SANGUEM: In a sudden move, Sanguem panchayat has decided to impose an entry fee for vehicles visiting Netravali village, perhaps keeping in mind the increasing number of visitors during the period when the region is at its greenest best with several beautiful waterfalls.
The Sanguem panchayat has from Saturday morning begun collecting Rs 100 per vehicle from tourists and locals alike, who visit various places of interest in the village.
Panchayat authorities claim that the move would be implemented throughout the year keeping in mind the cleanliness of the village.
Panchayat sources also informed that at the time of entry to the village visitors would be handed over a garbage bag and a receipt of Rs100. Later, on return the visitors would be refunded Rs 50, provided they returned the garbage bag with all waste and did not litter anywhere in the village.
The panchayat would ensure that all the litter collected would be disposed off in a systematic manner.
Incidentally, this amount would be in addition to the fee imposed by the forest department, basically to deter tourists from littering, as the forest department did not take any responsibility to dispose garbage.
Panchayat authorities also claimed that the forest department was not taking any responsibilities in disposing the garbage, though pocketing the amount.
The fees charged by the panchayat would be used for the infrastructure facilities at the tourist spots. A sum of Rs 20 per person is presently being collected by the forest department from tourists.
According to Deputy Sarpanch Abhijeet Dessai, the fee is also being charged with an aim to keep the tourist spots free from litter and create a sense of responsibility.
He said a major portion of the fee amount would be used to provide infrastructural facilities at the tourist spots including safe parking facilities and disposal of garbage.
Incidentally, the Netravali panchayat now has become the first panchayat in Goa to collect entry fees from the tourists visiting the village.
The village though located in the hinterland of Sanguem taluka attracts a large number of tourists both domestic and foreign, as the village is blessed with waterfalls like Savari and Mainapi.
Meanwhile, though the visitors were found grumbling over the sudden charges levied by the panchayat and without any notice, they were left with no alternative but to pay.
