Dehradun, July 10 -- In a meeting chaired by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state cabinet on Wednesday approved Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Policy 2025 to encourage scientific and technological research for the exploration and identification of geothermal resources which are economically and environmentally viable, officials aware of the development said. The policy aims to encourage the development and use of identified geothermal energy sites and the production of geothermal energy for power generation, heating and cooling systems, water purification and community development, officials said requesting anonymity, adding that it will help strengthen energy security of the state by reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the long-term environmental and energy goals. The policy, to be implemented by the Energy Department of the State in collaboration with Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA), and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), will be applicable to all geothermal projects in the state. Officials said that projects will be allotted for a maximum period of 30 years from the date of commissioning. Sites identified for development can be allocated to central or state enterprises or private entities through competitive bidding or other specified processes. If financial assistance (FA) is not available from the central government, the state government may provide financial assistance for the first two projects, subject to approval by the state government. The state government will provide up to 50% financial assistance (up to Rs.3 crore) to developers for preparing detailed geothermal project reports or assessing the feasibility of existing projects. Permission for the transfer or approval of private land will be granted as per the reporting standards of the Revenue department. For forest land or other reserved areas, leases/pattas will be granted as per the provisions of the state's proposed lease policy, subject to state government approval or forest clearance. Geothermal energy is derived from the Earth's internal heat. Several thermal activities - such as volcanic activities, rock formations and movement of tectonic plates - occurring at various depths under Earth's surface release heat and energy. When a water source passes from nearby these zones, it carries the heat along and gets released through thermal vents as hot springs. According to experts, geo-thermal points in the Himalayan region are scattered along the geological fault line of Main Central Thrust (the geological fault line where the Indian plate has pushed the Eurasian plate along the Himalaya), and hot springs are found along this fault line. Additionally, the cabinet approved Uttarakhand State Mineral Exploration Trust Rules 2025. Officials said that to encourage state governments to establish State Mineral Exploration Trusts, in the sixth meeting of the governing body of the National Mineral Exploration Trust, it was decided to provide grants to state governments to the extent of 10 percent of the annual collection by the state governments in the State Mineral Exploration Trust in the current and upcoming financial years. In compliance with the instructions given by the Ministry of Mines, rules have been promulgated for the formation of Uttarakhand State Mineral Exploration Trust, officials said. The cabinet also approved Uttarakhand District Mineral Foundation Trust Rules, 2025, by amending certain provisions of Uttarakhand District Mineral Foundation Trust Rules, 2017 as amended in 2023. The cabinet gave its consent to the formation of Project Management Unit (PMU) for the study related to increasing the carrying capacity of bridges under the Public Works Department in the state. It also decided to enlist seven companies listed by the ministry of electronics and information technology for the supply of IT-related services and materials in the state and approved the establishment of a digital forensic laboratory in the State Tax Department to ensure effective compliance of taxation laws. The cabinet further decided that disabled persons will continue to receive disability pension even after their son or grandson turns 20 years old, officials said....