In a bold move towards sustainability, the Odisha government has mandated the use of electric vehicles (EVs) for state secretariat entry.
Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister KV Singh Deo announced that government employees who continue using petrol or diesel vehicles may be denied entry passes in the future.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a transition to clean energy. To facilitate the shift, the government plans to introduce incentives to help employees replace their fossil fuel-driven vehicles with EVs.
Further emphasising its commitment to green energy, the Odisha government is transitioning all offices to solar power, including air conditioners and office equipment. A new EV policy is also in the works, aiming to enhance infrastructure and provide incentives to buyers and sellers of electric vehicles.
Additionally, solar panels will be installed on the rooftops of all government buildings and residential quarters. Financial incentives from both the state and central governments will further accelerate solar energy adoption.
Odisha’s decisive action marks a significant step in reducing fossil fuel dependency, reinforcing its vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
