Mahinder Patyal
Bharmour
The decision of the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) to impose Green Tax and sanitation fees in Bharmaur from July 1 has been termed highly unfortunate by Bharmaur–Pangi MLA Dr. Janak Raj.
He stated that this move comes at a time when ordinary people are already struggling with inflation, unemployment, and mounting economic challenges. According to him, it is the responsibility of the government and administration to arrange resources for development and sanitation. Shifting the financial burden repeatedly onto common citizens, small shopkeepers, travelers, and tourists through new taxes only reflects administrative failure.
Dr. Raj emphasized that Bharmaur is a religious and tourist destination, and pilgrims and visitors form the backbone of the local economy. Imposing a Green Tax could adversely affect tourism, directly impacting the income of traders, hoteliers, taxi operators, and small shopkeepers.
He added that while environmental protection is indeed necessary, placing the entire burden on the public cannot be considered a solution.
