A hike in ticket rates at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), which was to come into force on May 1, has been put on hold after citizens expressed outrage, calling the proposed new prices irrational. As per the revised rates, a yearly morning walker’s pass for an adult or child costing Rs 383 at present would be priced at Rs 10,000 — a 2511 per cent increase.
The move was postponed following a memorandum dated April 30 (Thursday) from the office of the conservator of forests and director, SGNP.
Fitness enthusiasts break a sweat at Sanjay Gandhi National Park early on Friday morning. Pic/Nimesh Dave
“Due to administrative and technical reasons, the said rate hike is being postponed. Also, the revised rates for tourist services will be fixed soon. Until the revised rates are fixed, tourist services should be charged at the previously approved rates,” the letter stated.
A prior memorandum dated April 21 from the same authority had announced the park’s steepest-ever ticket price increase this month, along with an all-in-one digital ticketing system to reduce wait times at counters.
A forest official stated on Friday that further clarity could be expected by the end of May.
Kiran Patil, deputy director (south), SGNP, told mid-day. “The decision to revise the prices is on hold as of now. Under the digital ticketing system, we will be launching a WhatsApp chatbot within the next 10 days.
Rs 383
Current annual pass cost
2500
Approx No. of annual morning walker passes issued by SGNP in a year
Walkers’ voices
Purvi Kamlesh Mistry 45, Borivli resident
‘SGNP has played a major role in my fitness journey. I’ve been visiting it every morning for a decade. We regulars can recognise every tree in the walking area. We appreciate the park officials for the good development work they have done, but we also know how often they have burned money on unnecessary projects. Many of the basic facilities here are taken care of by CSR funds, so how can they even think of charging such exorbitant prices? Some rate revision is acceptable, but the proposal was irrational’
Sanjay Raut, marathoner
‘Such a drastic change is unjust towards morning walkers. Do they want that less and less public should have long-term association with the park? The decision to increase the cost of passes so exorbitantly is irrational. Morning pass holders just use the washrooms and drinking water, which are mostly dealt with by CSR funds. Charging for services like the mini train and buses is understandable, as capital has to be recovered and maintenance is required, but there are no expenses specific to morning walkers’
Bharat Upadhyay (57), morning walker
‘I have been a regular at the SGNP along with my wife, Raksha, for two decades. Runners and athletes across Mumbai come here. We are a tight-knit community. We care for the park deeply. The proposed move is illogical and is borders on harassment. It feels like the park authorities want to deter citizens from accessing the park. Many, including my kids, come here for occasional morning walks and runs. I doubt anyone will come here if the cost of a pass is increased by 2500 per cent’
* This article was originally published here
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