Green tax continues to be levied on vehicles entering Delhi

Commercial vehicles entering Delhi are continuing to pay the Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) as per directions of the Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control Authority, after the initial trial period for imposition of the green tax ended on February 29.
The Supreme Court had last year imposed ECC of Rs 700 and Rs 1300 on small and large commercial vehicles respectively entering Delhi, in addition to the toll tax, from November 1 for four months on a trial basis in a bid to check high pollution levels in the city.
The nodal agency South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said that as per the directions of EPPCA, the green tax is being charged beyond February 29 and the concessionaire DEP Toll LLP has been issued requisite direction about it.

EPPCA in its letter, dated February 26, issued directions for collection of ECC by SDMC beyond February 29 till further orders, said a senior municipal corporation officer.
Delhi government's Special Commissioner (Transport) has also endorsed that ECC will be levied by the Corporation beyond February 29 till further orders, he said.
The apex court had in its order on December last year doubled the ECC to Rs 1400 and Rs 2600 on small and large vehicles, respectively.