Dehradun, Jan. 29 -- The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Wednesday approved the Uttarakhand Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026, to boost green hydrogen production and strengthen the state's clean energy ecosystem. The policy aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Policy, 2022, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, 2023, under which the Union government aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen over the next decade, officials said. The state government said the move underscores Uttarakhand's commitment to tackling global warming and climate change through clean, renewable energy sources. Officials noted that the state's abundant hydropower potential can be effectively utilised for green hydrogen production, aiding net-zero emission targets while spurring industrial growth and jobs. The policy will also facilitate demand aggregation and a green hydrogen market in Uttarakhand. The cabinet approved the immediate implementation of groundwater extraction charges for non-agricultural and commercial use, excluding agriculture and government drinking water supply. Charges will apply to industries, hotels, group housing societies, water parks, vehicle washing centres and similar establishments, with rates varying by safe, semi-critical, critical and over-exploited zones. Commercial and industrial users must pay a mandatory registration fee of Rs.5,000. It also cleared a proposal allowing health workers and health supervisors in the medical, health and family welfare department to seek a one-time inter-district transfer during their service, after five years of satisfactory service in their original cadre. Transfers will occur on mutual consent. The Cabinet approved leasing the Chinyalisaur airstrip in Uttarkashi district and the Gauchar airstrip in Chamoli district to the Ministry of Defence for development as Advanced Landing Grounds for joint civil-military operations, citing their strategic importance. To cut land acquisition delays and encourage direct purchases, it approved acquiring land from owners for small, medium and large projects via mutual agreement. This aims to reduce time and litigation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, while lowering costs for public-interest projects. The Cabinet also approved amending a prior order to permit subleasing 1,354.14 acres at Prag Farm in Udham Singh Nagar district to Sidcul for industrial development. Previously barred from sale or transfer, the land can now be sub-leased for this purpose with Revenue Department consent via the industrial development department....