- There was a ban on increasing ticket rates in Borivali National Park.
- The decision was postponed due to massive opposition from citizens.
- Fees will be charged at old rates until new rates are determined.
- WhatsApp chatbot for digital ticketing system will be launched soon.
The decision to increase ticket rates at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali, Mumbai has been put on hold for the time being. These rates were to be implemented from May 1 (Saturday), but it has been banned after huge protests from citizens. The park management has issued a memorandum regarding this, in which it has been said that the new rates are being banned due to administrative and technical reasons. Along with this, a demand has been made to determine the revised rates of tourist services soon. It has been said that until new rates are decided, tourist services will be charged on the basis of old rates only.
The memorandum states that, ‘Due to administrative and technical reasons, the said rate increase is being postponed. Also, revised rates for tourist services will be decided soon. Till the revised rates are decided, the fees for tourist services should be charged at the already approved rates.” A forest official said on Friday (May 1) that more clarity on the matter is expected by the end of May.
Why was the decision to increase fees put on hold?
SGNP Deputy Director (South) Kiran Patil said that the decision to revise the prices has been put on hold for the time being. Soon a digital ticketing system will also be launched for which a WhatsApp chatbot will be launched. It may be noted that the decision to suddenly increase the fees of SGNP Park was strongly opposed by the people and called it absurd. People going for morning walk had termed this change as injustice to the morning walkers. People argued that the expenses for many basic facilities of the park are borne by CSR funds, hence why such high prices are being charged. In view of the increasing protests, the decision to increase the fee has been put on hold for the time being.
What is the matter?
It may be noted that through a memorandum issued by the same authority on April 21, the biggest ever increase in park ticket prices was announced from May 1. In the announcement, the annual fee for morning walkers was increased from Rs 383 to Rs 10,000. At the same time, senior citizens were asked to pay Rs 5,000 annually for the pass. The monthly pass was increased to Rs 1,000 for citizens and Rs 500 for senior citizens.
Apart from this, charges for services like safari, mini train, boating and e-bus were also increased. On the increased fee, the administration argued that it was increased to meet the increasing number of tourists, maintenance of facilities, salaries of employees and improvement in infrastructure.