The state government has imposed green tax on the entry of vehicles in Billing, a world-known paragliding destination in Kangra district from Tuesday. Bir Billing is hosting the International Paragliding World Cup Championship in the last week of this month.
Briefing mediapersons at Baijnath, Vikas Shukla, SDM, Baijnath, who is also chairman of the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) constituted for Bir Billing by the state government, said the decision to impose green tax had been taken to generate funds for keeping Bir Billing clean and green and provide basic amenities like drinking water, garbage disposal, washrooms, etc.
He said thousands of tourists visited Billing daily and in the absence of resources, it had become difficult for SADA to maintain the famous tourist destination. There was no financial support from any government agency. Now after the imposition of the green tax, funds would be generated and SADA would provide all basic amenities to the tourists, he added.
Shukla disclosed that the state government had approved tariff for different vehicles entering in Billing, Rs 80 would be charged from the mini buses, Rs 70 from SUVs/private vehicles registered outside the state and taxis. For vehicles registered within the state, including bikes, Rs 30 would be charged.
Shukla said SADA would get Rs 10.50 lakh from the green tax per year. Besides, there are 200 registered pilots in Bir Billing who flew daily. SADA had fixed a fee of Rs 1,000 per month per pilot. SADA would get an annual revenue of Rs 20 lakh per year from pilot’s fee. It would also collect Rs 500 per month from the pilots in lieu of insurance cover being given to them by SADA , which would also generate revenue. He said these funds would be utilized for the holding of different para gliding events and for the maintenance of the famous tourist spot.
He said Deputy Commissioner would request Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur either for the opening or closing of International Paragliding World Cup Championship to be held from October 27 to November 3.
The charges
Rs 80 will be charged from the mini buses, Rs 70 from SUVs\private vehicles registered outside the state and taxis.
For vehicles registered within the state, including bikes, Rs 30 will be charged.
