3 days ago
Uttarakhand HC continues stay on toll collection at George Everest Park
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand high court on Friday continued the stay on toll collection at George Everest Adventure Park in Mussoorie while hearing a petition alleging lease violations and illegal toll collection on public roads inside the 142-acre park.
The bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra directed the petitioner to file an affidavit at the next hearing. The matter was heard on a public interest litigation filed by advocate Vinita Negi.
The petition mentioned that the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Corporation leased the 142-acre park to an Uttar Pradesh-based private company for ₹1 crore annually. The petitioner argued that this lease disadvantaged locals and tourism operators and raised objections over "unauthorised" toll collection on public roads, along with the leasing of helipads, huts, cafes, museums, and observatories inside the park.
The petitioner also pointed to the operation of helicopter services for tourists, raising environmental concerns given the park's proximity to a wildlife sanctuary.
While the petitioner alleged that toll was being collected even from locals, the opposing counsel claimed that the charges applied only to external vehicles and not tourists. The company maintained that the road where tolls are collected is private property.
The court asked the respondents to produce original lease documents and relevant records from the tourism development council authorising the lease for verification.
