New entry fee of Bhimbetka withdrawn

AFTER arguments and controversies, the Forest Department has withdrawn revised entry fee of Bhimbetka. Entry fee of the heritage site was revised by five folds about five days back which was opposed by the tourists. The new entry fee was applicable from December 15.

 

Concerned over the demand of tourists, the management has withdrawn the hike and made old entry fee applicable. Officials said that the increased charges for entry that was charged from tourists for a few days will be submitted to the Government fund for public welfare. Bhimbetka comes under Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary. A day before the MP Forest Department said to enquire the matter of revise entry fee plan as they were unaware of the new charges. Locals of the area said it is a world heritage site so people should be allowed to visit the site free of cost. Forest officials too said that they are unaware of revised entry fee. There was no fresh order or notification of Forest Department to impose new fee plan.

 

A K Singh, Forest Conservator Obedullaganj, denied to take responsibility of this entry fee increment and said that former officials are responsible for this.

 

He said entry fee was to be revised from October 1, 2017, but it has been imposed from December 15, 2019. Forest officials said that regional officials should not impose new plan on time due to which department has revenue loss too. The new plan included charge for bus at Bhimbetka as Rs 600, car Rs 300, auto Rs 200 and bike Rs 100. Entry fee at world famous Pachmarhi is Rs 50 and it also comes under Satpura National Park. Forest officials said that large number of tourists visit Pachmarhi every year but its entry fee is only Rs 50. Bhimbetka comes under Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary due to which Forest Department is charging entry fee.