Uttarakhand Cabinet Greenlights Comprehensive Green Hydrogen Policy and Development Measures
The Uttarakhand state cabinet, in a significant meeting held on Wednesday, gave its formal approval to the ambitious Uttarakhand Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026. This forward-looking policy is specifically designed to harness the state's plentiful hydropower resources to foster and accelerate the production of green hydrogen across the region.
Driving Clean Energy and Industrial Growth
The newly cleared policy has a multi-pronged objective aimed at boosting industrial development and generating substantial employment opportunities. Furthermore, it seeks to make a meaningful contribution towards carbon emission–free growth and the global effort in climate change mitigation. A key focus is on creating a robust market and aggregating demand for green hydrogen within the state.
Director General of Information, Bansidhar Tiwari, emphasized that this state policy is in complete alignment with the broader National Green Hydrogen Policy of 2022 and the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in 2023. These national initiatives aim to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production in the coming decade.
"The state government is firmly committed to promoting clean and green energy sources in light of the pressing challenges of global warming and climate change. Green hydrogen, serving as both a clean energy source and an industrial fuel, will play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our net-zero emissions target," Tiwari stated.
Strategic Defense and Infrastructure Decisions
In a separate but crucial decision, the cabinet approved the transfer of two key airstrips to the Union Ministry of Defence. The Chinyalisaur airstrip in Uttarkashi and the Gauchar airstrip in Chamoli district will be leased to the ministry to function as Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs).
This move is intended to facilitate joint civilian and military operations. The decision was reached following a consensus in high-level meetings that involved officials from the Indian Air Force, the Ministry of Defence, and the state government.
Groundwater Regulation and Land Acquisition Reforms
To address the critical issue of water resource management, the cabinet approved the implementation of water value or charge rates. These rates will be applied differentially in areas categorized as safe, semi-critical, critical, and over-exploited to regulate use and prevent overexploitation.
The charges will apply to:
- Industrial units
- Commercial establishments
- Residential apartments and group housing societies
- Hotels and resorts
- Water amusement parks
- Vehicle washing centres
- Swimming pools
A registration fee of Rs 5,000 has been mandated for commercial, industrial, infrastructural, and large residential projects.
In a move to streamline development, the cabinet also approved a proposal for land acquisition through mutual agreement for state projects of all scales—small, medium, and large. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce litigation and lower overall project costs.
"Considering the excessive time consumed under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, the cabinet has approved a direct land purchase system. This will help expedite crucial development projects across Uttarakhand," explained Director General Tiwari.
Additional Cabinet Approvals
The cabinet meeting also resulted in several other important decisions:
- Health Worker Transfers: Health workers and supervisors from the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department, with a minimum of five years of satisfactory service, will now be eligible for a one-time district transfer on a mutual basis, subject to final cabinet approval.
- Industrial Land Transfer: Approval was granted for the transfer of 1,354.14 acres of land from Prag Farm in Udham Singh Nagar district to the State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand (Sidcul). This land is designated for the development of a new industrial estate, with strict conditions attached. The lessee cannot sell, lease, or transfer the land, and must utilize it within three years, or face cancellation. Sub-leasing for the same industrial purpose may be permitted with departmental consent.
- Tribal Welfare Officers: The creation of four new posts for Tribal Welfare Officers was approved. These officers will be deployed in the districts of Dehradun, Chamoli, Udham Singh Nagar, and Pithoragarh to enhance administrative support and welfare initiatives for tribal communities.
These comprehensive decisions underscore the Uttarakhand government's focused approach on sustainable energy, strategic infrastructure, resource conservation, and streamlined administrative processes to foster holistic development in the state.
