Date:14/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/14/stories/2007011413690400.htm

New Delhi

"Pollution tax will be an extra economic burden"

Staff Reporter

BJP faults Delhi Government move

NEW DELHI: Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party president Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said the Capital's citizens would have to bear an extra economic burden if the Government goes ahead with its proposal to impose a pollution tax and enhance the parking rates.

In a statement, Dr. Vardhan said the Delhi Government had framed a scheme to drive out most factories from the city under a new industrial policy.

"More than 45-lakh workers in the Capital would lose their employment," he said.

Even the industries that continue to operate would be subjected to such a tax regime that they would be forced to close their operations here, he warned. "They will have to pay heavy pollution tax, power and water charges as well as property tax. Also, they would have to pay lakhs of rupees in the name of modernisation consultancy and would be forced to buy costly equipment."

Citing the economic census figures of 2005, Dr. Vardhan said most of the 45-lakh workers were from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Haryana and the State Government, through its policy, wanted to force these people out.

"Only the services sector would be allowed to function. Industries, unauthorised colonies, cottage industries, villages, farms, slums and the Walled City would be destroyed under the new Master Plan," added Dr. Vardhan.