Doda, March 15 – MLA Doda Mehraj Malik has highlighted a discrepancy in the collection of the “Lorry Adda” tax on National Highway 244 (NH-244), revealing a contradiction between the state government’s stance and the actions of the Municipal Committee Thathri, following complaints from drivers in the region.
In a starred question (A.Q. No. 774) raised in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Malik sought clarity on whether drivers were being subjected to illegal tax collections through barriers on NH-244 in areas including Kishtwar, Thathri, Doda, and Batote. The government’s response, tabled by the Housing and Urban Development Department, confirmed that complaints of such illegal tax collections had been received. It stated that a directive from the Director of Urban Local Bodies (DULB), issued on March 1, 2025 (DULB/2025/7558-60), instructed all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Executive Officers (EOs) of Municipal Councils/Committees not to collect the Adda tax from vehicles not using municipal infrastructure. The directive cited the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, and a High Court ruling (WP(C) No. 2543/2019), which prohibit such taxes on national highways.
Sharing the government’s response on social media, Malik emphasized, “No ADDA on national highways even during the month of March,” underscoring that the tax should not be collected, even as the month progresses.
However, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Just a week prior, The Chenab Times reported that drivers on NH-244 in Thathri had objected to the tax, alleging that the Municipal Committee Thathri was imposing it illegally through barriers on the highway. The drivers argued that they were merely transiting the national highway and not utilizing municipal facilities, rendering the tax baseless. “We’re being charged for simply passing through, which isn’t right,” said Saleem Ahmed, a truck driver operating on the route.
In response to the drivers’ objections, the Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee Thathri, dismissed the claims of illegality. The committee then issued public announcements in the town, mandating that drivers pay the Lorry Adda tax until March 31, 2025, and warning of legal action against non-compliance. The announcement claimed the tax applied to vehicles using municipal infrastructure, a justification the drivers rejected, as their vehicles were not parked or utilizing local facilities.
The Municipal Committee’s stance directly contradicts the government’s directive, as highlighted by MLA Malik, creating confusion among drivers and raising questions about coordination between state and local authorities. “The government says it’s illegal, but the local committee is still collecting the tax. Who should we listen to?” said Babloo, another driver affected by the issue.
Thathri, a key hub in Doda district along the Thathri-Gandoh road linked to NH-244, relies heavily on the highway for transport and trade. The ongoing uncertainty could disrupt the movement of goods and impact the local economy if not addressed promptly.
The Housing and Urban Development Department has not yet outlined specific measures to resolve the contradiction or ensure the Municipal Committee complies with the state directive. With the Municipal Committee’s deadline of March 31 approaching, drivers are seeking clarity and an end to the tax collection on NH-244.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
