The state forest department introduced a cashless payment facility at Rajabhatkhawa, the entry point to Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Alipurduar, from Monday.

“It was a longstanding demand of the tourists that there should be a cashless payment interface at the ticket counter in Rajabhatkhawa. Accordingly, we have introduced the facility. From today, tourists can make payments by using debit or credit cards or through mobile apps by scanning a QR code on display at the counter,” said Harikrishnan P.J., the BTR deputy field director (west).

Every day, tourists and trekkers seeking to go to the Buxa hills, the Buxa fort and Jayanti, reach Rajabhatkhawa to buy tickets for the visit and vehicles. For a trip to these places which are within the BTR, the rate is ₹150 per person and ₹480 per vehicle.

“Also, a car safari is conducted in the BTR from Rajabhatkhawa and tourists are taken to different locations, including watchtowers. For the safari, the rate is ₹1,850, which includes entry of six persons, the charge of a guide and car rental,” said a source.

Tourists and the forest staff posted at the counter have faced problems because of the “only cash” system at the counter.

“The staff at the counter face problems in returning change to tourists. Often, a group has to defer the safari and rush back to Alipurduar town to withdraw cash from ATMs. Now, these problems will cease,” said a tour operator in Alipurduar.

During peak seasons, around 500 tourists visit the BTR daily. In the lean months, the number is 150 to 170.

“Every year, around 80,000 to one lakh visitors come to the BTR and around ₹1 crore is earned as revenue. Of this, 40 per cent is spent on the development work of forest dwellers,” said a forester.