Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Aug 14: In a bid to curb the environmental impact due to the older vehicles brought from other states, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir has formally requested the Transport Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir, proposing the introduction of an environmental cess on second hand vehicles older than 10 years at the time of allocation of J&K registration marks.
The letter addressed to J&K’s Transport Commissioner as per the RTO Kashmir, comes in light of the rising environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by the influx of second-hand vehicles from neighbouring states.
A letter highlights the alarming increase in older, environmentally detrimental vehicles entering the region, particularly in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu, where traffic congestion and parking shortages have reached critical levels.
“These older vehicles also contribute disproportionately to environmental pollution. In view of this, it is proposed that the UT may introduce an environmental cess on second hand vehicles older than 10 years at the time of allocation of J&K registration mark,” reads the letter.
The RTO as per the letter has pointed out that these second-hand vehicles, often nearing the end of their operational life as defined by their states of origin, are being sold at significantly reduced prices, making Jammu & Kashmir a dumping ground for vehicles that no longer meet the operational standards of other states.
“As you are aware the second-hand vehicles are being imported into Jammu & Kashmir from the neighbouring states. These vehicles, often nearing the end of their operational life as defined by their states of origin, are sold at cheap prices,” reads the letter.
The letter states that this has further strained the already burdened road infrastructure and exacerbated the environmental impact on the region, adding that with an annual growth rate of nearly 10 per cent in the registration of new cars, the cities of Srinagar and Jammu are struggling to cope with the increasing number of vehicles.
The RTO as per the letter said that the current road usage tax rate of 9% for both new and second-hand vehicles is same and insufficient to deter the registration of older cars that contribute disproportionately to pollution.
This measure, according to the RTO, would not only help reduce the number of outdated and high-emission vehicles but also generate additional revenue that could be strategically be reinvested in critical infrastructure, including improvements to public transport and parking facilities.
Additionally, the RTO Kashmir has recommended the introduction of a cap on the operational life of commercial vehicles in J&K, aligning with the standards of neighbouring states.
The letter states that this policy, if implemented, would set a precedent for future regulations on private vehicles, further reducing the environmental impact and enhancing the quality of life in the UT of J&K.
