In a decisive move to protect pilgrims, the top administrator of the revered Shree Shaneshwar Devasthan Shanishingnapur has launched a crackdown on exploitative private parking operators. Praveen Gedam, the divisional commissioner and temple administrator, has issued a stern warning, putting an immediate stop to the coercive 'latku' practice that has been plaguing visitors.
Sting Operation Reveals Extortion Tactics
The action followed a formal complaint, which prompted Gedam to take matters into his own hands. The commissioner personally conducted a sting operation to witness the malpractice firsthand. He discovered that shopkeepers and parking attendants were deliberately waiting until devotees returned from the temple to demand arbitrary fees. Instead of adhering to fixed rates, these operators were charging amounts based purely on their own whims, pressuring pilgrims who were often tired and vulnerable after their darshan.
New Mandate for Transparency and Fair Choice
Effective immediately, a new directive has been enforced. All private service operators, including those managing parking, have been ordered to clearly and publicly display all service charges. This mandate aims to ensure complete transparency and empower the pilgrims. "The administrator said the shopkeepers can charge what they want for the services, including parking. But all the rates should be displayed publicly, and pilgrims should be informed about the terms and conditions, allowing them to make a fair decision," explained Deputy Collector of Ahilyanagar, Atul Chormare, in a conversation with TOI.
The core objective is to eliminate the predatory 'latku' tactics—a term referring to forced or coercive payments—that have long marred the spiritual experience at this prominent religious site. By making rates visible upfront, visitors can now make an informed choice about which services to use without fear of hidden costs or intimidation.
Administration Ensures Strict Compliance
The warning was delivered directly to the parking operators in a meeting convened by Divisional Commissioner Gedam. He instructed them to conduct their business with honesty and transparency. To ensure the new rules are followed, the local administration has been tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting back to the district authorities. This layered oversight signifies a serious commitment to ending the exploitation of travellers and restoring the sanctity of the pilgrimage to Shani Shingnapur.
This proactive step by the Nashik administration highlights a growing focus on pilgrim welfare and ethical tourism at India's major religious destinations, ensuring that devotion is not overshadowed by deceit.
