Officials to act against horse operators for overcharging

Kolhapur: Taking note of the increasing complaints that the horse operators at Table Land at Panchgani are charging extra than the rate fixed by the municipal council, the police and civic body have issued strict instructions to the owners of the horses.Besides warning them of strict action, a dress code has also been made mandatory for the horse operators and taxi drivers.Dilip Pawar, assistant police inspector, said, "Traffic is being disrupted due to the illegal parking and horses being made to stand on the road leading towards Table Land at Panchgani. The police administration will strictly enforce traffic rules. Action will be taken against those who park their vehicles illegally and overcharge the tourists."He added, "Along with this, a dress code will be imposed for horse operators and taxi drivers. Direct action will be taken if such complaints are received from tourists."The official dress code (uniform) will make the identity of the professionals clear, and it will be easier for tourists to deal with the right person. Municipal councillor Dilip Bagade, while talking to TOI, said, "Table Land is the main attraction of Panchgani, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every tourist who comes here has a safe, transparent and enjoyable experience. There are complaints that in some places, fees are being charged more than fixed rates. Therefore, the rates fixed by the municipality will be strictly implemented. Action will be taken against those who violate the rules."Some tourists alleged that the horse operators trap them by offering a free ride. Sumit Dilani, a tourist from Thane, said, "Many horsemen will approach offering a ‘free' ride to a few spots. Once you're on the horse, they'll tell you that visiting 4 locations will cost Rs1,000 and 9 locations will cost around Rs2,500. They even show a board claiming the prices are set by the govt and they've already reduced the rates."Ankita Purohit, a tourist from Pune, said, "Table land is full of scammers. The horses are not in good shape and a few even seemed sick. The worst part is, once you agree to the free ride, it becomes difficult to argue or back out. You feel trapped and awkward riding the horse while they keep insisting that you add more locations. Every added spot means extra money."