvals for mining, solar and power projects will be expedited. A high-powered committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary will clear proposals within 60 days.
