PNS | DEHRADUN
The Transport department is planning to introduce a new system to levy green cess on vehicles entering the State. The initiative aims to strengthen the State’s economy by generating substantial revenue through an automated deduction process. Modeled after a similar system in Himachal Pradesh, this arrangement will ensure that a predetermined amount is deducted from travellers’ wallets as soon as they cross into Uttarakhand.
The joint transport commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh said that currently green cess is collected manually from heavy commercial vehicles at the State borders, with charges ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 80. Private and smaller vehicles, however, are exempt from this fee. He informed that heavy vehicles are charged Rs 80 per entry while private cars are expected to be charged Rs 40, with the cess being valid for 24 hours. The new system will integrate advanced technology, allowing for automatic deductions through FASTag wallets, replacing the existing manual process. He said that the department has already prepared for the system’s implementation, including upgrading 17 cameras at State borders. This transition to an automated system will not only streamline the collection process but also expand its scope to include private vehicles.
Singh explained that the current manual collection from heavy commercial vehicles generates around Rs six crore annually. With the inclusion of private vehicles in the new arrangement, the State expects annual revenue to increase significantly, potentially reaching Rs 75 crore. This projection assumes that the green cess rates will remain unchanged. This initiative represents a step toward addressing environmental concerns while boosting Uttarakhand’s financial stability. By ensuring that all vehicles contribute to the maintenance of the state’s ecological balance, the government aims to make the process seamless and efficient for both travelers and the administration,he added.
