The Hindu : New Delhi News : Sheila now has pollution-free Reva car

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Monday, May 12, 2008
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New Delhi

Sheila now has pollution-free Reva car

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

‘More of such cars would be bought for Forest Department and for the Games’

12.5 per cent VAT exemption, refund of road tax offered
More discount for Govt departments wanting to buy the car

NEW DELHI: Leading by example, Delhi’s Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has made a pollution and noise free addition to her fleet of official vehicles that has now been expanded to include the battery-operated Reva car.

“This battery-operated car is environmentally friendly, has an air-conditioner, gives good mileage and its small size makes it easy to manoeuvre. I use the car sometimes, but mostly it is used by my family members. We have also allowed students who come for the Nature Trail education tour to take a look at the car and they appear to be very excited about it,” says Ms. Dikshit.

Being promoted and offered to the general public as a “pocket-friendly drive to ensure a pollution-free environment”, the State Environment Department has already bought two top-of-the-line Reva cars, one of which is being used by the Chief Minister.

Parked at her official 3 Motilal Nehru Place residence, the new car has been attracting a lot of attention. Delhi Environment, Forest and Wildlife Secretary J. K. Dadoo says: “The vehicle is a noise and pollution free mode of transport that is aimed at people who do not travel extensively. The battery operated vehicle is an environment-friendly option to petrol and diesel cars.”

“More of these cars would be bought for the Forest Department and for the Commonwealth Games. However, we want to make it clear that the cars are not only meant for the Government departments, but for use among the general public. For this purpose we are offering a 12.5 per cent exemption from value added tax, refund of road tax and registration charge and 15 per cent subsidy will be offered on the base price of the vehicle. There will be a further discount for Government departments wanting to buy the car.”

Stating that State Environment Department was keen about ensuring that people understand the utility and environment-friendly aspect of the car, senior scientific officer at the Department B. C. Sabata hoped that the subsidy would encourage people to go in for this eco-friendly technology.

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