Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 3 May: While grand claims are being made regarding the promotion of tourism in Mussoorie, the reality on the ground paints a very different picture. With the onset of the tourist season, the city’s parking management system has come under intense scrutiny. Allegations are mounting against both government and private parking operators for arbitrarily extorting money from tourists. The situation is such that tourists are being charged anywhere between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 for a single night’s parking, despite the fact that most parking sites offer absolutely no amenities or facilities.
Due to heavy crowds on Saturday, almost all parking lots in Mussoorie remained full. Capitalising on this situation, several parking operators openly began engaging in arbitrary practices. Most notably, at none of the parking sites in Mussoorie was a rate list found displayed, nor were any government guidelines visible. Consequently, tourists appeared compelled—out of sheer helplessness—to pay whatever arbitrary fees were demanded of them.
Santosh Yadav, a tourist visiting from Delhi, stated that he was charged Rs 1,000 for a single night to park his vehicle at a lot near Mall Road. Meanwhile, other tourists alleged that some private parking operators charged up to Rs 1,200 and behaved rudely when confronted or challenged. Tourists reported being told bluntly: “If you don’t want to pay, take your vehicle elsewhere.”
Tourists have raised pertinent questions: If there is so much talk about promoting tourism in Mussoorie, why is there no clear, organised system in place for a basic amenity like parking? They argue that the prescribed fees, time limits, and a complaint helpline number should be mandatorily displayed on large signboards outside every parking facility to prevent operators from acting arbitrarily.
Investigations have also revealed that many parking sites lack even basic CCTV surveillance cameras. Furthermore, there is a severe dearth of restrooms, security personnel, and emergency facilities. Under these circumstances, should a vehicle be stolen, involved in an accident, or face any other mishap, it would be extremely difficult for tourists to obtain assistance or redress. Local residents allege that the administration and the police are turning a blind eye to this entire matter.
Commenting on the issue, Mussoorie SDM Rahul Anand stated that the administration has taken cognisance of the entire situation. All government and private parking facilities will soon be inspected, and the display of mandatory rate lists at these locations will be strictly enforced. Additionally, contact numbers of the SDM, the police, and other officials will be displayed at parking sites to enable tourists to register complaints directly. He issued a warning that, if any parking operator is found behaving rudely toward tourists or charging fees in excess of the prescribed rates, strict action will be taken against them. If deemed necessary, measures—including the cancellation of parking permits—may also be initiated.
Stakeholders within the tourism industry warn that, if the parking situation is not rectified in a timely manner, it will have a direct adverse impact on Mussoorie’s reputation and its tourism business. The steadily rising number of complaints serves as a clear indication that, during the tourist season, Mussoorie’s parking management has evolved into a major racket—one that demands immediate and stringent action from the administration.
