Lingambudhi Lake Park Fees Spark Outrage: Mysuru Walkers Vow to Fight "Daylight Robbery"

It seems trouble is brewing in Mysuru's tranquil Lingambudhi Lake Park. A place cherished by locals for their daily strolls, it's now at the heart of a heated controversy. The Forest Department recently announced an entry fee, set to kick in come September 1st, 2026, and frankly, the move has not gone down well with the community. Walkers, who consider the park a vital public amenity, are absolutely furious, labeling the new charge as nothing short of "daylight robbery."

Let's talk specifics for a moment. Starting September, accessing this green oasis will cost you. General visitors are looking at ₹10 for a single day pass or a ₹250 monthly pass. For our esteemed senior citizens, it's a slightly reduced ₹200 for a month, and even the little ones aren't spared, with children expected to pay ₹5 daily or ₹100 monthly. One can certainly see why this has ruffled so many feathers.

The opposition, you see, is immediate and fierce. Groups like the Lingambudhi Park Walkers' Committee and the Lingambudhi Mithrara Balaga, along with the All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO), are leading the charge. Their core argument is quite simple and powerful: public parks, much like lakes, are common assets. They belong to everyone. The maintenance, they contend, should be funded through general taxation – think property taxes, for instance – not by directly charging citizens for the basic right to enjoy a green space. "This isn't just an inconvenience," one exasperated walker might say, "it's an outright betrayal of public trust!" They are, without hesitation, demanding that this proposal be withdrawn, and pronto.

On the flip side, the Forest Department has its own narrative. According to Assistant Range Forest Officer Pramod, approximately 80 acres of land surrounding the lake have been painstakingly developed into this lovely park. Up until now, its upkeep has been entirely shouldered by departmental funds. Pramod also points to a government order that apparently gives them the green light to collect entry fees at such forest parks. The crux of their argument, it seems, boils down to a practical issue: a shortage of funds. Maintaining such a vast and beautiful space isn't cheap, and they say they're struggling to keep up.

But the walkers aren't buying it. Not one bit. The situation escalated rapidly. Just this past Wednesday, the Lingambudhi Park Walkers' Committee kicked off a signature campaign, gathering widespread support against the fee. The very next day, they submitted a formal memorandum to A.R.F.O. Pramod, articulating their firm opposition. And if their voices aren't heard, they're ready to make a much louder statement: a massive demonstration is planned right outside the lake this coming Sunday, leaving no doubt about their resolve.

When confronted with this considerable backlash, Pramod did acknowledge the opposition. He reiterated that the department typically collects fees at all parks it maintains, and Lingambudhi was simply being brought into line. However, he also mentioned he would take up the matter with the Range Forest Officer and relay the department's decision regarding a possible withdrawal of the fee. But here's the kicker: the walkers aren't ready to back down based on a verbal assurance. Oh no. They've made it crystal clear they won't call off their agitation unless the order is officially rescinded and, crucially, a written order confirming its withdrawal is issued. They want it in black and white, and nothing less will do.

So, as September 1st looms, the air around Lingambudhi Lake Park is thick with tension. What was once a serene escape has become a battleground over accessibility and public ownership. The ball, it seems, is now firmly in the Forest Department's court, but the determined walkers of Mysuru are certainly not prepared to pay for peace of mind.