Now, Shimla civic authorities impose green tax on non-Himachal Pradesh vehicles

Shimla, Feb.21 (ANI): Civic authorities in Shimla have imposed a green tax on non-state vehicles, with an aim to cut down traffic congestion in the region.

Speaking to media on Tuesday, the Deputy Mayor of the Shimla Municipal Corporation, Harish Janatra, gave details of the notification being issued toall non-state motor vehicles entering the town.

"As per the decision of the house and as per notification by the government, we would be charging this green tax very soon, I suppose by first week of March, provided we have infrastructure ready by then and we would like to see that how we are going to work. Actually the modality of this tax and the way of going about it has to be decided as soon as possible," said Janatra.

He also said that levying the green tax was proposed in August last year but owing to certain reasons it was pending with the provincial government.

With this, Shimla has become the second town after Manali, which would impose green tax.

He also informed regarding 'chungi' (toll tax) abolition, which people had to pay while transporting their goods to other states.

Meanwhile, locals along with the environmentalists have welcomed the initiative taken by the civic authorities in the Shimla town.

"I believe that the initiative taken by the civic authorities for imposing green tax is actually a good step because a lot of tourists come from different areas to see the picturesque beauty of Himachal Pradesh state. But in order to maintain the beauty it is important that those who are enjoying its beauty should be charged with some duties as well. I believe that it is a good step and should be implemented later," said an environmentalist, Ramesh Sharma.

The tentative proposed charges are nearly 100 rupees for two-wheelers, rupees 200 for private cars with the capacity of carrying five to six people, rupees 300 for Taxis and rupees 500 for buses.

The revenue being generated would be used for the development and maintenance of the town.

Himachal Pradesh is an important tourist destination, as it is known for its picturesque beauty.

Every year thousands of tourists visit this place to see its rich cultural heritage and traditions.

The 20th century has seen pollution approach crisis proportions throughout the world. At issue is the capacity of the biosphere to disperse, degrade, and assimilate human wastes. (ANI)