Says collecting tax from trucks entering Delhi as ordered by Supreme Court is 'an impossible task'
Trucks passing through the national capital have not yet been levied the landmark "green tax" that was agreed upon recently.
In October, the Supreme Court (SC) had imposed an “Environment Compensation Charge” (ECC) of Rs 700 and Rs 1,300 on commercial vehicles entering Delhi, in addition to the toll tax, beginning November 1 for four months on a trial basis, in an attempt to check the notoriously high pollution levels in the city.
But on November 1, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC)’s toll contractor (SMYR Consortium LLP) didn’t collect the additional levy at any of the toll booths in Delhi.
The toll operator has cited two reasons for not levying the tax. In a letter to the SDMC on October 30, the concessioner referred to the tax collection as “an impossible task”, given its staff’s field experience. It also cited the issue of the staff’s personal safety at the toll plazas.
In response, the SDMC said non-compliance would be considered as willful defiance of the order and the contractual obligations on part of the contractor and they would be liable for contempt of court in that eventuality.
Corporation asks Delhi government to step in
Following the contractor’s refusal, the SDMC has asked the Delhi government to initiate the talks with it and persuade it to collect the green tax as per the order of the apex court.
In a meeting of the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) on October 31, officials of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had been directed to install billboards at all entry and exit points into and from Delhi by November 10. In the same meeting, the Delhi traffic police presented a map showing alternative routes around Delhi.
There is another EPCA meeting scheduled on November 4 regarding the non-collection of the green tax by the toll collector.
According to the EPCA’s report on trucks entering Delhi, submitted in the SC by its amicus curiae Harish Salve, light and heavy duty vehicles alone are responsible for 30 per cent of Delhi’s air pollution.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
India Environment Portal Resources :
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.