• Source:JND

The process of collecting 'Green Cess' from private vehicles entering the state from other states is set to begin in January. Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's expression of displeasure regarding the delay in this initiative, the Transport Department has taken swift action. Department officials informed the Chief Minister that the necessary software has been developed and is currently undergoing testing. The system will be implemented starting January 1.

While Green Cess is already being collected from commercial vehicles entering Uttarakhand from other states, private vehicles are now being brought under its ambit. The revenue generated from this cess will be utilised for road safety and tree plantation drives. The Transport Department has signed an agreement with a private company to manage this. The company will identify vehicles arriving from outside the state using 15 Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at border points and will collect the cess by deducting the amount directly from the vehicle's FASTag.

Collection Via FASTag

The identification of vehicles from other states will be done using the ANPR cameras installed at the borders. Through these cameras, vehicles will be identified by their registration numbers. Similar to the toll tax system, the Green Cess will be deducted from the FASTag stickers linked to various banks installed on the vehicles. This cess will be valid for a period of 24 hours.

Exemptions For Ambulances And Emergency Services

The Transport Department has proposed exemptions from this cess for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, as well as electric and CNG-operated vehicles. Additionally, government vehicles, fire brigade vehicles, and ambulances will also be exempt from paying the cess.

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Applicable Rates And Passes

Under the new system, a fee of Rs 80 will be charged for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), including cars and light goods carriers. Buses with a capacity of more than 12 seats will be charged Rs 140, while heavy vehicles with seven axles will be charged Rs 700. The cess will be effective for 24 hours.

However, the department has also made provisions for vehicles that visit the state frequently. By paying a lump sum equivalent to 20 days of cess, a pass valid for three months will be issued. Similarly, paying a lump sum for 60 days will grant an exemption for the entire year.

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