Chardham yatra 2023: Eco tourist fee will be collected from helicopter companies in Badrinath, read what changed
Summary
Pilgrims can now reach the Badrinath Dham, a sacred Hindu shrine located in the Himalayas, by booking a charter helicopter from Dehradun. The helicopter service operates 20 to 25 rounds during the yatra season, making it easier for devotees to make the journey. Many pilgrims choose to return on the same day after visiting the temple. This new mode of transportation has made the pilgrimage more accessible and convenient for those who want to visit this revered site.
Expansion
Starting this year, Nagar Panchayat Badrinath will be collecting an eco-tourist fee from the helicopter services that transport pilgrims to the Badrinath Dham. The fee has been set at Rs. 1000 per round of the helicopter, and it will be paid by the Heli company. The helicopter services operate from Lonivi’s helipad, which is located about two kilometers before the Badrinath Dham. This move by the Nagar Panchayat aims to promote eco-tourism and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
In an effort to promote eco-tourism and generate revenue for the Nagar Panchayat, an eco-tourist fee is being charged on vehicles that transport pilgrims and tourists to the Badrinath Dham. This fee is collected at the barrier in Dev Darshani. From this travel season, the fee will also be charged on helicopters that transport pilgrims to the Dham. The Nagar Panchayat has already started the process of revising the tourist fee structure. This move is expected to generate more revenue for the local government and encourage sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Kumkum Joshi, the officer-in-charge of Nagar Panchayat Badrinath and SDM Joshimath, has announced that the eco-tax structure in Badrinath Dham has been revised for this travel season. In addition to vehicles, helicopter companies will also be charged a tourist fee of Rs. 1000 per round trip to the Dham. The collected fee will be used by the Nagar Panchayat to support environment and tourism development initiatives in the area. This move is aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices and generating revenue for the local government.
Eco tourist fees charged from vehicles before and now
| Mode of Transportation | Earlier Eco-Tax (in INR) | Revised Eco-Tax (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter | – | 1000 per round trip |
| Bus | 100 | 120 per vehicle |
| Tempo Traveler | 70 | 100 per vehicle |
| Car, Jeep, Van, Sumo | 40 | 60 per vehicle |
| Two-wheeler | 10 | 10 |
Winter Cornwall will be held in Badrinath
The Nagar Panchayat of Badrinath has announced that it will be allocating 25% of the eco-tourist fee collected to organize a Winter Carnival at the Dham, similar to the one held in Mussoorie. Sunil Purohit, the Executive Officer of Nagar Panchayat, stated that the Winter Carnival in Mussoorie is funded through eco-tourist fees and that the same model will be applied to Badrinath Dham. The Winter Carnival will provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the local culture and promote tourism in the region during the winter season.
A plan has also been made to make the Dham garbage-free.
In addition to the eco-tourist fee, pilgrims visiting Badrinath Dham will be charged an additional Rs 20 for a bag in which they can collect any garbage they generate during their stay. The bag can be returned to the authorities at the barrier upon departure, and the Rs 20 fee will be refunded to the pilgrim. This initiative is aimed at promoting responsible tourism and keeping the Dham clean and free of plastic waste. It encourages visitors to take responsibility for their own waste and contribute towards maintaining the cleanliness of the area. The Nagar Panchayat employees will ensure that the garbage collected is properly disposed of, contributing towards a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
