Uttarakhand government will collect ‘green cess’ from vehicles coming from other states. Preparations for green cess to be collected from vehicles coming from outside states on 15 border areas of the state are now in the final stage. The government estimates that about Rs 100 crore will be earned annually from this tax.
Actually, this is a kind of environmental tax, which is being collected from commercial and private vehicles of other states. The government’s objective behind this is clear – to protect the state’s environment from pollution caused by outside vehicles. That means, the one who spreads pollution will also compensate for it.
Uttarakhand is a sensitive state situated in the lap of Himalayas. The hills, valleys and forests here are very delicate. The smoke from thousands of vehicles coming from outside and the ever-increasing pressure on the roads are harming the environment here. Especially during the tourist season, there is a rush of vehicles. Through Green Cess, the government wants to ensure that every vehicle owner entering the state contributes to the protection of the environment.
Green cess will be implemented at 15 places in the state
Till now the economy of Uttarakhand is largely dependent on Chardham Yatra and tourism. Now the government is looking for new revenue streams. At present this tax was being collected at Narsan border, but now it will be implemented at 15 places in the entire state. This will strengthen the financial condition of the state.
How much money will have to be paid for which car?
According to the information, green cess will be collected up to Rs 80 from small private vehicles, Rs 140 from buses larger than 12 seats and Rs 700 from heavy vehicles with seven axles. The rates have been fixed in such a way that there is not much burden on common passengers.
However, government vehicles, fire brigades and ambulances will be completely free from this tax, no tax will be collected from two-wheelers and three-wheelers also. At the same time, CNG and electric vehicles will also get exemption, so that the interest of passengers towards environment friendly vehicles can increase.
Green card process is now online
According to RTO Dehradun Sandeep Saini, the process of green card required for commercial vehicles coming from outside states during Chardham Yatra is now being done online. This will maintain transparency and eliminate scope for rigging.
In the new system, everything from application for green card to fee payment will be online. People will also be able to print their green card from the link received on SMS or WhatsApp. The hassle of banking for payment is over – now payment will be made directly by scanning the QR code.
However, for the first time, the vehicle will have to be brought to the transport office for technical fitness and physical check. After this everything will become digital. This step will not only protect the environment but will also strengthen the economic condition of the state.