Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Delhi government has hiked the Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) on commercial vehicles entering the national capital, targeting diesel trucks and other polluting carriers blamed for worsening air quality in the city. The government has also mandated a 5 per cent annual hike every April to keep the deterrent effective over time.
The revised ECC rates, notified on Wednesday, are aimed at discouraging the entry of polluting commercial vehicles – particularly diesel-powered trucks – while promoting cleaner transport alternatives. The move comes on the recommendation of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which proposed revising the charges to strengthen their deterrent effect.
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Under the revised structure, the ECC for Category 2 vehicles, including light commercial vehicles and Category 3 two-axle trucks has been increased from Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,000. Charges for Category 4 three-axle trucks and Category 5 heavy trucks with four axles or more have risen from Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,000.
A 5 per cent annual increase in ECC will also take effect every April to ensure the charges remain effective over time and continue nudging transporters toward cleaner options.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described the decision as a major intervention in the city’s anti-pollution efforts.
“This is a major step in Delhi’s fight against pollution. The revised ECC is not just a revenue-raising measure, but a strong environmental deterrent aimed at reducing the unnecessary entry of polluting commercial vehicles, especially diesel-powered vehicles,” Sirsa said.
“Delhi can no longer bear the burden of unnecessary vehicular pollution. By increasing the ECC, the government has sent a clear message that the environmental cost of polluting vehicles entering Delhi will now be significantly higher,” he added.
On March 12, the Supreme Court approved the revised ECC framework after considering the CAQM’s proposal, terming it fair, balanced and equitable. The court also endorsed the annual 5 per cent escalation beginning every April.
Explaining the rationale behind the yearly increase, Sirsa said, “A one-time increase is not enough. A 5 per cent increase every year is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the ECC, account for the impact of inflation, and gradually shift transporters from polluting options to cleaner, non-polluting options.”
The revised charges follow an assessment that the ECC framework introduced in 2015 had lost some of its deterrent value over time.
The Supreme Court had observed that commercial and heavy vehicles are not required to enter Delhi – except those carrying essential goods and services – should use peripheral expressways outside the city, helping reduce congestion and pollution while avoiding ECC payments.
Sirsa said the decision forms part of a broader clean-air strategy being pursued under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
“Under the leadership of Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government is working at multiple levels to keep the city’s air clean. Actions are being taken at every level, including regulations, technology, strict monitoring and behavioural changes, to ensure Delhi moves towards cleaner transportation and a better quality of life,” he said.
He added, “This decision should be seen as part of a comprehensive clean air strategy. Our government is committed to ensuring that those contributing more to pollution face stricter financial responsibility, while clean alternatives become more viable and attractive.”
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
