J&K minister to consult book regarding entry tax on NH

Srinagar, Aug 20 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Tourism Mohammad Dilawar Mir today informed the the Legislative Council (LC) that he will consult book on whether government can charge entry tax on National Highway or not.

''I do not know what the rule says about the entry tax and I will have to consult the book,'' the minister said when a Congress member from Ladakh, P Namgyal wanted to know if the government can charge entry tax on the highway.

Mr Namgyal said the people of Leh, Kargil and other areas of the Ladakh region are being penalised for no fault.

We are being charged entry tax each time we go to our area, he said.

Mr Namgyal said the 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh was declared a National Highway by the government, therefore, no entry tax should be charged.

It is Sonmarg Development Authority (SDA) situated on the Srinagar-Leh highway which is charging the entry tax, the minister said.

''I assure the member that an alternative route is being constructed within one year and those going to Kargil and Leh will not have to touch the Sonmarg, therefore, they will not have to pay the tax,'' Mr Mir said.

He said all the vehicles entering the Sonmarg area are being charged as per rates fixed by the SDA. Once the alternative Shutakadi road is ready, vehicles going to other side of the Zojilla will be exempted from the tax.

The minister said the tax collected is being used by the SDA for the development of the area.

UNI