After a hiatus of six years, the Dona Paula jetty redeveloped as part of Development Coastal Circuit II under Swadesh Darshan Scheme was inaugurated on Saturday. But what comes as a shocker is that tourists visiting the Dona Paula jetty will now have to pay an entry fee of Rs 50 per adult and Rs 25 for children aged between 10 and 18. Parking fees for vehicles could also be charged at the jetty. It is learnt that there will be no charge for locals. A parallel has been drawn with Qutub Minar in Delhi where entry fees are charged. It must be said that Qutub Minar is of historical importance and there is a need for funds to maintain the structure. Fees are charged at the jetty only if it is used for shipping service. Charging entry fees at the Dona Paula jetty could set a wrong precedent and such fees could also be charged at the public parks and gardens in the State in future. The government needs to have a rethink with regards to charging entry fees at the jetty.
