MP Dr. Ravat Expresses Displeasure Over Entry Fee Collection at Sitamata Fair
Udaipur – Member of Parliament Dr. Mannalal Ravat has expressed strong displeasure over the collection of entry fees from devotees visiting the Sitamata Temple during the ongoing Sitamata Fair held at the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary in Dharaiyawad sub-division. He has taken up the matter with the District Collector of Pratapgarh, urging an immediate revision of the fee policy.
Dr. Ravat highlighted that the Sitamata Temple, dedicated to the local deity Maa Sita, is of great religious and historical significance, with deep ties to the Ramayana era. The site includes sacred locations such as the birthplace of Luv and Kush, hot and cold water springs, the cracked earth believed to be where Sita descended, and a rare site associated with Lord Hanuman.
The four-day Sitamata Mela began this Sunday, attracting thousands of devotees—many of whom have been arriving for the past 15 days. Dr. Ravat strongly objected to the Forest Department charging Rs. 145 per person, Rs. 55 for students, and up to Rs. 330 for vehicle entry.
He stated, “This is not a tourist visit. Devotees are here for darshan, not for sightseeing. Imposing such fees during a religious event is unjustified and burdensome, especially for the thousands of tribal pilgrims from surrounding areas who cannot afford such expenses.”
Dr. Ravat further noted that even the official fee chart issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden does not mention Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary among the listed reserves for entry charges.
In a telephonic conversation with the Pratapgarh Collector, Dr. Ravat demanded an immediate halt to this fee collection and called for changes in the current arrangements to ensure that devotees are not financially burdened while attending this religious fair.
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