Payments for parking at specified locations in cities is understandable as it helps to reduce traffic congestion but introducing parking fees for open spaces such as at beaches (e.g. Colva) and railway stations (Margao) is not done. Similarly, a sight-seeing walk to the Dona Paula jetty costs the tourists Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children. A trip to the Reis Magos fort would set the locals and tourists back by a few hundreds of rupees. The rates for the Aguada Jail Museum are Rs 100 for Goans, Rs 200 for domestic tourists and Rs 400 for foreigners. All these fees are for ‘maintenance’ while there is nothing much of value to be maintained on a daily basis nor basic facilities provided at these touristic sites. Some well-connected contractors seem to be raking in the moolah and one does not know what benefit is accrued by the government. The government should stop or charge only a nominal amount for parking and visits to the beaches, forts and museums.
