Lingambudhi Lake Park: Mysore Walkers 'Up in Arms' Over New Entry Fees

Imagine waking up one day to find your cherished local park, a place of solace and community, suddenly slapping you with an entry fee. That's precisely the situation unfolding in Mysuru, where the city's Forest Department has unveiled plans to charge visitors for entry into the beloved Lingambudhi Lake Park. This decision, set to take effect from September 1, 2026, has ignited a firestorm of protest, with local walkers and various community groups vowing to fight it tooth and nail.

For years, this sprawling green lung, encompassing some 80 acres around the beautiful Lingambudhi Lake – a substantial part of which is itself underwater and designated a reserve forest – has been a sanctuary. It’s a spot where morning joggers find their rhythm, where families stroll amidst nature, and senior citizens enjoy a peaceful respite. But here's the rub, isn't it? Soon, access will come at a cost.

The proposed fee structure is quite specific: a daily pass for the general public will be ₹10, or a monthly pass for ₹250. Senior citizens, often the most frequent visitors, face a ₹200 monthly pass, while children will be charged ₹5 per day or ₹100 for a monthly pass. Now, one might ask, why the sudden change? The Forest Department cites a government order that permits the imposition of entry fees at forest parks, alongside a pressing shortage of funds needed for the park's ongoing maintenance.

However, this seemingly logical explanation didn't sit well with the park's regulars. In fact, it sparked outrage. Walkers, united under banners like the Lingambudhi Park Walkers' Committee and the Lingambudhi Mithrara Balaga, alongside the All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO)'s Mysuru district unit, are firm in their stance: parks and lakes are public assets. Their upkeep, they argue, is unequivocally the government's responsibility. Many residents also point out that they already contribute to park maintenance through their property taxes – so why the double dip?

Consequently, the community wasted no time in mobilizing. A signature campaign was swiftly launched on Wednesday, drawing widespread support from indignant citizens. The very next day, a formal memorandum outlining their strong opposition was submitted to Assistant Range Forest Officer Pramod. While Mr. Pramod assured the committee members that he would take up the matter with the Range Forest Officer and relay the department's decision, his verbal assurance wasn't enough to quell the rising tide of discontent.

The walkers' committees are not backing down. They've made it abundantly clear that mere promises won't suffice; they demand a written order officially withdrawing the contentious fee. Until then, their agitation will continue. Looking ahead, a massive demonstration has been planned outside the lake this coming Sunday. This isn't just about ten rupees; it's about principle, about public access, about what defines a community's shared spaces. The stage is set for a significant confrontation between concerned citizens and the authorities, and all eyes are on Lingambudhi Lake Park to see how this unfolds.