Shops near Hussain Sagar may get costlier as govt considers taxes for lake upkeep

This was one of the recommendations by the NGT, which was inspecting the de-watering of the lake
Shops near Hussain Sagar may get costlier as govt considers taxes for lake upkeep
Shops near Hussain Sagar may get costlier as govt considers taxes for lake upkeep
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Commercial establishments like restaurants along the Hussain Sagar may become costlier, with the Telangana government considering the implementation of a 'green cess' on parking lots, commercial establishments and eateries around the lake.

This was one of the recommendations by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which was inspecting the de-watering of the lake. The NGT suggested that the funds collected, could used towards the maintenance and upkeep of the lake.

The 'green cess,' is along the lines of Delhi and Goa. 

While Delhi collects a fine of Rs 5,000 from people who burn garbage in public, Goa collects 0.5% green cess on products, including petrol, diesel, asphalts, bitumen and lubricants, and 2% on coal and coke prices under the Products and Substances Causing Pollution (Green Cess) Act, 2013.

"We will impose a cess on the eateries, commercial establishments and parking lots in the area. However, we will firm up the percentage to be imposed only after a detailed meeting with the chief minister," State minister for environment and forests, J Ramanna told the Times of India, while adding that the government was actively considering the proposal.

The government is yet to decide which body gets the responsibility of collecting and utilizing the funds and also has to work out other modalities of the issue.

However, various outlets around the lake are expected to protest against this move, as they claim that the main cause of the lake's pollution are industrial pollutants, and not the garbage that they generate.

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