Hampi (Vijayanagara): Tourists and residents are fuming over a new fee that has been implemented by the authorities in Hampi. According to this latest system, even those vehicles that do not stop at the monument sites and merely pass by are also required to pay a parking fee.Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has introduced this new fee at four locations here from October 1. However, tourists are alleging that no attempt has been made to even level the parking area and ensure safety of the vehicles. Currently, parking fees are Rs 60 for buses, Rs 40 for tempo travellers, Rs 30 for cars, Rs 20 for autorickshaws, Rs 10 for bikes, and Rs 5 for bicycles. A particularly contentious issue is the levying of charges on vehicles travelling from Rani Bath to the Underground Shiva Temple. Irrespective of whether these vehicls are parked or not, cyclists must pay Rs 5, bikes Rs 10, and autorickshaws Rs 20. While local autorickshaw drivers have lodged complaints with MLA HR Gaviyappa, the new parking fee structure has also angered residents of nearby villages. “They are extorting money,” said those protesting the new fees. Most of the parking lots are riddled with potholes. One such parking space near the Ugra Narasimha Temple has stones and dirt scattered all over. “Yet, tourists must pay to park here. Even regular visitors, residents, are not spared,” rued Vijayakumar Hanagi, a frequent visitor to Hampi. Defending the new fees, Ramakrishna Reddy, the superintendent of ASI’s Hampi Circle, said parking fees are meant for development purposes rather than to earn a profit. “Indeed, the parking areas require levelling and enhancements. We are waiting for approval from the higher authorities to get these done,” he explained.“Before tendering was undertaken, public objections should have been considered. Residents, and rickshaws and bicycles could have been exempted. But, if such a decision is taken now, the quotations will need revision,” argued representatives of the contractors working in this area. “Even the department knows this isn’t right [charging parking fees for bicycles]. We’ll take it up with the deputy commissioner and write to ASI to recosnider this,” Prabhulinga Talakeri, the deputy director of the Tourism Department, assured. DC Kavita S Mannikeri, meanwhile, said providing facilities to tourists visiting Hampi is a priority. “However, I am not aware of the parking fees. Action will be taken after discussing this with the authorities concerned,” she added.
