TUESDAY, MAY 07, 2024
PANJIM, April 5
Except for Chorao’s bird sanctuary, the entry fees for the wildlife sanctuaries will be hiked, if wildlife board’s proposal to rationalize the fees gets state government’s nod.
Sources stated that wildlife board has suggested that the entry fee be slashed to just Rs 20 from the existing uneven fee structure implemented across the state in different wildlife sanctuaries.
Currently, the entry to Chorao’s bird sanctuary, named after Dr Salim Ali, costs Rs 50 for the visitor, which will be slashed by almost 50 per cent.
Similarly, entries to Bondla and Cotigao wildlife sanctuaries which are just Rs 5 will be hiked to Rs 20. On the other hand, the entry fee for Mollem national park will remain same as currently it’s charging Rs 20.
The entry for cars would be charged at Rs 75 as against existing structure of Rs 50 for Bondla and Cotigao and Rs 125 for Mollem.
“We are waiting for the state government’s nod and thereafter new fee structure would be levied. It is proposed that all the wildlife sanctuaries, national park and zoo be brought under one uniform entry fee,” a senior wildlife board member said.
Official said that soon after the wildlife board meeting in August, last year the proposal was moved to the state government and accordingly the reminders were sent in November and December, 2009.
“We have set the proposal but if government wants they can even increase the fees from Rs 20 to Rs 50 or can reduce to Rs 10. It’s upto them,” official added.
According to the forest department records, nearly 1.25 lakhs tourist visit sanctuaries every year and with the improvement in Bondla and other sanctuaries there are chances that the number will increase in the coming days.
“The department on an average earns Rs 50 to Rs 60 lakhs revenue through these fees every year. But as the number of tourist increases the revenue will also go up,” official said.
