Hike in entry fee for Sun Temple opposed

Konark: Opposing the Central government decision to raise entry fees for Sun Temple here, Konark Suraksha Samiti closed all ticket counters at the world famous heritage site on Friday.

The Central government had raised entry fees for 116 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) managed monuments in India, including the Sun Temple at Konark, with effect from Friday.

According to sources, the government raised the entry fee three-fold to Rs 30 from Rs 10 for Indian nationals and two-fold for foreign visitors to Rs 500 from Rs 250.

A notification issued by the Central government said the move aimed at raising money for improving facilities at these sites. The last time entry fees at ASI monuments was raised was way back in 2000, it pointed out.

Besides, high-value tickets worth Rs 750 and Rs 300 have been introduced for world heritage sites including Sun Temple for tourists who want to avail special facilities like free bottled water, Wi-Fi facilities, pictures and CDs. There would be separate queues for holders of high-value tickets to facilitate their hassle-free entry to the site, the notification said.