Uttarakhand

• 10 Dec 2024

Green Cess in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

According to the officials, the Uttarakhand Government will soon impose a green cess on out-of-state vehicles.

• A Green cess is a form of tax levied by the government with the purpose of environmental conservation.

Key Points

• Introduction of Green Cess in Uttarakhand:
  • The cess will range from Rs 20 to Rs 80 and will apply to both commercial and private vehicles.
  • Two-wheelers, electric vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, ambulances, fire brigades, and vehicles registered in Uttarakhand will be exempted.
• Implementation and Technology:
  • The system is targeted to become operational by the end of December 2024.
  • Automatic number plate recognition cameras will identify vehicles, and cess amounts will be deducted directly from vehicle owners' FASTag wallets.

FASTag

• It is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion.
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched two mobile Apps – MyFASTag and FASTag Partner to facilitate the availability of FASTags.
• The tag is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance and comes in seven different color codes.

Landslide Zones Successfully Treated in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

According to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the rock bolt technology is successfully treating active landslide zones in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• Landslide Challenges in Uttarakhand:
  • Landslides occur regularly in the hill areas, especially during the monsoon season, causing roadblocks and inconveniences for Chardham pilgrims.
  • These landslides often result in loss of lives and have long been a major concern.
  • Persistent landslide zones on the Gangotri and Yamunotri highways have posed significant risks for years.
• Adoption of Australian Rock Bolt Technology:
  • The BRO is using Australian rock bolt technology to treat active landslide zones at Raturisera and Bandarkot on the Gangotri highway in Uttarkashi district.
  • Previously, the technology was successfully applied at Nalupani and Chungi Badethi landslide zones.
    • The technology has been instrumental in treating landslide zones active for years as part of the Chardham road-widening project.
• Effectiveness and Techniques:
  • The technology has been 90% effective in preventing landslides.
  • It involves soil nailing to stabilize loose soil and rock bolting in bedrock to strengthen vulnerable areas.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• Established in 1960 with only two projects, Project Tusker (now Vartak) in the East and Project Beacon in North India, the BRO has grown to become a vibrant organisation with 18 projects operating in 11 States and three Union Territories.
  • It is now recognised as the leading infrastructure construction agency in high-altitude and difficult snow-bound areas.
• In 2023-24, the BRO completed 125 infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road.
  • The BRO will soon start construction on the 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel, which will become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft once completed, bypassing China's Mila Tunnel at 15,590 ft.
• The BRO is an Indian executive force under the Ministry of Defence, to secure India's borders and develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north and north-eastern states.
• It operates under the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) and is responsible for road networks in border areas and neighbouring countries.
  • The motto of BRO is “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam”, which translates to “Everything is achievable through hard work.”