Meghalaya goes 'green' with new policy to promote electric vehicles

GUWAHATI: Meghalaya is going green with the introduction Meghalaya Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2021, as notified on February 5, 2021. The policy will take wings on April 1 next.

Under the policy, there are several steps that are being taken to ensure that electric vehicles get more priority over conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The increase in pollution levels in the state is seen as a major concern for the Transport Department of Meghalaya.

In consideration of the fact, the government has stated in the policy, “as on 31st October 2020, presently having only 6 EVs, it has been estimated to have already resulted in saving of 1568 liters of fuel, and reduction of 3901kg of Carbon Dioxide.”

The Government of Meghalaya is committed to doing its part by contributing towards a clean and green environment.

Under the policy, the government recognized that the tourism sector is essential for the first phase of the use of electric vehicles and tourist spots will be identified where the tourist shall avail the electric vehicle services, exclusively.

The policy will also support charging stations and provide electric vehicles for related start-ups in the state.

Electric vehicles would also be used at Industrial Estates, Export promotion Parks and Technology Parks. The Meghalaya Transport Corporation buses will also be replaced by battery-electric vehicles in a phased manner.

The policy also stated that purchase incentives will be provided by the early adoption of electric vehicles:

Under the new policy, several other benefits have been underlined such as priority registration of EVs over the ICEs at the Regional Transport Offices, setting up of parking lots for EVs, and waiver of road tax and registration fees during the policy period.