Supreme Court agrees for levelling green tax in Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday gave a go ahead to the levelling of a green tax in the national capital.

The apex court, which heard a plea filed by top lawyer Harish Salve, also issued an order levying an additional surcharge on commercial vehicles entering Delhi to deter them from entering the city and causing acute air pollution.

The Supreme Court, in its ruling, said the cess to be paid by Light Commercial Vehicles besides the toll fee would be Rs. 700, and Rs. 1,300 for two, three-axle vehicles and above.

Sunita Narayan, the petitioner in this case, expressed her delight with the Supreme Court's verdict.

"The decision of the SC is one of the biggest decisions for the city. Winters are approaching and the pollution level will go up," she said.

Narayan also informed the media that essential commodities will not have to pay cess.

"Food grains, milk, oil tankers will not be charged any cess. Ambulance and passenger busses will also be exempted," she said.

Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have also agreed to cooperate with the Delhi Government.

"The Chief Justice of India has said that if anyone has any problems, we will hear it after four months," she said.

According to a study by the Delhi-based Center for Science and Environment, trucks from north to south and east to west could easily bypass the capital but they choose to enter the city as the surcharge in Delhi is a third of what they would have to pay as toll if they use the highways.

An estimated 85,000 vehicles enter the city daily and contribute towards 30% of the air pollution.