Rs. 10 daily or Rs. 250 monthly pass; effective from Sept. 1

Mysuru: When nature becomes a revenue source. The Forest Department’s decision to introduce an entry fee at Lingambudhi Lake in Ramakrishnanagar from Sept. 1 has drawn sharp criticism from regular walkers and public.

According to a notice put up at the entrance to Lingambudhi Lake on Tuesday, adults can avail themselves of a monthly pass for Rs. 250 or pay a daily fee of Rs. 10. Senior citizens can obtain a monthly pass for Rs. 200 or pay Rs. 10 per day, while the monthly pass for children is Rs. 100 and the daily fee is Rs. 5.

The south-western part of the lake has a water body spread across 22 sq.ft., which is a biodiversity hotspot. Green surroundings of the lake, developed as a park, are a favourite among morning walkers and evening strollers, with several hundred people visiting the area every day. Young sportspersons use walking path for jogging, while senior citizens spend time with their grandchildren in the park.

Lingambudhi Lake is part of an 80-acre forest that has been developed as a Tree Park. The Forest Department is maintaining it with internal resources.

The entry fee has been introduced following a Government order directing the Forest Department to collect entrance fees at Tree Parks. The Department had earlier proposed an entry fee for the lake in 2022, but withdrew the plan following a protest by Lingambudhi City Garden Walkers Association.

History

According to historical records, Maharaja Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar built the lake in 1828 in memory of his wife, Maharani Krishnavilasa Lingarajammanni. The lake was spread over 250 acres.

The water body itself covers about 150 acres, while the reserve forest extends over 100 acres. The historic Mahalingeshwara Temple is also located on the lake premises. A stone mantap stands on the lake bund, which was secured with fencing about 10 years ago.

Signature campaign and protest

Meanwhile, a signature campaign opposing the entry fee at Lingambudhi Lake was held yesterday. Nagesh, President of Lingambudhi Mitrara Balaga, along with senior members Shivakumar, Siddesh, Sridhar and Bharath, T.R. Sunil, District President of All India Democratic Youth Organisation and P.S. Sandhya of Lingambudhi Walkers Association, took part in the campaign and collected hundreds of signatures.

Members of all three organisations will stage a demonstration in front of the park on Aug. 30.