Forest Dept. introduces entry fee to Lingambudhi Lake Park; Walkers up in arms
Residents and park walkers in Mysuru are protesting a new entry fee imposed by the Forest Department for Lingambudhi Lake Park. The protesters argue that the park is a public asset maintained by tax funds and have submitted a memorandum demanding the withdrawal of the fee.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the tension between government efforts to fund public infrastructure through user fees and the public's expectation of free access to community green spaces.
The Forest Department’s decision to introduce an entry fee for Lingambudhi Lake Park has riled walkers, who have called for a massive demonstration outside the lake on Sunday.
The walkers, under the Lingambudhi Park Walkers’ Committee, carried out a signature campaign on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum to Assistant Range Forest Officer Pramod on Thursday, urging the department to withdraw its proposal.
Lingambudhi Lake, one of the largest in the city, has a major portion under water, while the surrounding area has been declared a reserve forest. A note pasted outside the park by the department said about 80 acres of forest land around the lake had been developed as a park, maintained so far using departmental funds. Citing a government order permitting entry fees at forest parks, and a shortage of funds, the note said maintaining the park had become difficult.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in