PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Transport department is planning to implement a green cess between the last week of December and the first week of January, according to deputy transport commissioner Shailesh Tiwari. Notably, following directives from the State government, the department has earlier begun preparations for this initiative, which involves collecting a green cess from vehicles entering the State from other States. The department aims to collect 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.
Although preparations for the implementation of the green cess have started, its actual rollout is still uncertain. Officials had previously indicated that the green cess initiative would be implemented in December. Recently, the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in collecting the green cess from vehicles arriving from outside the State and directed the Transport department to begin collecting it immediately.
Regarding the current status of the green cess, Tiwari informed that preparations are almost completed. He said that the department plans to conduct a trial of the green cess within this week. The trail is expected to run three to four days. Tiwari anticipated that the green cess initiative would be implemented in the last week of December or the first week of January.
It is important to note that, as previously informed by Tiwari, the green cess will be collected from both private and commercial vehicles entering Uttarakhand from other States. Exemptions from the green cess will include two-wheelers and three-wheelers from other states, vehicles belonging to Central and State Governments, agricultural tractors/trailers, road rollers, combine harvesters, hearses, ambulances, fire tenders and military vehicles. Uttarakhand is known for the Char Dham Yatra and other attractions, which draw a large number of tourists, particularly during peak seasons. This influx puts additional pressure on the State’s environment and resources. To address this, authorities have decided to implement the green cess on vehicles entering from other States.
The revenue generated from this cess will be invested in air quality monitoring and other initiatives. Specific fees have been established for different types of vehicles under the green cess. For example, heavy vehicles, including medium and heavy goods vehicles (7.5 to 18.5 tonnes), will incur a fee of Rs 250; delivery vans will be charged Rs 80 and among others. Electric, battery-powered, solar, hybrid, or CNG-powered vehicles will be completely exempt from this cess. The green cess for a one-time entry will be valid for a full day. Additionally, at that time, Tiwari also informed about the exemptions involved in the green cess, as well as the process of deducting the amount (green cess) through ANPR cameras at various border points.
