'Eco-tax' for tourists visiting Mussorie

Dehra Dun, Oct 18 (UNI) Tourists flocking to Mussorie, will now have to pay 'eco-tourism tax' which would be used for keeping the 'Queen of Hills' clean and green.

The Mussorie Nagar Palika has sent a proposal in this regard to the Commissioner, which once implemented, would give tourists a share in keeping the environment of Mussorie clean.

Talking to UNI, Mussorie Nagar Palika Chairman O P Uniyal said tourist vehicles and buses would be charged with eco-tax while local and government vehicles would be exempted from it.

The private tourist vehicles would be charged Rs 20 and tourist buses would have to pay Rs 50.

''The eco-tax would be levied on tourists only who would indirectly act as contributors in keeping the environment of Mussorie clean,'' Mr Uniyal said.

''All the money would be used for sanitation purposes and fostering a clean and healthy environment for tourists and locals,'' he said.

When asked whether the tax would discourage tourists, he said the fee was a nominal amount which would be used for providing facilities to tourists and beautifying the environment.

''It is a very good proposal and everyone stands to benefit from it,'' he added.

UNI PB PD NS1554