PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
According to the Transport department, about Rs 20 lakh in revenue is being collected per day from the recently implemented green cess in the State. Following directives from the State government, the department has started collecting a green cess from vehicles entering the State from other states. The goal is to raise approximately Rs 100 crore in annual revenue from the green cess, which will be used to promote electric vehicles, alleviate traffic congestion, enhance road safety and support plantation initiatives.
Providing an update on the current status of the green cess, deputy transport commissioner Shailesh Tiwari stated that has recently implemented green cess in 15 locations (state’s border areas). The implementation commenced in phases, starting with one location in the border area, followed by 11 and finally extending to all 15 border area locations. Though there are 37 automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras available Statewide, the process of collecting the green cess will occur only through ANPR cameras installed at the designated border points. If any issues arise with this initiative, officials assure that they will rectify them within a stipulated time frame. Tiwari also said that a formal inauguration of the green cess is expected to occur soon, officiated by the CM.
It is important to note that specific fees have been established for different types of vehicles under the green cess. For instance, heavy vehicles, including medium and heavy goods vehicles (weighing between 7.5 to 18.5 tonnes), will incur a fee of Rs 250, while delivery vans will be charged Rs 80, among others. Electric, battery-powered, solar, hybrid or CNG-powered vehicles will be entirely exempt from this cess, along with several other exemptions.
