Konark Sun Temple, Odisha: Entry Fees Hike Opposed

KONARK (ODISHA): Konark Suraksha Samiti on Saturday opposed the move of hiking entry fees by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for Sun temple, a UNESCO heritage site.

The outfit closed all ticket counters near the temple on Saturday.

Notably, the union government had raised entry fees for 116 ASI managed monuments across the country with effect from Friday.

ASI sources said entry fee had been increased three-fold at Konark.

While Rs 30 has been hiked from Rs 10 for Indian nationals, Rs 500 has been fixed for foreign visitors, who were earlier giving Rs 250.

Besides, high-value tickets worth Rs 750 and Rs 300 have been introduced for world heritage sites including at the black pagoda for tourists who want to avail special facilities like free bottled water, Wi-Fi facilities, pictures and CDs.

Puri district collector Aravind Agrawal said the state government has nothing to do with the fee hike.