Scrap entry fee at Kalatop sanctuary, says taxi union

Our Correspondent

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Dalhousie, February 18

The local taxi union has asked the government to withdraw the entry fee of Rs 250 per vehicle charged while entering the Kalatop-Khajjiar wildlife sanctuary near Dalhousie.

A similar demand has also been raised by people associated with tourism from time to time. They said the area lacked facilities. “The Khajjiar Lake is full of silt and weeds and is losing its sheen. Even the wild animals are not visible in the sanctuary,” they said.

The union urged the government to start a master plan for improving the beauty of the lake so that the entry fee could be justified.

On the other hand, a forest official said the area fell under the wildlife wing of the forest department and the entry fee was only for vehicles entering Kalatop. However, the pedestrians were not charged anything. A group called ‘Kalatop-Khajjiar Eco-Tourism Society’ had been formed to carry out this work, the official said.

“The road leads to a restricted forest area. So, the department can levy fee for using it. The amount generated is reverted to the society that is used for protection and conservation activities,” the official said. Last year, there were some discussions in the House to reduce rates for the entry fee, the official said, adding that the rates may be changed or reduced this year.