Your quiet weekend getaway to Almora or Nainital may end up being heavy on the pocket. The state government of Uttarakhand is planning to introduce ‘green tax’ on tourists. The decision was taken by Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB) after a meeting with forest and environment minister Harak Singh Rawat. According to a report by The Times of India, the tax would be decided by the urban local body and the revenue generated would be used for sustainable development and the promotion of eco-friendly practices.
What is a green tax?
Green tax or ecotax is levied on activities that harm the environment and the revenue gained from it is used to ensure sustainable development. Environmental tax reform (ETR) is an important and integral part of a sustainable development strategy. ETR is an effective way of integrating economic, social and environmental costs into the price of goods and services while creating incentives for sustainable practices, according to the United Nations.
Many countries across the world levy green tax on tourism activities. In India, several forest reserves in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh levy green tax on tourists entering protected areas. Last month, Karnataka Forest Department submitted a proposal to levy green tax on tourists entering Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
Why is it important for Uttarakhand?
Tourism is considered a mainstay of Uttarakhand’s economy as the state is an important hub for wildlife tourism, pilgrimage and adventure activities. According to a report of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), 2.25 crore domestic and 1.1 lakh foreign tourists visited the state in 2015. Last year, the state government granted industry status to tourism, reports The Hindustan Times.
In August 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court asked the state government to restrict the number of tourists visiting high mountain alpine meadows to not more than 200 at any given time.
The waste generated after the Auli weddings
Recently, the picturesque Auli came in news after a 200-cr worth wedding generated 32,000 kg waste. The weddings were organised by the controversial Gupta brothers from South Africa. The weddings triggered outrage among several activists and environmentalists. Joshimath municipality had slapped a fine of Rs 2.5 lakh for scattering waste and defecating in the open. They have also prepared a bill of Rs 8.4 lakh for collecting garbage.
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