The Times of India 14.11.2017
South corporation makes entry points toll-free for three days
NEW DELHI: South Delhi Municipal Corporation, which is the nodal head
for collection of toll tax across the city, has decided to make the
entry points free from toll tax for three days. Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat
said the decision has been taken keeping the congestion at entry points
in mind.
The order will be implemented from Tuesday. However, Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) had ordered to enforce ban on the entry of heavy vehicles except emergency service vehicles until further order as an emergency measure.
"We were informed by the police that a string of vehicles are queueing up at the entry points adding more to the rising level of pollution," added Sehrawat.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had ordered in 2015 to impose Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) on light and heavy vehicles to curb pollution. However, making it free is only going to increase the number vehicles entering through 124 entry points in Delhi, sources said.
The order will be implemented from Tuesday. However, Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) had ordered to enforce ban on the entry of heavy vehicles except emergency service vehicles until further order as an emergency measure.
"We were informed by the police that a string of vehicles are queueing up at the entry points adding more to the rising level of pollution," added Sehrawat.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had ordered in 2015 to impose Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) on light and heavy vehicles to curb pollution. However, making it free is only going to increase the number vehicles entering through 124 entry points in Delhi, sources said.
The ECC imposed by NGT on light vehicles is Rs 1,400 and for heavy commercial vehicles, it is Rs 2,800.
Experts, however, have blasted the move, saying the corporation is actually going against the court's decision and adding to the pollution by allowing more trucks inside. "This is opposing the court order by not collecting ECC which is supposed to be a deterrent for truck owners from entering. How can the corporation take a decision like that? Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is underway and we are in an emergency situation right now which says entry of trucks should be banned, but this is not just allowing them inside but also encouraging their entry," said Anumita Roy Chowdhury of CSE.
Latest Comment
SDMChas not only acted contrary to orders of Court but the move will cause financial loss in revenue and will add to pollution in the city.RM