Come December and those visiting the Lalbagh Botanical Garden will have to shell out more for the entry ticket.
This because the horticulture department has decided to levy GST on entry and parking tickets, and the officials say that it is a government order.
Chandrashekhar M R, Deputy Director, Lalbagh, told DH that the government has also agreed to this.
An 18% GST in total will be levied (this includes that from the Centre and state). With this, the ticket prices for the entry and the vehicle parking will be increased.
The entry ticket for those above 12 years of age will increase from Rs 20 to Rs 25, while the tickets will be free for children. The rates for parking across all sections will also increase by Rs 5.
Earlier, the department had hiked the rates during the Independence Day flower show as it had levied the GST.
“Now, as we have no other option, this decision has been taken. Fresh tenders of the contractors have been called. The old contract ends in October. So it has been decided to increase the rates from the end of November,” Chandrashekar said.
The department has not yet taken any decision regarding Cubbon Park and Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain.