Entry fee to Brindavan Gardens at Mandya's KRS dam hiked again from June 1

Mandya: The entry fee to Brindavan Gardens at Krishanaraja Sagar (KRS) dam in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district has been hiked from June 1, much to the displeasure of tourists.

Brindavan Gardens is one of the important tourist destinations in Mandya district that attracts thousands of visitors every day and manifolds during the weekends and holidays.

The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam (CNN) had increased the entry fee to the Brindavan Gardens, vehicle parking and toll on the Brindavan Main Road from May 1. As it was almost doubled, it drew flak from the public and also triggered protests by the Raitha Sangha and other organisations. Following this, the authorities had revoked the hike.

However, after a month, the entrance fee has been hiked again. The entrance fee for tourists above six years has been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 100, and below six years from Rs 10 to Rs 50.

Similarly, the parking fee has been increased from Rs 10 to Rs 20 for two-wheelers, Rs 50 to Rs 100 for cars and jeep, Rs 70 to Rs 100 for tempo travellers and mini bus and from Rs 100 to Rs 200 for buses.

Despite allegations by the farmers’ associations that the toll has been collected illegally at Brindavan flyover, the toll fee is being collected again. The toll fee for cars and jeeps has been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 100. According to CNN Superintendent Engineer Raghuram, “There has been no order from the CNN on reducing the entrance and parking fee. Hence, the rates have been hiked as per the new tender rules. The hike in rates is inevitable to cover the salaries of workers maintaining the Brindavan Gardens and electricity power charges.”

According to an official, “The tariff was last revised in 2019. Hence, the hike was proposed and was approved at a meeting of CNN Board, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The hike, which was supposed to be implemented on May 1, was put on hold temporarily, as it sparked a debate and received opposition from the public and farmers organisations. Now, it has been hiked again.”