SMC to impose green tax on outside vehicles

Vehicles, registered outside Himachal Pardesh, will now have to pay green tax for entering into the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) area.
"A notification, regarding imposition of green tax has been issued by Commissioner, SMC but it would take a few days as the app for payment of tax is yet to be synchronised with the banks. The moment it is done, recovery of tax would begin," SMC Mayor Sanjay Chauhan said.
The tax would be Rs 50 for two-wheelers, Rs 200 for small cars, Rs 300 for SUVs and Rs500 for trucks.
The Corporation hopes to generate a revenue of Rs 11 crore annually from the tax, which can be paid online or at the Sugam Centre.

No barrier would be erected at four entry points to the SMC area for collection of tax, he said.
Random checking of outside vehicles would be done at the parking lots and other places, and those found evading the tax would be slapped with a fine of Rs 5,000.
The taxwould be used to carry out developmental works in the state capital, especially for protection of environment, afforestation, beautification, parking spaces, toilets, acceleratorsand other basic facilities.
The SMC cannot spend this fund on payment of salaries or allowances to the employees, he added.