Chitwan, May 1

Locals of Madi in south Chitwan have to pay street tax to Chitwan National park for using the route through the park to go to the headquarters Bharatpur.

People in Madi are forced to take the route, because there are no alternative routes to the headquarters and other places.

Two-wheelers have to pay Rs 11 including VAT for both entry and exit. Four-wheelers and heavy vehicles have to pay Rs 50, excluding VAT, applicable for both entry and exit.

Locals complained that staff at the park charge up to Rs 15 for two-wheelers, while large vehicles have to pay Rs 60. “Staff members charge more citing lack of retail currency notes,” said Shree Prasad Dawadi. A political activist in Madi Naradmani Paudel said he was saddened with the requirement for locals to pay tax simply to get home or go to work. A nine-kilometre stretch of road falls in the CNP. More than 35 large vehicles and 100 two-wheelers ply the road on a daily basis.

Madi is home to over 40,000 people.  Chief Conservation Officer at Chitwan National Park Ram Chandra Kandel said that the park was collecting road tax in line with National Park Act. “It is not our intention to collect the fee,” Kandel added.