The Forest Department's move to charge entry fees at Lingambudhi Lake Park has triggered intense backlash from local walkers, who are planning a major protest this Sunday.
- The Forest Department has proposed an entry fee for Lingambudhi Lake Park.
- Local walkers have labeled the move as 'daylight robbery' and submitted a memorandum.
- New rates include ₹10 daily for adults and ₹5 for children.
- A massive demonstration is planned for this coming Sunday.
A wave of resentment has swept through the residents of Mysuru following the Forest Department's decision to introduce an entry fee at the Lingambudhi Lake Park. Local walkers, organized under the Lingambudhi Park Walkers’ Committee, have expressed deep dissatisfaction, demanding an immediate withdrawal of the proposal. On Thursday, representatives submitted a formal memorandum to Assistant Range Forest Officer Pramod, signaling a growing conflict between the administration and the public.
Details of the Proposed Fee Structure
According to the notice displayed at the park, the new fee regime is set to take effect from September 1, 2026. The proposed charges include ₹10 per day and a ₹250 monthly pass for the general public, with a reduced monthly rate of ₹200 for senior citizens. Children will be charged ₹5 per day or ₹100 for a monthly pass. The department cited a shortage of funds and a government order permitting fees at forest parks as the primary reasons for this change.
The Public's Standpoint
In a joint statement, the Walkers’ Committee, Lingambudhi Mithrara Balaga, and the Mysuru unit of the All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO) argued that parks and lakes are public assets. They emphasized that citizens already contribute to the maintenance of public infrastructure through their property taxes. "Is imposing another fee on everyone, including senior citizens and children, not daylight robbery?" the committee questioned in their official memorandum.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this tension highlights a critical debate regarding the management of urban green spaces. As municipalities face budget constraints, the shift toward user-pay models for public amenities often clashes with the democratic principle that essential public services should be funded through general taxation rather than direct user fees.
Public spaces should be accessible to all, not a source of revenue generation through additional taxation.
Historical and Environmental Context
Lingambudhi Lake is one of the largest water bodies in the city, with much of its surrounding area designated as a Reserve Forest. Approximately 80 acres of this forest land have been developed into a park. While the department has historically maintained the area using its own funds, the current financial strain has forced them to seek alternative revenue streams via entry fees.
| Category | Daily Fee (₹) | Monthly Pass (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| General Public | 10 | 250 |
| Senior Citizens | - | 200 |
| Children | 5 | 100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: When will the new fees be implemented?
Answer: The fees are scheduled to be implemented starting September 1, 2026.
Question 2: Why is the Forest Department introducing these fees?
Answer: The department cites a shortage of funds and government orders allowing fees at forest-managed parks.
