ASI officials said they have proposed similar entry fees at the Shivneri fort in Pune district, too, which is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but it was yet to be approved.
Disregarding history can cost a nation its future. In what can be deemed as a move to prevent the same, the Archaeological Survey of India has received the state's nod to the proposal of charging entry fees to visitors in Mahakali caves in Mumbai, Lohagad fort near Lonavala and Janjira fort in Raigad.
ASI officials said they have proposed similar entry fees at the Shivneri fort in Pune district, too, which is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but it was yet to be approved.
"The proposal for levying entry fees at the monuments has been accepted in principle and the gazette notification is expected soon," said Chandra, adding that they wanted to launch e-ticketing at these sites. He added that, however, it was difficult to say when the ticketing system will actually come into force at the sites.
The fees will be Rs 15 for visitors above the age of 14 years, including those from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, and Rs 200 for foreigners, said Chandra. For world heritage sites, it is Rs 30 and Rs 500, respectively.
An archaeologist noted that levying ticketing charges at monuments can help ensure that the conservation and upkeep of these sites is financially self-sustaining.
"No tickets at such monuments and protected sites leads to revenue loss for the government. Entry fees prevent an uncontrolled flow of visitors and keep away undesirable elements like vagrants and vandals. This can also help provide more tourist amenities," he said.
For now, ASI-protected monuments like the Ajanta-Ellora Caves near Aurangabad and the Elephanta Caves at Gharapuri in the Mumbai harbour cost a ticket. All three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The access charges are also applicable for entry into Aurangabad Caves, Bhaja caves near Lonavala, Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, Daulatabad Fort, Junnar caves, Temple and inscription near Pune, Kanheri Caves in Mumbai, Karla caves near Lonavala, Pandulena Caves, Pathardi, Raigad Fort, Shaniwarwada in Pune, Hirakota old fort in Alibag, Solapur Fort and Pune's Aga Khan Palace.
ASI Mumbai circle has 118 protected monuments under its jurisdiction while the Aurangabad and Nagpur circles have around 75 and 94 such sites, respectively.
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