Parking still an issue in Lalbagh

The plan of the horticulture department to completely ban entry of private and commercial vehicles inside Lalbagh Botanical Gardens does not seem to be moving ahead.

In January, the horticulture department had assured that entry of all vehicles inside Lalbagh will be stopped, including those belonging to government departments and Lalbagh staffers, in a month and a half.

Though entry of private vehicles is prohibited, those belonging to various government departments continue to move unhindered. Department officials are also not in the mood to leave their vehicles and walk or use battery operated vehicles.

At present there are four, 10-seater, battery operated vehicles ferrying visitors in Lalbagh, spread across 240 acres. They have just one spare vehicle in case of any breakdown or emergency.

Chandrashekhar M R, Deputy Director, Lalbagh said practically imposing a complete ban on vehicles is difficult as they are required to in case of emergency. Besides vehicles are also needed for maintenance works and by security personnel. Staffers also need their vehicle as they have to rush from one spot to the other. However, there is one separate battery operated vehicle for officials and it is sparingly used.

Pertaining to adding more vehicles, he said that not many use them. These are meant for those who are unable to walk like senior citizens, disabled and children. Four are sufficient and currently, there are no plans to add more.

However, citizens do not agree. “Many times we have been told that there is a shortage of vehicles and we are forced to walk. There is a clear shortage of vehicles,” said Vinod K, a regular visitor to Lalbagh.