PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Transport department has collected about Rs 17 crore revenue in green cess from February to the first week of July, according to deputy transport commissioner Shailesh Tiwari. Following directives from the State government, the department had initiated preparations for this initiative which involves collecting a green cess from vehicles from other States entering Uttarakhand.
The goal is to collect around Rs 100 crore in annual revenue from the green cess, with funds allocated to promote electric vehicles, reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and support afforestation projects. The implementation of the green cess in the State began earlier this year.
Tiwari informed that the collection of the green cess officially started in February. He stated that the daily revenue generated from the green cess is approximately Rs 10 lakh. From February to the first week of July, around Rs 17 crore in revenue has been generated. Tiwari also informed that certain challenges have emerged; however, the relevant officials are committed to addressing these issues within a defined timeframe.
Notably, the green cess plan has been rolled out to ultimately cover 15 border locations. While there are 37 ANPR cameras installed throughout the State, the collection of the green cess will only take place via the ANPR cameras positioned at the specified border points. Exemptions from the green cess include two-wheelers and three-wheelers from other States, vehicles belonging to Central and State governments, agricultural tractors and trailers, road rollers, combined harvesters, hearses, ambulances, fire tenders and military vehicles. 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, among others. Electric, battery-powered, solar, hybrid or CNG-powered vehicles will be completely exempt from this cess.
