Solukhumbu Dudhkunda Municipality has been collecting cargo shipping tax from airlines on its own. The municipality has been raising cargo shipping with all airlines companies from Phaplu Airport.
Although the provision of collecting tax is handled by the government however, Dudhkunda Municipality is taking responsibility on its own.
The municipality has been charging Rs1.50 paisa per kg in cargo tax from the Phaplu Airport to all the airlines. The air sector has been supplying the ingredients needed in different areas of Solukhumbu.
Local people have been hit by the taxes charged by municipality in the area of Namche and Sangbochey.
Mayor of Dudhkunda Municipality, Namghel Jyhanbhu Sherpa stated that the municipality has determined the tax according to the rule. Speaking by using his right to determine the tax, he said that this decision would not stop.
“Businessmen who have been operating cargo service from Phaplu Airport should pay tax of Rs 1.50 per kg and have started to collect the tax too,” Mayor Sherpa said.
From the Phaplu to Khumbu area, goods are being transported at the rate of Rs 90-120 per kg. The goods are being transported at the rate of 4000 kg per flight from Phaplu to Lukla and 36000kg per flight from Phaplu to Sangbochey.
According to the airport officials, the fee regarding parking, landing and passengers’ service are charged by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) whereas collection of other charges without the consent of authority is illegal.
Khumbu Pasang Lamu VDC has been collecting Rs 2000 per tourist by neglecting the instruction of local development ministry due to which tourist travelling to that area have to pay extra charges.
Source: karobardaily.com
