Daijiworld Media Network - Shimla
Shimla, Jun 14: The Himachal Pradesh government's decision to double entry fees for wildlife sanctuaries and protected forest areas has sparked a political controversy, with the Opposition BJP accusing the Congress-led administration of burdening citizens to cope with mounting financial pressures.
Under a recent government notification, the entry fee for Indian visitors to wildlife sanctuaries and parks has been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 300, while charges for foreign tourists have been raised from Rs 300 to Rs 600. The revised rates also include higher fees for professional photography and cinematography activities within protected areas.
The notification was issued by Chief Secretary-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) K.K. Pant.
Reacting sharply to the move, BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of mismanaging the state's finances and shifting the burden onto the public.
Bhandari alleged that repeated increases in fees, taxes and service charges reflected the deteriorating fiscal condition of the state. He claimed that the government was relying on revenue-generating measures to address growing debt obligations instead of pursuing structural financial reforms.
The BJP has linked the fee hike to what it describes as a worsening debt situation in the hill state. Citing official financial data and audit observations, party leaders argued that a substantial portion of government borrowing is being used to service existing debt rather than fund development projects.
According to figures cited by the BJP, Himachal Pradesh's outstanding debt has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore. The opposition has also highlighted that a significant share of the state's annual budget is allocated towards salaries, pensions, interest payments and debt servicing.
The Congress government has not yet officially responded to the BJP's latest criticism regarding the revised wildlife sanctuary charges.
Himachal Pradesh is home to 28 wildlife sanctuaries spread across several districts. Popular protected areas include the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary and Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, among others.
The BJP contends that the sanctuary fee revision is part of a broader pattern of increased charges introduced over the past few years. The party cited earlier decisions relating to public transport fares, electricity tariffs, utility charges and subsidy rationalisation as examples of what it described as a growing financial burden on residents.
Opposition leaders have also renewed allegations concerning several controversies and alleged irregularities involving different government departments and state-run entities, claiming these issues have further contributed to public dissatisfaction.
The fee hike comes at a politically significant time, with Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh expected next year. As the debate over the state's finances intensifies, the latest move is likely to remain a key point of contention between the ruling Congress and the BJP in the months ahead.