Sirohi News Desk: In the last 10 months, tourists have filled the coffers of three departments in the form of fees in Mount Abu, the only hill station of the state. Mount earns crores of rupees every year from the vehicle tax and other fees collected from tourists. If we look at the figures, Mo Municipality, Forest Department and Oriya Panchayat have earned revenue of Rs 11 crore in just about 10 months. This money is being taken in the name of maintenance and facilities of tourist places. In such a situation, if even half of the income is spent on the development of Mount Abu and the facilities for tourists, then the picture of the hill station can change.
Do not pay attention to those from whom the income came.
People of the area say that here money is spent like water on VIP visits and festivals, repair of roads, painting of walls and decorating pots and other works, but the sources of income go towards the convenience of tourists. Not much attention is given. If even half the amount is spent on the development and facilities of tourist places, then the income can increase further due to the change in the appearance of the tourist place as well as increase in the number of tourists.
Tourists are the lifeline of Mount Abu
Mount Abu is completely dependent on tourism business. There is an income of crores of rupees every year due to tourists here. Mount Abu Municipality has earned revenue of Rs 5 crore 43 lakh 76 thousand 310 in the form of entry vehicle fee at toll booth in just 10 months. The forest department gets 30 percent of it, while 70 percent remains with the municipality. At the same time, the municipality gets a lump sum annual income of Rs 5 crore 71 lakh from the Nakki boat contract. Apart from this, the Forest Department has earned an income of Rs 1 crore 52 lakh 71 thousand 55 in the financial year from Sunset Naka and Travel Tank ticket window. Also, Oriya Gram Panchayat earns more than Rs 10 lakh from tourists. Despite good income, tourists are not getting good facilities due to lack of attention to development.
Development stalled due to lack of token, roads uprooted
In Mount Abu, development work of more than a dozen wards has been stuck for the last one year due to lack of tokens. Many contractors are also being accused of misuse of tokens. Due to the indifference of the officials, the residents of the ward are deprived of development. The condition of the roads is bad due to the negligence of PWD, Municipality and Ruddeep. At some places the asphalt has been uprooted from the road, while at other places the roads are not being built at all. A few months ago, during the President’s visit to Abu Road, the roads were repaired, the quality of which has also started raising questions.
