ANINI, AUG 31:

A preliminary meeting on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Fee (Green Fee) in Dibang Valley district was held at the DC’s Conference Hall here on Monday, with participation from key tourism stakeholders, including representatives of the Biodiversity and Tourism Management Society (BTMS), tour operators, homestay operators and tour guides.

The meeting discussed the need for a simple, transparent and practical mechanism for Green Fee collection. It was emphasised that homestay owners, hoteliers and resort operators should not be burdened with collecting the fee. Instead, a direct online payment mechanism through an application-based system was proposed to ensure greater convenience, transparency and accountability.

The proposed system would facilitate visitor registration, collection of essential visitor information and verification, online payment, and generation of digital receipts or payment confirmation.

The District Tourism Office will work out the detailed requirements and framework for the proposed system for further consideration and implementation. (DIPR)