Uttarakhand govt takes key decisions to promote energy and fuel conservation

In the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, important decisions were taken to promote energy and fuel savings in the state.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the Russo-Ukrainian War and the ongoing crisis in West Asia, are putting significant pressure on global supply chains, especially fuel, foodstuffs and fertilisers. Due to this global crisis, India is also facing increasing fuel costs, import dependency and economic pressure.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to support national efforts through small but practical behavioral changes in the current situation, which is expected to have a positive impact on the general public. In this regard, several short-term and long-term reforms are being implemented in Uttarakhand with immediate effect.

work from home

Meetings based on video conferencing will be encouraged in government offices. The private sector will also be encouraged to switch to working from home practices. People will be motivated to maximize their use of public transport.

No vehicle days

The number of vehicles in the fleet of the Prime Minister and Ministers will be reduced by 50 percent. One day a week will be declared as “Car-Free Day” and working from home will be encouraged during this period. The general public will also be inspired to celebrate one “Car Free Day” every week. Efforts will also be made to limit the use of air conditioning in public and private buildings.

One officer, one vehicle

The Department of Transportation was instructed to increase the service and capacity of public buses. Public employees will be encouraged to use public transportation. Officers dealing with more than one department will be allowed to drive only one vehicle per day.

EV Policy

An effective Electric Vehicle (EV) policy will be implemented soon. 50% of all new government vehicle purchases will mandatorily be electric vehicles. Priority will be given to expanding EV charging stations and charging networks.

Government visits abroad will be limited

Official government visits abroad will be restricted. Domestic tourism will be encouraged as part of the “Visit My State” campaign. Heritage, religion, wellness, rural and eco-tourism tours in the state will be extensively promoted.

Destination weddings will be encouraged in the state and Single Window Cleaning system will be introduced. Uttarakhand has already taken the lead in this direction. Overseas Indians will also be encouraged to spend their holidays in Uttarakhand.

“My India, My Contribution”

Public awareness campaigns like “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” (My India, My Contribution) will be launched. Within the scope of the “Government Goods” campaign, the sale of local products will be encouraged. Strict compliance with Make in India procurement rules will be ensured in government procurement. Citizens will be encouraged to limit their gold purchases for a year.

Reducing cooking oil consumption

Awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate the public about the health benefits of low-fat diets. Schools, hospitals and public canteens will review and reduce their use of fat. Hotels, dhabas and street food vendors will be encouraged to adopt ‘Low Fat Menus’.

Promoting natural farming

Farmers will be trained on Natural Agriculture, Zero Budget Agriculture and bio-input use. Awareness campaigns will also focus on balanced fertilizer use and soil health.

Promoting clean energy

PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections will be expanded in mission mode. Hotels, restaurants and government housing will prioritize the use of PNG. Under the Prime Minister Surya Ghar Yojana, rooftop solar installations will be encouraged. Panchayati Raj Department and Rural Development Department have been directed to promote biogas. Approvals for mining, solar energy and energy projects will be accelerated. The High Powered Committee (HPC), chaired by the Chief Secretary, will approve the proposals within 60 days.