Parks, lakes in Bengaluru city to shut early on December 31

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Central and West City Corporations will close parks and lakes in their jurisdiction after 6 pm on December 31.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to prevent untoward incidents during New Year celebrations.

“During New Year celebrations, there is a likelihood of large public gatherings at night. This may lead to untoward incidents and disturbance of public peace. Therefore, as a precautionary measure in the interest of public safety, entry to all parks and lakes under the jurisdiction of the corporation will be temporarily restricted after 6 pm on December 31,” according to a statement issued by the corporations.

The government changed park timings in the city last year, allowing all municipal parks to remain open between 5 am and 10 pm. However, many parks did not follow the order, citing safety concerns.

After the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and five corporations, the Bengaluru South City Corporation announced that parks in its jurisdiction would be open only from 5 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm.