Commuters visiting Billing to pay green tax

Our Correspondent

Palampur, May 22

The government has imposed green tax on the entry of vehicles in Bir Billing, a world-known paragliding site at the height of 9,000 feet, 35 kilometers from here. Hundreds of tourists visit Billing daily.

Vikas Shukla, SDM, Baijnath, said on Tuesday that Rs 30 would be charged from two-wheelers, Rs 60 from car and jeep, Rs 70 from taxis and Rs 80 from mini buses. The Special Area Development Authority(SADA) had been set up for the development of Bir Billing.

Shukla, who is also the chairman of SADA, said tourists were spoiling the environment of Billing by throwing plastic wastes in the forests which was a cause for concern for the administration.

Unwanted persons were also visiting Billing daily, taking drinks in the open, creating nuisance for tourists. Now, the administration had imposed green tax on vehicles ,which would restrict the entry of vehicles.

A check post had been set up at Bir and no vehicle would be allowed without green tax. All security arrangements had been made at the check post to manage the crowd

Official sources said here that green tax had been imposed to keep Billing clean and green. The funds would be spent on the development of Billing which lacks all basic facilities. Even there was not a single toilet.

Meanwhile, several environmental groups had hailed the decision. KB Ralhan, a spokesman of the People Voice, said, it was an appreciable step which would check the rising environmental degradation in Billing as the administration would get funds to keep the area clean and green and provide basic amenities to the tourists.

Development on the mind

•   n Rs 30 will be charged from two-wheelers, Rs 60 from car and jeep, Rs 70 from taxis and Rs 80 from mini buses
•   n  A check post has been set up at Bir and no vehicle will be allowed without green tax
•   n  All security arrangements have been made at the check post to manage the crowd
•   n Green tax has been imposed to keep Billing clean and green
•   n  The funds will be spent on the development of Billing which lacks all basic facilities
•   n  The govt has created the Special Area Development Authority for the development of Bir Billing