’Keep it free’

Citizens oppose govt decision to cut off Cubbon Park, Lalbagh to those who don't buy Rs 200 identity cards

'Keep it free'

Citizens oppose govt decision to cut off Cubbon Park, Lalbagh to those who don't buy Rs 200 identity cards

NGOs and students assembled with placards yesterday evening at Queens Statue, Cubbon Park to oppose the state government's decision to make ID cards priced at Rs 200 per annum mandatory for those who want to enter Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.

Smriti Mariam, a law student and volunteer with Environment Support Group, said, "When the British were here, we need identity cards to enter the park. It feels like we are heading back to the days of the Raj."

Haridas Menon, who uses the park for the daily walk, said, "A park is a recreational place. It belongs to all of us.
If there are security problems, the police need to do their jobs properly and allow us to live in peace."

Vinay Sreenivasa, from the NGO Hasiru Usiru said, "We already pay taxes to the government. That should be enough for them to look after the park and its security. According to the public trust doctrine adopted by the Supreme Court, the public should have unrestricted access to parks."

Where do poor go?

Gangadhar, a member of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti said that the ID would force many occasional visitors to Bengaluru and the poor to sit on the roads. "People from different places visiting Bangaluru come to rest here. This ID card business will push them on the roads. Moreover, with pollution everywhere, the park is one place where all citizens come to breathe some fresh air. Let us keep it that way," he said.

N Jayaram, director, department of horticulture, refused to comment on the issue.

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