Himachal hikes entry, photography fees for wildlife sanctuaries, national parks

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh govt has revised the fee structure for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, hiking charges for entry, tourism, photography, filming, drone operations and research activities.As a result, visitors will now have to shell out more, with Indian nationals paying Rs 300 per day for the first three days and Rs 500 per day thereafter. Foreign nationals will be charged Rs 600 per day for the first three days and Rs 1,000 per day subsequently.The govt has also imposed vehicle charges, with light vehicles to pay Rs 1,000 per day and heavy vehicles Rs 2,000 per day for entry into wildlife areas.Photography charges for still cameras have been fixed at Rs 625 for Indian visitors and Rs 1,250 for foreign nationals for the first three days, with additional daily charges thereafter. The fee for cine cameras has been fixed at Rs 12,500 for Indian citizens for the first three days and Rs 18,500 per day thereafter, while foreign nationals will pay Rs 25,000 and Rs 37,500 respectively.Private agencies shooting feature films will be charged Rs 10,000 per day or Rs 60,000 per week, while govt agencies will pay Rs 6,000 per day or Rs 35,000 per week. Documentary film shooting will cost private agencies Rs 6,000 per day or Rs 30,000 per week and govt agencies Rs 4,000 per day or Rs 20,000 per week.Foreign entities will be required to pay three times these rates. The notification also stipulates that drone operations within wildlife areas will require prior permission from the chief wildlife warden. MSID:: 131657162 413 |