‘Green Fee’ likely to be imposed on tourists in Shimla from March 31

From March 31, all tourists and outstation vehicles entering Shimla might have to pay extra fee. The Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) will likely make a decision to charge the app-based green fee from tourists. As per reports, this proposal has been in the pipeline for the past five years. If this move turns into reality, Shimla will be the second town after Manali to impose this green tax.
Reportedly, the SMC is facing financial crunch and has no other alternative other than charging green fee from tourist vehicles. The 34-member body is facing the crunch now to even meet its expenses. As per sources, “Both Ministry of Urban Development and the state government have asked the corporation to generate its own sources of income to fulfil the mandatory norms to get funds for the Smart City projects.”


The green fee will help the fund-starved body to raise money and help keep the places to visit in Shimla, and the whole city clean and green. As per official reports, the body might be able to raise money around 13 crore INR annually. The corporation from Feb 1 also increased the charges on garbage collection from the residents to 75 INR from 50 INR per month. The body however stated that it had to pass the resolutions on the directions of High Court and on the basis of resolution that was passed by the previous House.
Municipal Commissioner Rohit Jamval said, “We have cleared all the hurdles. The penalty for defaulters has been reduced from 5000 INR to 2000 INR per vehicle. We will finally start charging green fee from tourist vehicles from March 31.”