Himachal Pradesh to Open Vehicle Scrapping Centers in Solan and Hamirpur
- HPCA Players Selected for BCCI Women’s Senior T-20 Challenger Trophy 2024-25 - November 14, 2024
- Kangra MP Calls for Recovery of Funds on High Court’s Ruling on CPS Appointments - November 14, 2024
- Govt Plans Major Developments in Kangra to Enhance Tourism, Economy - November 14, 2024
The Himachal Pradesh Transport Department has given preliminary approval for two vehicle scrapping centers to be set up in Solan and Hamirpur. The infrastructure at Solan is almost ready, and scrapping operations are expected to begin within three to four months. However, it will take more time for the Hamirpur center to become operational. The Director of the Transport Department, D.C. Negi, confirmed this development, stating that the process of scrapping vehicles over 15 years old will start soon in the state.
At present, only government vehicles older than 15 years are required to be scrapped. However, private vehicle owners who wish to scrap their 15-year-old vehicles may also do so voluntarily and receive a discount on the token tax for a new vehicle. With the rising number of diesel and petrol vehicles on the roads, air pollution has become a serious concern. This initiative aims to protect the environment, improve road safety, and support the renewal of the auto industry by removing old and unusable vehicles from the roads.
Since Himachal currently lacks a registered vehicle scrapping facility, vehicles have been sent to other states for scrapping. The central government implemented this policy on 15-year-old vehicles, initially applying only to government vehicles. Private vehicle owners can voluntarily benefit by applying to scrap vehicles over 15 years old. The state cabinet has approved five scrapping centers for Himachal, two of which have now received preliminary approval, with one expected to be set up in the public sector in Baddi.
Plans are in place to open registered vehicle scrapping centers in all districts. Currently, approvals have been granted to Aman Sahni in Solan district and Purnima Chauhan in Hamirpur district. These individuals applied through the central government’s online portal, receiving approval that was later confirmed by the state’s Transport Department.
Target to Scrap 1,477 Vehicles by January 25
As of March 31, 2023, there were 7,436 government vehicles over 15 years old in Himachal Pradesh. By July 8, 2024, this number had increased to 7,554. The state aims to scrap 1,477 government vehicles that will be over 15 years old by January 25, 2025, through registered vehicle scrapping facilities. Transport Director D.C. Negi stated that the central government had approved two centers, and the Transport Department has now granted initial approvals. The Solan center is expected to start operations within three to four months, while Hamirpur will take longer. Subsequently, similar facilities will be made available in all districts across the state.
