Certain portion of the Krishnagiri Upvan will be converted into a parking lot due to absence of open space inside the national park
The plan to operate eco-friendly electric buses to ferry tourists visiting the Sanjay Gandhi National Park may soon see the light of the day, but at the cost of Krishnagiri Upvan inside the park. A certain portion of the garden is likely to be converted into a parking lot for these buses.
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Built at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, the garden hosts numerous species of trees and flowering plants. Pics/Nimesh Dave
Construction of the parking lot will start once the SGNP officials receive permission from the higher authorities. A Forest Department (FD) official, requesting anonymity, said, “Talks are on with the MTDC to operate electric bus services at SGNP.
However, the lack of parking space has delayed the project’s execution. Since there is no other vacant space, a portion of the garden will be converted into a parking lot.” The electric bus services will start post-July and the MTDC would be responsible for maintaining the buses and collecting fare.
The buses will be operated between from SGNP main gate up to Kanheri caves. The fare for these buses is yet to be decided. Also known as Krishnagiri Udyan, the garden is located on the left hand side at the entrance of the national park.
The garden was developed over a year ago and was inaugurated by the then Forest Minister Patangrao Kadam. The minister had heaped praises on the SGNP authorities for their efforts and the landscaping work at the garden.
Following its inauguration, the garden became a hotspot for the morning and evening walkers. Built at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, the garden hosts different species of trees and flowering plants, and is a hit among butterfly lovers.