The Himachal Pradesh government has revised the fee structure for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, increasing charges for entry, tourism, photography, filming, drone operations, and research activities.
Revised Entry Fees
Visitors will now have to pay more. Indian nationals will be charged Rs 300 per day for the first three days and Rs 500 per day thereafter. Foreign nationals will pay Rs 600 per day for the first three days and Rs 1,000 per day subsequently.
Vehicle Charges
The government has also imposed vehicle charges. Light vehicles will pay Rs 1,000 per day, while heavy vehicles will be charged Rs 2,000 per day for entry into wildlife areas.
Photography and Filming Fees
Photography charges for still cameras have been set at Rs 625 for Indian visitors and Rs 1,250 for foreign nationals for the first three days, with additional daily charges thereafter. For cine cameras, the fee is Rs 12,500 for Indian citizens for the first three days and Rs 18,500 per day thereafter. Foreign nationals will pay Rs 25,000 and Rs 37,500 respectively.
Private agencies shooting feature films will be charged Rs 10,000 per day or Rs 60,000 per week, while government agencies will pay Rs 6,000 per day or Rs 35,000 per week. Documentary film shooting will cost private agencies Rs 6,000 per day or Rs 30,000 per week and government agencies Rs 4,000 per day or Rs 20,000 per week. Foreign entities will be required to pay three times these rates.
Drone Operations
The notification also stipulates that drone operations within wildlife areas will require prior permission from the chief wildlife warden.
