Kathmandu, June 9: His Majesty’s Government, in a decision taken last week, has scrapped the entrance fee being charged by the Boudhanath Area Development Committee for foreigners visiting the Boudhanath Stupa. Hundreds of tourists visit the historic site of Boudhanath and also the surrounding area every day.

The Committee had been charging Rs. 15 per person for citizens of the SAARC region and Rs. 50 per person from people of other countries. Local people informed that the fee was being taken without the permission of the Ministry of Tourism.

The local people had vehemently protested about the imposing of entrance fees for tourists wanting to visit the Boudha Stupa and they have heartily welcomed the present government decision.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Boudha Ghyang Guthi and the Chiniya Lama, Serab Dorje Lama has welcomed the decision of the government to scrap the entrance fees imposed for tourists going to Boudhanath Stupa. In a press release issued today, the Chiniya Lama has said that His Majesty’s Government has respected the wishes of the entire people of the area by taking the present decision on doing away with the entrance fees.