Munnar Plans Tourist Entry Fee To Tackle Waste And Traffic Ahead Of Onam In August

Known for its misty hills, tea gardens and cool weather, Munnar remains one of South India's most loved hill stations. Every year, thousands of tourists head to the scenic town for road trips, waterfalls, trekking spots and peaceful stays among the mountains. But with rising tourist numbers also comes a growing problem – waste and heavy traffic.

Now, the Munnar grama panchayat is planning a new move to make the hill station cleaner and more eco-friendly. Starting in August, tourists visiting Munnar may have to pay an entry fee before entering the region.

The proposal was discussed during a panchayat governing committee meeting held on Wednesday, as per a report by Onmanorama. As part of the plan, the panchayat wants to introduce three “green check posts” at different entry points to regulate tourist movement and improve waste management in the area. 

Tourists coming from the Adimali side are expected to enter through a proposed check post at Old Munnar Head Works. Those travelling from the Marayoor side will pass through Chattamunnar, while visitors arriving via Chinnakanal may have to cross check posts planned at Signal Point or the Toll Gate area. 

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Who Will Have To Pay?

Speaking to Onmanorama, panchayat president S Vijayakumar said residents travelling for non-tourism purposes will not be charged. According to him, officials are working on a separate system to identify non-tourists before the project is rolled out.

The panchayat is also planning discussions with the District Collector, National Highways authorities and Public Works Department officials to study the legal side of the project before implementation.

Waste Management And Traffic Control

Authorities say the money collected through the tourist entry fee will be used for waste collection, waste processing and sanitation work in Munnar. Tourists may also have to pay separately for garbage collection bags. Visitors will be encouraged to hand over segregated waste at the check posts before leaving the hill station.

Apart from this, heavy tourist vehicles may soon face restrictions in some popular spots around Munnar. Destinations like Lakshmi Estate, Rajamala, Lakkam and Mattupetty are expected to come under the new rule.

Instead of allowing large tourist vehicles inside crowded areas, local taxi services arranged by the Munnar and Devikulam panchayats may be provided for visitors.

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Officials hope the new measures will help reduce traffic jams, illegal parking and waste dumping before the busy Onam travel season begins. The surcharge will be implemented following high-level discussions.