Idukki, Kerala: Tourists travelling to Munnar by vehicles may soon have to pay an entry fee under a proposed plan aimed at improving waste management and reducing traffic congestion in the hill station.

Munnar panchayat authorities have reportedly begun procedures to implement the system. The proposal is expected to be introduced within the next three to four months.

Under the current proposal, small vehicles may be charged Rs 30, while larger vehicles could be charged Rs 100. The fee structure will depend on vehicle size.

Final rates are yet to be decided. Authorities are expected to hold discussions with public representatives, party leaders, representatives of social organisations and other concerned authorities before fixing the charges.

Green checkposts planned at entry routes

The plan proposes setting up green checkposts at key entry points to Munnar for fee collection.

The proposed locations include Old Munnar on the Adimali road, near the police station on the Devikulam road, and Periyavara junction on the Marayoor road.

Visitors entering through these checkposts may also be given bags to store waste instead of discarding it in public places. Tourists will be able to hand over segregated waste at the checkposts while returning from the hill station.

Waste disposal and rising vehicle numbers behind proposal

Around 2,000 vehicles enter Munnar daily on average. During peak tourist seasons, the number reportedly rises to nearly 5,000 vehicles.

Reports suggest that tourists have been dumping large amounts of waste at several locations, creating difficulties in waste collection and disposal.

The proposed fee is intended to help meet the wages of sanitation workers and cover expenses involved in processing waste at the source itself.