CB BureauThe Shimla Municipal Corporation’s green fee on all vehicles bearing non-HP registration is expected to be applicable from the first week of September. The union government has given its permission to the MC to implement the green fee. Earlier, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had allowed the implementation of the fee in principle.
Accordingly, two-wheelers, cars and SUVs will be charged Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 300, respectively. Heavy vehicles, including buses and trucks, will be charged Rs 500. The move is expected to generate an income of Rs 6 crores annually.
The Shimla MC had unanimously adopted a resolution for the green fee in August 2011 and the Himachal government had given its nod earlier this year. The MC had floated tenders in February-March this year, to outsource the collection process at four barriers – Dhalli, Tara Devi, Tutu and Mehli. However, no private party had come forward to compete in the bidding. The bids were finalized later, in April, but could not be implemented for want of an NOC.
Earlier this year, Mayor Madhu Sood had said, ‘The Municipal Corporation will levy green fee (not tax) on vehicles as part of a resource-generation initiative on the lines of Manali town. The funds generated through this measure will be ploughed back to create new amenities for tourists. There are so many people coming to Shimla. They use roads, parking lots and enjoy other amenities here. Few leave back litter and garbage as well. Then who takes care of Shimla’s amenities and cleanliness? It’s the Municipal Corporation.’