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Pilgrims tax in Gujarat temple

Special Correspondent

GANDHINAGAR: The Gujarat government has imposed a “pilgrims tax” on devotees visiting the Mahakali temple atop the Pavagadh hills near Vadodara.

Those climbing the hill on foot will be charged Re. 1 and those using the ropeway Rs. 3.

A notification issued by the district collector said the amount collected would be utilised for improving the facilities for pilgrims and development of the area.

The new tax came into effect on Wednesday, the fourth day of the “Chaitri Navratri” when lakhs of devotees throng the Mahakali temple. It is the only temple in the State where a pilgrims tax has been imposed.

Accident-prone

The Pavagadh hills, particularly the stairs to the Mahakali temple, require urgent attention.

Nine persons were killed in a stampede at the temple last year, while four persons were killed in a ropeway accident a couple of years ago.

The government had promised to widen the hilly tracts to the temple and create separate up and down routes for the pilgrims after the stampede.

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