In response to ongoing public protests and legal directives, the Uttarakhand government has instructed district authorities to ensure compliance with a High Court order barring toll collection on the public road leading to the George Everest estate near Mussoorie. The move comes after residents in the area alleged that a private company operating the heritage site has been charging fees on the road, in violation of the January 6 court ruling.

The estate, a historical site commemorating Sir George Everest—the surveyor general of India from 1830 to 1843, after whom the world’s highest peak is named—has long been a point of interest for both tourists and local communities. In recent weeks, tensions escalated as villagers protested against Rajas Aerosports and Adventures, the private firm managing the estate under a 15-year government lease, accusing it of imposing tolls on a road that serves as a lifeline connecting nearby settlements.

According to Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary of Uttarakhand Tourism, the state government has formally instructed the Dehradun district administration and the Superintendent of Police to enforce the court order. “The High Court order clearly states there will be no fee for using the public road, but entry into the park itself is chargeable,” Garbyal said. “We have issued directives to ensure compliance and prevent any further violations.”

The High Court’s ruling came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by local resident Vinita Negi, who challenged the installation of a toll barrier by Rajas Aerosports and Adventures on the road leading to the estate. The court held that while the company is entitled to charge entry fees for accessing the estate property, any collection on the public road leading to the site is illegal. The ruling sought to preserve free access for local residents who rely on the road for daily travel and connectivity to nearby villages.

Despite the clear court directive, locals have claimed that the toll barrier continues to impede free movement. Lushun Todaria, convenor of the local advocacy group Mool Niwas Bhumi Kanoon Sangharsh Samiti, said, “The High Court ruled categorically that collecting any entry fee on a public road is illegal. But the orders are being openly flouted. People from our villages are being forced to pay to access what is their own road.”

The controversy has drawn attention to broader issues around heritage management, public access, and private operations in historic areas. The George Everest estate was restored and opened to visitors in 2021 under a project costing ₹23.5 crore, funded by a loan from the Asian Development Bank. In July 2023, the state government granted Rajas Aerosports and Adventures a 15-year concession to operate the site for an annual fee of ₹1 crore. However, opposition parties have raised questions about the bidding process, alleging that all the participating companies had links to Acharya Balkrishna, a close associate of yoga guru Baba Ramdev, though the firm denies any wrongdoing.

Ajay Dubey, operations manager at Rajas Aerosports, defended the company’s practices, stating, “There was no toll being collected. The barrier was set up solely to manage traffic flow. We now collect entry fees at the estate entrance, as permitted by the court. Protesters are outsiders attempting to damage the company’s reputation.” Dubey’s statement reflects the company’s insistence that it is operating within legal limits, while villagers continue to argue that even restricted access points along the public road constitute a violation.

Local municipal authorities have also weighed in on the matter. Meera Saklani, chairperson of the Mussoorie Municipal Council, clarified that the road in question was built by the civic body in 2012 and connects several villages in the region. “We have no objection if the company charges an entry fee for the estate property itself,” Saklani said. “However, the public road cannot be restricted, and residents must have free movement to their villages without paying any toll.” Her remarks underscore the civic administration’s concern about balancing heritage tourism with the rights of local communities.

The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges faced by state governments and private operators in managing historic sites that intersect with public infrastructure and community access. On one hand, private firms require structured revenue streams to maintain and operate tourist destinations, while on the other hand, local residents have a legal and practical right to unimpeded access to roads serving as vital arteries for daily life.

Experts note that the George Everest estate, being both a heritage and tourism asset, represents a sensitive case where the rights of private operators and the public must be carefully balanced. Proper signage, clear entry points, and adherence to court orders are essential to prevent conflicts between communities and operators while preserving the site’s cultural and historical significance.

The Uttarakhand government’s intervention, instructing district authorities to strictly enforce the court order, demonstrates a commitment to uphold rule of law and civic rights. By ensuring that no tolls are collected on public roads, authorities aim to prevent further confrontations and maintain public trust. At the same time, the clarification that fees can be collected only for entry into the estate itself provides legal backing for the private operator to maintain its operations.

The George Everest estate’s importance extends beyond tourism; it serves as a cultural landmark and educational site, highlighting the history of surveying and mapping in India. By restoring and opening the estate to visitors in 2021, the state government sought to promote both heritage tourism and local economic activity. However, disputes over access and fees underscore the broader tension between commercialization and preservation in heritage management.

Public protests and local activism, such as the demonstrations by the Mool Niwas Bhumi Kanoon Sangharsh Samiti, illustrate the continued vigilance of communities in safeguarding public spaces. Residents have repeatedly voiced their concerns that unregulated fees on public roads set a dangerous precedent for other private firms operating in areas with shared infrastructure. Their demands for compliance with the High Court order reflect a growing awareness of legal rights and civic responsibility.

As the Uttarakhand tourism department moves to enforce the court’s directive, officials will likely monitor the road and ensure that the barrier is removed or restructured to comply with legal requirements. Law enforcement and district authorities will play a key role in mediating between the private operator, local residents, and tourists to maintain order and prevent further conflict.

In conclusion, the dispute over toll collection on the road to the George Everest estate highlights the delicate balance between heritage tourism, private operation, and public rights. The Uttarakhand government’s directive to enforce the High Court order underscores the importance of protecting public access while allowing private operators to sustainably manage heritage sites. Moving forward, clear communication, adherence to legal frameworks, and cooperation between authorities, private firms, and local communities will be essential to preserve both the estate’s historical legacy and the public’s right to unimpeded access.

The George Everest estate, with its historical significance and scenic location near Mussoorie, remains a symbol of India’s surveying heritage and continues to attract tourists and scholars alike. Ensuring that access to the estate and surrounding areas respects legal mandates and community needs will be crucial in maintaining its status as a public cultural asset for future generations.

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