Chikhaldara (Amravati): As monsoon crowds flock to Vidarbha’s only hill station Chikhaldara, tourists have now alleged a parking racket operating under the guise of providing facilities, raising questions over transparency and governance.According to local complaints, vehicles are being charged 50 each to park in a farm allegedly owned by the mayor of Chikhaldara. However, visitors claim the site is full of mud, waterlogging, and poor drainage.Tourists allege barricades have been put up directing all vehicles to the chairperson’s farm, while nearby parking options on tribal farmers’ land are blocked. Some locals claim people are being prevented from taking vehicles in other direction, creating a “forced parking” situation, nearly 1-2 km away from tourist points.“They are collecting 50, but where is the receipt? Which official order allows this? Where does the money go – to the municipal account or elsewhere?”, tourists asked, demanding an inquiry into the collection method and records.With tourism being the main livelihood for hotel owners, vendors, and drivers in Chikhaldara, locals warn that harassment in the name of parking could damage the hill station’s image. They have urged the local administration and police to immediately investigate the alleged collection, lack of facilities, and restrictions on alternate parking.
