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Uttarakhand Cabinet Clears Green Hydrogen Policy, Groundwater Fees and MoD Airstrip Leases

The package aligns with national green-hydrogen goals to harness hydropower for clean industry.

Overview

  • The Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026 to build a state green hydrogen ecosystem using hydropower with aims that include jobs and lower emissions.
  • Groundwater extraction charges take effect for non-agricultural and commercial use with agriculture and government drinking water supply exempt, zone-based rates, and a ₹5,000 registration fee for covered users.
  • The Chinyalisaur and Gauchar airstrips will be leased to the Ministry of Defence for development as Advanced Landing Grounds for joint civilian–military operations.
  • A mutual-agreement route for acquiring land from owners was approved to cut litigation and timelines, and 1,354.14 acres at Prag Farm in Udham Singh Nagar can be sub-leased to SIDCUL for industrial development with departmental consent.
  • Administrative steps include a one-time inter-district transfer window for eligible health staff, four new district tribal welfare officer posts, and approval for GRD Uttarakhand University in Dehradun.