If you can pay in MTR, why not in Lalbagh, asks minister

If you can pay in MTR, why not in Lalbagh, asks minister
Bangalore, Nov 23, Deccan Herald News Service :

“Morning walkers of Lalbagh don’t mind spending Rs 150 per day on breakfast at MTR, but refuse to pay Rs 200 a year”, this is how Horticulture Minister Umesh Katti responded to the walkers’ refusal to pay the entry fee.

The department has withdrawn the entry fee proposal and decided to issue identity cards for the walkers.

Katti, speaking to press persons on Monday, said the department earlier planned to introduce the entry fee to keep a check on entry of anti-social elements to the park.

There was no profit-making motive behind the move. But the public opposed the proposal and the department withdrew it. He pointed out that Rs 200 was not a big amount for the walkers and was cheaper than a day’s expense at MTR hotel!

However, identity card are must for the walkers. The issue of ID cards have already begun for walkers who have pay up Rs 50 for the cards. The department would soon begin issuing the cards for walkers of Cubbon Park too. The department would also install scanners at all entry points to check use of fake identity cards. The walkers would be allowed between 5.30 am to 8.30 am.

CCTVs in Cubbon park

The minister said the process to install CCTVs in Cubbon park is on. The department would also install barricades on either side of the roads passing through the park to avoid entry into the park by parking vehicles on the road. Once the entry gates were identified and barricades were installed, entry fee would be fixed for Cubbon Park also, he added