Park is a visual treat, parking space is still a virtual labyrinth

With a host of programmes scheduled at Lalbagh ahead of Republic Day, the venue is attracting a large influx of visitors.

The botanical garden saw a rush of visitors during the weekend. However, entering the premises proved a challenge as there were no proper parking arrangements in place.

On Sunday, it was chaos. People were compelled to wait outside the gates for a long time to be let inside the parking place. The visitors went around looking for parking space at all the gates. Only a very few visitors knew there was no parking facility at the main gate.

According to a constable regulating traffic near the Siddapur Gate, all arrangements were in place for parking vehicles this time and there was no confusion. However, when asked which gate was marked for two-wheelers and which one for four-wheelers, he had no idea. At the West Gate, the guards directed towards Siddapur Gate. At Siddapur Gate, visitors were directed to the Double Road Gate. Many people were seen going back in frustration.

Saturday was no different. Despite a sea of people visiting Lalbagh, the parking arrangements were poor. Visitors were in for a rude shock as an official lost his temper and began yelling at those who approached him for guidance. Guards were pulled up by police officials, who, in turn, were pulled up by Lalbagh officials. These officials themselves seemed to have no clue how to handle the influx of visitors. An open ground next to Siddapur Gate was turned into a parking place. However, there was not a single person manning the parking facility. Many felt this ground was more than sufficient, if only the arrangements were in place.

Prabhu, an employee of a private firm, said he had to go around Lalbagh for parking space. “When I came to the ground next to Siddapur Gate, there was hardly any space to park my vehicle. I managed to squeeze it in after re-arranging a couple of vehicles myself.” Aravind, a civil engineer, had a similar experience. “This is the worse arrangement I have seen in all these years. This ground is huge. If they put up boards and appoint a few people to monitor the parking, there will no hassle,” he told Deccan Herald.

When a few of the visitors approached volunteers collecting parking fee for help to rearrange haphazardly parked vehicles, they said: “It is not the volunteers’ responsibility.

Ask the police.” The police, on the other hand, were not ready to help. A decked up Lalbagh awaits inside. But only if you can find parking space and still have energy to walk inside.

Entry fees for flower fest

                                    Jan 22, 26, 29                 Other days

Adults                          Rs     40                             Rs     30
Children (Below 12)     Rs    10                              Rs     10
Car with 1 person        Rs     60                             Rs     50
Car with 2 persons      Rs     100                           Rs     80
Car with 3 persons      Rs     140                           Rs     110
Car with 4 persons      Rs     180                           Rs     140
Tempo                          Rs     480                           Rs     380

*  Republic Day flower show on till Jan 29 (8 am to 6 pm).
*  Tickets will not be sold after 5 pm.
*  Numbers to call for information or during emergency: 080 - 2657 1925/080 - 2657 5141.
*  Entry free for schoolchildren in uniform on January 26 (entire day) and January 27 (8 am to 12 pm).