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.
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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.
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.
