Contractor accused of arbitrarily charging parking fees at Palolem beach

Locals as well as visitors to the Palolem beach in Canacona regulary complain of being overcharged by the contractor entrusted to collect parking fees here.

Sources revealed that the Municipality has fixed Rs 130 and Rs 70 as parking fees for four-and two-wheelers for a duration of six hours.

However, visitors alleged that the contractor charges as per his whims and fancies and people have also accused the civic body of failing to pull him up despite a series of complaints being lodged against him.

“There is a need for the municipality to install boards at Palolem informing people about the notified parking fees. This will help to bring clarity,” said Palolem’s former councillor Apuciano Diniz.

Canacona municipality, keeping in mind the influx of tourists at the beach, had acquired 3000 sq meters of land for a parking facility has also constructed a washroom. The pay parking contract is auctioned every March and this year it was awarded to the highest bidder for Rs 50 lakh.