Nainital's new Rs 100 entry tax on bikes sparks outrage, collection put on hold
Nainital's latest move to impose an entry tax on two-wheelers has triggered widespread criticism, with residents and tourists questioning yet another levy in the popular
Nainital's latest move to impose an entry tax on two-wheelers has triggered widespread criticism, with residents and tourists questioning yet another levy in the popular hill station already known for charging parking and green taxes. Under the new system, which came into effect at midnight on Wednesday, two-wheelers entering Nainital from outside the district were to be charged an entry fee of Rs 100. However, following public outrage, Nainital Municipal Board chairperson Dr Saraswati Khetwal directed officials on Thursday to temporarily suspend the collection of the fee from two-wheelers until the matter is reviewed. Read Full Story WHO HAS TO PAY? According to the new rules, only two-wheelers registered with the UK-04 series (Nainital district) are exempt from the levy. Bikes and scooters registered in other districts of Uttarakhand or outside the state are required to pay Rs 100 to enter the town.
The revised fee structure also provides for Rs 200 as an entry charge for four-wheelers registered in Nainital district and Rs 300 for cars and larger vehicles from other districts and states. Local residents can obtain an annual pass by paying Rs 800 to the municipality. Collection of the entry fee began at the Tallital Lake Bridge, Barapathar and Phansi Gadhera toll points under a contract awarded by the municipality. RESIDENTS QUESTION THE DECISION The move has drawn criticism not only from tourists but also from local residents, many of whom argued that the tax unfairly affects families whose children study or work outside Nainital. Several residents pointed out that many people own vehicles registered in other cities where they now live or work.
Every time they return home, they would have to pay the entry fee despite being natives of Nainital. The decision also triggered a backlash on social media, with users sarcastically asking whether the town would next impose a tax on "walking or even breathing". Many questioned whether a tourism-dependent destination should continue introducing fresh levies after already charging visitors parking fees and green tax. TENDER ROW ADDS TO CONTROVERSY The controversy has also taken a political turn. Municipal councillors had earlier opposed the decision to award a 21-month contract for collecting the entry fee to Ghaziabad-based MG Infra, alleging that the tender was finalised before it could be discussed in a scheduled municipal board meeting. According to the councillors, the board meeting was slated for July 18, but the contract was awarded on July 16, triggering protests led by councillor Jitendra Pandey.
The BriefWire