New Entry Fees Introduced for Spiti Valley to Protect Environment

The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has introduced new entry fees for tourists visiting Spiti Valley to protect its delicate ecosystem. Following directives from the High Court, Indian tourists will pay Rs 150, while foreign visitors will be charged Rs 500. Additional fees for activities like filming and camping have also been established. This move aims to address the environmental challenges posed by increasing tourist numbers, including waste and damage to natural habitats. As Spiti's popularity grows, these measures are crucial for preserving its unique biodiversity and landscapes.
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New Entry Fees Introduced for Spiti Valley to Protect Environment

Introduction of Fees for Eco-Sensitive Areas

Shimla: Visitors to the stunning Spiti Valley will now be required to pay fees for accessing various eco-sensitive and protected regions, as the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department implements a new fee structure aimed at safeguarding the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.


The initiative follows directives from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which raised concerns about the detrimental effects of unchecked tourism on the delicate environment of this high-altitude desert. The new fees, effective this week, will apply to significant tourist destinations within forest and wildlife zones, including Kibber, Pin Valley, and the renowned high-altitude lake, Chandra Taal.


Indian tourists will incur a fee of Rs 150 per person per day, while foreign visitors will be charged Rs 500. These fees are compulsory and will be collected at designated checkpoints overseen by forest officials.


In addition to the entry fees, the Forest Department has established daily charges for various activities such as filming, photography, camping, and commercial setups. Private documentary filmmakers will need to pay Rs 4,000 per day, while government-sponsored documentaries will incur a fee of Rs 2,500.


Commercial film crews will be charged Rs 7,500 per day, and individuals creating personal videos will pay Rs 500. Camping enthusiasts will face fees ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500 per day for tent pitching, depending on the size and location of their setup. Furthermore, locals or outsiders operating roadside eateries (dhabas) within these areas will be required to pay Rs 400 daily.


A senior forest official confirmed that this fee system was implemented following the High Court's instructions. “These areas are designated as forest and wildlife zones that fall under eco-sensitive categories. Previously, there was no fee structure in place, but it became essential due to the increasing pressure from tourists,” he stated.


Spiti, famous for its dramatic landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, and trekking routes, has seen a significant rise in tourist numbers in recent years. However, this surge in tourism has led to environmental challenges, including increased waste, illegal camping, traffic congestion, and damage to alpine meadows and wetlands. Environmentalists and local residents have voiced concerns regarding the impact of unregulated human activities on the region's unique biodiversity.


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