The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from the Himachal Pradesh Government on an order passed by the National Green Tribunal imposing Rs2,500 cess on diesel taxis taking tourists to the picturesque Rohtang Pass.
Issuing notice on a plea by taxi union operating on that route, the Vacation Bench of Justices AK Sikri and UU lalit posted the matter for Tuesday. The Tribunal had passed a slew of directions to protect the eco-sensitive Rohtang Pass which was beginning to show signs of environmental degradation due to excess pollution.
The Him-Aanchal Taxi Operators Union had claimed that the NGT order affected the middle class tourists who would be forced to rework their travel plans on coming to know that they have to shell out Rs4,000-5,000 for a trip to Rohtang Pass. Presently, the taxis charge Rs1,500 for a travel from Manali to Rohtang. Under the NGT order, diesel vehicles had to pay Rs2,500 and petrol vehicles Rs1,000 in addition to what they would otherwise pay to the taxi operators. The NGT further permitted only 1,000 vehicles to Rohtang Pass each day, although this part of the order was deferred till August 14.
Senior advocate Vibha Makhija who appeared for the taxi union, “By this order only middle class tourists who cannot afford to go elsewhere abroad will suffer.” She sought a stay on the NGT order but the Bench said that any decision in this regard will be taken after it heard the State Government.