Lalbagh Imposes Limited Walking Hours; Food, Pets, Cycling and Group Events Banned, ₹500 Fine for Violations

The Karnataka government has extended strict visitor restrictions to Lalbagh Botanical Garden, mirroring the measures recently enforced at Sri Chamarajendra Park (Cubbon Park). The horticulture department announced that anyone violating these rules will face a ₹500 penalty. Authorities emphasised that unlike regular parks, Lalbagh is a specialised botanical garden focused on preserving rare plant species, germplasm collections and floral diversity-hence the need for tighter regulations.

Limited Walking Hours; No Cycling or Skating

While many Bengalureans and environmental groups have been asking for more visitor-friendly facilities, the government has clearly prioritised conservation. The garden will continue to allow walking and jogging only during fixed timings:

5.30 am to 9 am

4.30 pm to 7 pm

Activities like cycling, skating, marathons, walkathons or group workouts, which are allowed at Cubbon Park, remain prohibited inside Lalbagh.

What's Banned at Lalbagh

The list of prohibited activities has been expanded, and violations will attract fines. Activities not allowed include:

Use of single-use plastic

Mobile hawking, sales, banners or hoardings

Smoking, drinking or drug use

Indecent behaviour in any form

Group yoga sessions

Climbing trees, breaking branches, plucking flowers or fruits

Feeding birds or fish

Pets inside the garden

Bringing outside food, toys, balloons or play items

Cycling, skating, marathons or walkathons by individuals or organisations

Carrying explosives, weapons or any government-banned items

Officials clarified that these rules are necessary to protect the fragile ecological balance and prevent damage to rare and endangered plants housed in Lalbagh.

What's Allowed With Permission

• Some activities remain permitted, but only with prior approval from the horticulture department:
• Flower shows, exhibitions and fairs
• Technical programmes for farmers
• Government department awareness programmes
• Environmental awareness events, after clearance
• Photography of plants, wildlife or landscapes, if approved
• Cultural programmes at the Band Stand, with permission
• Health check-up camps conducted by recognised organisations

Tourists and casual visitors may take normal still photographs without special permission.
However, TV serial shoots, film shoots and pre-wedding or post-wedding photoshoots are strictly banned inside Lalbagh.

The use of firecrackers, sound systems, musical instruments, kites and any non-government public event is also restricted.

Why These Rules Matter

Officials reiterated that the decision is aimed at preserving Lalbagh's botanical importance, not curbing public access. Unlike neighbourhood parks, Lalbagh hosts centuries-old trees, rare exotic species, and scientifically maintained plant collections, making unrestricted recreational activity risky.

By tightening regulations, the government hopes to ensure that this historic garden continues to function as a living biodiversity repository while allowing controlled public access.