PUNE: Pune Regional Transport Office has collected environment tax of Rs 52.7 crore from April to December 2019 from more than 1,500 vehicles including heavy, four- and two-wheelers. According to officials, the environment tax is compulsory for all vehicles older than 15 years.

However, the number of vehicles which paid environmental tax is higher than that in the previous year. As per the RTO, 1,500 vehicles more than 15 years old, have paid Rs 52.7 crore as environment tax.

Old vehicles emit more smoke, which is a health hazard and to curb this, the Maharashtra Transport Department started collecting environmental tax or green tax since 2010.

As per a government resolution (GR), the amount levied is Rs 2,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 750 for autorickshaws, Rs 3,000 for four-wheelers (petrol) and Rs 3,500 for four-wheelers (diesel), which are over 15 years old.

According to the government resolution (GR), all kinds of transport vehicles (heavy vehicles) have to pay environment tax every 8 years. After completing 15 years, autorickshaws have to pay Rs 750 every five years, delivery van for goods/ tourist taxi Rs 2,500 every five years, trucks 10 per cent on yearly tax every year, buses 2.5 per cent on yearly tax every year.

Each vehicle has to pass through the environment test. During the fitness test, the heavy vehicles and commercial vehicles have to submit documents. 

“Even those failing to submit the documents pay the fine,” said Deputy RTO Sanjeev Bhor.

“We appeal to owners of old private vehicles to pay environmental tax and complete the reregistration process. We have told officials to confiscate old vehicles if the owners have not complied with the norms,” said Bhor.

AFTER 15 YEARS
 After completing 15 years, autorickshaws have to pay Rs 750 every five years, delivery van for goods/ tourist taxi Rs 2,500 every five years, trucks 10 per cent on yearly tax every year, buses 2.5 per cent on yearly tax every year.