Himachal Hikes Entry Fee By 2X For Indians At National Parks; Photography Also Gets Costlier

A visit to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Himachal Pradesh could soon get costlier. Under the new rules by the Forest Department, the entry fee for Indians will now be ₹300, compared to the earlier fee of ₹150. Not just that, but the authorities have also prescribed new rules for photography, research activities, and the use of vehicles and equipment in wildlife sanctuaries.

Himachal Pradesh Hikes Entry Fee For Wildlife Parks 

The decision to increase the entry fee for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Himachal Pradesh aims to regulate the growing number of activities in protected wildlife areas and strengthen conservation management. According to The Times of India, not just the entry fee, but the government has also revised the fee structure for tourism, photography, filming, drone operations, and research activities.

Indian nationals will now have to pay ₹300 per day for the first three days and ₹500 per day thereafter. For foreign nationals, the entry fee will be ₹600 per day for the first three days and ₹1,000 per day thereafter. Reportedly, light vehicles will have to pay ₹1,000 per day. Whereas, heavy vehicles will shell out ₹2,000 per day for entry into wildlife parks.

Also Read: AI Alerts To Rescue Centres: Maharashtra Approves ₹260 Cr Plan To Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict

New Rules For Photography, Drones & Research Activities

According to The Times of India, photography charges for still cameras are now fixed at ₹625 for Indian visitors and ₹1,250 for visitors from abroad. Meanwhile, the fee for cine cameras has been fixed at ₹12,500 for Indians and ₹25,000 for foreigners. Keep in mind that these charges are for the first three days only. Visitors will have to pay extra for additional days.

Drone usage will require prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden. Any drone operation without approval is strictly prohibited. According to ETV Bharat, people visiting national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for research in Himachal Pradesh will also have to pay a fee of ₹100 per day (for Indians) and ₹500 per day (for foreigners).

The decision to hike the entry fee has not received a positive response from many people on social media. Several users feel that an entry fee of ₹300 is not justified for Indian citizens visiting a national park.

Also Read: Road Trips To Himachal Pradesh To Get Costlier From April 1? All About The New Entry Tax

What do you think of these new changes? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Зображення користувача Vova Shevchuk and Patt Garciia (Representative Image)