If gatherings include more than 20 people, then organisers should get permission from the Deputy Director of Cubbon Park, according to the new order.
| Photo Credit: File Photo

After multiple deliberations about what is allowed and what is not inside one of Bengaluru’s biggest lung spaces, Cubbon Park, the State government recently passed an order with a specific list of do’s and don’ts to be followed inside the park. From a cap on the number of people who can gather for an event to a ban on consumption of food and certain toys, the guidelines have covered several aspects.

The Order gives the green signal for events like walkathons/marathons, public awareness programmes by government departments, health camps set up by recognised charitable trusts and walking inside the park between 5.30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

When it comes to hobby readers, writers or artists, the order specifies that not more than 20 readers or writers can gather at once. It also suggests that a 15-acre area from the gazebo near the BSNL side entrance of the park, through the canal bridge up to the parking area adjacent to the High Court building, can be designated for visitors to enjoy non-commercial activities such as reading, painting, yoga, meditation and other get togethers. “If these gatherings include more than 20 people, then the organisers should get permission from the Deputy Director of Cubbon Park,” the Order says. 

Photos fine, but no shoots or reels 

In 2023, when the Horticulture Department had said that photography was not involved inside the park, it had received a lot of backlash. Now, it has been made clear that visitors and tourists can use phones or cameras and take photographs, but pre/post wedding shoots, baby photo shoots, modelling shoots or shooting for reels or other commercial videos are prohibited. 

Photography enthusiasts who would like to do nature, plant or wildlife photography inside the park can also get permission from the Horticulture Department and carry on with their shoots. 

While permitting activities like cycling and skating, the government has specified that classes/training for the same cannot be held in the park. It has also banned playing inside the park with balloons, kites and frisbees which often pose a threat to the ecosystem. To the disappointment of visitors, the order reiterates the earlier rule banning food consumption inside the park to prevent littering, which remains to be a huge problem for now. 

Implementation is key 

While regular visitors say that they are in support of the regulations, it is important that the Horticulture Department takes steps to implement them. The Department has said that a fine of ₹500 will be imposed on those who violate the guidelines and strict legal action will be taken against repeat offenders. 

“While levying penalty is on one side, the Horticulture Department should first use more signages inside the Park to create awareness among people about designated areas and rules. They should also increase the number of security staff to ensure that the rules are not being violated. In a city already facing a severe crunch of public spaces, these guidelines will help to see that the people get a space like that, while also not misusing it,” said Sunitha Kumar, a member of the Cubbon Park Conservation Committee. 

“The guidelines are to ensure that the activities of conservation of the lung spaces are not hindered. We are also expecting similar guidelines for Lalbagh in about two weeks,” said M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Parks and Gardens, Horticulture Department.