an-eco-friendly-mandate-by-the-chief-minister-of-hp-restricts-buying-diesel-and-petrol-vehicles-from-1st-jan-2024

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has instructed all government departments in Himachal Pradesh to refrain from purchasing diesel or petrol vehicles starting January 1, 2024. This directive, part of the 'Green and Clean Himachal' intiative, highlights the state's commitment to encircle large-scale adoption of electric vehicles.

The Chief minister's office(CMO) released a statement highlighting the significance of the intiative in achieving the broader goal of Vyavastga Parivartan (Systemic change). The release emphasized that if deemed essential departments may acquire petrol or diesel vehicles only with the explicit approval of the state cabinet.

Since his inaugral budget speech, Chief minister Sukhu has consistently advocated for the preservation of Himachal Pradesh lush greenary and has introduced various measures to promote e-vehicles across the state. The government's dedicated efforts have resulted in a notable increase in the number of government owned e-vehicles, reaching 185, while private electric vehicles registered in the state have surged to 2,733.

Demonstrating leadership by example, Chief minister Sukhu has been personally using an e-vehicle for several months.

The transport department has spearhaded the transition, becoming the first to replace it's official vehicle fleet with e-vehciles, with other departments poised to follow suit.