The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has reaffirmed its controversial decision to impose a daily parking charge of Rs 500 for four-wheelers at its guest houses in Puri. The announcement, made on Friday, comes despite facing significant criticism from various quarters, including servitors, opposition parties, and devotees.
Administration's Justification for the Fee
SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee provided a detailed rationale for the move. He stated that the administration carefully considered the financial implications for pilgrims. The primary objective is to avoid raising accommodation charges across the board, which would impact every devotee staying at the guest houses.
Padhee explained that imposing a parking fee exclusively on those arriving in cars is a more targeted and equitable approach. He argued that the number of such visitors is relatively small, with only about 5 to 10 vehicles parked across all four guest houses on a typical day. "Those who come with four-wheelers can afford to pay Rs 500 as a parking fee," Padhee asserted, defending the policy.
Affordable Stays and Alternative Parking
The temple body emphasized its commitment to keeping pilgrim accommodation affordable. Rooms at the Bhakta Niwas guest houses continue to be offered at subsidized rates. A single-bed AC room costs Rs 1,373, while a double-bed accommodation is available for Rs 1,630.
To address concerns, Padhee clarified that guests with vehicles have an alternative. They can utilize the designated parking facility at the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, where the daily fee is approximately Rs 240. However, he made it clear that parking within the Bhakta Niwas premises will be strictly reserved for paying guests, and outsiders will not be permitted.
Mounting Opposition and Demands for Rollback
The decision has not been well-received by several groups. Servitors, who are integral to the temple's rituals, have strongly opposed the move. Servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra criticized the fee as "irrational," pointing out that hotels typically do not charge their guests for parking. He urged the temple administration to reconsider its stance.
Opposition political parties have also joined the chorus of dissent. Both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress have slammed the SJTA's policy. They have labeled the parking charge as a form of "harassment of devotees" and are demanding its immediate withdrawal. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between managing temple infrastructure and ensuring a hassle-free experience for pilgrims.
Despite the pressure, the SJTA remains unfazed, standing by its decision as a necessary measure for sustainable management while protecting the interests of the majority of budget-conscious pilgrims.
