Haldwani: A new system is going to be implemented for those traveling in Kumaon from the new year. Green cess i.e. entry fee will be levied on vehicles coming from outside states. This fee will be automatically deducted from the wallet of vehicles through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at the border.
The system will be implemented on the lines of Himachal Pradesh
This system is being implemented on the lines of Himachal Pradesh. Its purpose is to contribute to environmental protection and economic development of the state. Till now, green cess was collected only from cargo vehicles in Uttarakhand, but now this fee will be applicable on private vehicles as well.
How will the recovery be done?
- Automatic system: ANPR cameras installed at the border will scan the number plate of vehicles and automatically deduct green cess from the wallet of the vehicle owner.
- Cooperation of private company: The Transport Department has appointed a private company to implement this system.
- Rate of fee: The rate of green cess has not been decided yet, but it is likely to be around the fee applicable in other states.
Where will the cameras be installed?
ANPR cameras are being installed at various places in the Kumaon region. These include Jaspur, Kashipur, Bajpur, Rudrapur, Pulbhatta, Majhola in Udham Singh Nagar district and Kathgodam in Nainital district. Apart from this, cameras will also be installed at Amdanda in Ramnagar, Belbaba in Haldwani, Halduchaur Police Chowki, Lamachaur Forest Chowki, Nayagaon, Sarkanda Police Chowki in Rudrapur, Dashmesh Nagar, Darau and Panga Police Chowki, Dadhiyal Police Chowki in Kashipur.
Benefits:
- Revenue increase: The revenue collected from green cess will be used in the development works of the state.
- Environmental protection: The amount collected from green cess will be used for environmental protection.
- Traffic management: This system will improve traffic management and it will be easier to monitor the movement of vehicles. Challenges:
- Technical glitches: Technical glitches in ANPR cameras can cause disruption in the system.
- Opposition from vehicle owners: Some vehicle owners may object to this system.
