How has the use of diesel vehicles in the Himachal Pradesh construction sector changed over the years?

The number of diesel-powered vehicles used in the construction sector increased from 6,000 in 2014 to nearly 10,000 in 2024, marking a substantial 66% rise over a decade.

What is the impact of diesel-powered vehicles on air quality in popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh?

The concentration of diesel-run vehicles, coupled with traffic congestion and idling engines, significantly worsens air quality in prominent tourist destinations like Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, and McLeodganj during peak tourist seasons.

Home / Environment / Himachal Pradesh Battles Diesel Emissions as Tourism and Construction Boom

Himachal Pradesh Battles Diesel Emissions as Tourism and Construction Boom

Q: What is the Himachal Pradesh government doing to address diesel emissions?

The Himachal Pradesh government has made efforts to replace diesel-powered buses with electric buses in the public transport sector, but the pace of change remains slow.

15 Nov

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Summary

Diesel vehicles, generators, and water pumps major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions
Slow pace of replacing diesel buses with electric buses in public transport
Rising diesel vehicle use in construction and tourism sectors

Himachal Pradesh Battles Diesel Emissions as Tourism and Construction Boom

As of November 15, 2025, the Himachal Pradesh government is grappling with the persistent reliance on diesel-powered vehicles, generators, and machinery across various sectors, which is contributing significantly to the state's greenhouse gas emissions.

The recently released Himachal Pradesh Human Development Index (HDI) Report, prepared by the United Nations Development Corporation (UNDC) in collaboration with the state government, has identified diesel-powered vehicles, generators, and water pumps used in tourism, transportation, agriculture, and water supply as major sources of emissions.

The report acknowledges the government's efforts to replace diesel-powered buses with electric buses in the public transport sector, but notes that the pace of change has been slow. While the introduction of electric buses in Shimla and Manali is a positive step, the adoption of these cleaner alternatives remains limited.