Eco-friendly jaunt at green Lalbagh

Eco-friendly jaunt at green Lalbagh
Deccan Herald

A battery-operated car has been introduced in Lalbagh to take the visitors around. With a lady guide to boot, a spin around the garden in these eight-seater open cars assures a comprehensive view of the horticultural marvel complete with a peek into its historical relevance.

These days, there is more to Lalbagh than just greenery and a glass house. If ambling around an area of 240 acres by foot has not been your idea of an ideal pastime, Lalbagh has an eco-friendly solution to that.

A battery-operated car has been introduced in its premises to take the visitors around. With a lady guide to boot, a spin around the garden in these eight-seater open cars assures a comprehensive view of the horticultural marvel complete with a peek into its historical relevance.

If Deputy Director of Horticulture, Lalbagh, Dr Jagadeesh is to be believed, hardly a month into its operation, these open cars have already been a hit with the visitors. Introduced with senior citizens, kids and handicapped on mind, the cars are seen teeming with people of all age groups, eager for a joyride, throughout the day.

“We have been toying with the idea of an eco-friendly car inside the premises. Lalbagh has an area of 240 acres and it’s no joke exploring each inch by foot,” Dr Jagadeesh says. “We have banned smoking, drinking and even the use of plastic in Lalbagh. When an idea of a car struck us, we wanted it to be smoke-free,” he adds.

Introduced by Maini, a sister-concern of Reva, there are four cars and four drivers doing the rounds from 10 am to 7 pm. On a payment of Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for kids and handicapped, Maini will continue the joyrides for six months, which, says Dr Jagadeesh, “will be extended for a year or so”.

Rakesh, on a trip to the City from the North with his family, wanted to check out the park without cutting down on his shopping and pub visit. “Last time, I couldn’t see the park fully because I got tired by the time half the area was covered. Fortunately, this time, things have improved,” he says. For others, the cars have only made the ‘lazy generation’ lazier.

“This is the only place where we used to walk. The cars are good for the elderly and kids but not for the young,” says Vinod, one of the visitors. Ironically, he too was waiting for the car. “I am just checking out the facility. Otherwise, I would prefer to walk,” he adds.

The eco car has been introduced by Maini, a sister concern of Reva.

Four cars with four drivers are doing the rounds in Lalbagh from 10 am to 7 pm.

The joyride costs Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for children and disabled people.

The need for a vehicle is substantiated by the fact that Lalbagh is spread over 240 acres and exploring the park is no mean task.