In a significant policy reversal, the Bengaluru South city corporation has decided to roll back the extended operating hours for neighbourhood parks, citing issues of misuse and anti-social activities during periods of low public presence.
Timings Revert to Pre-Extension Schedule
Through a circular issued on Friday, the civic body has officially withdrawn the longer access window. Parks will now be open only from 5 am to 11 am and again from 4 pm to 8 pm. This marks a return to the schedule that was in place before June 2024, when the government had announced extended timings from 5 am to 10 pm across Bengaluru to enhance public access.
The initial extension was a response to public demand, aimed at benefiting walkers, fitness enthusiasts, and families who sought more flexible hours. However, officials stated that sparse footfall, particularly during late evenings, led to opportunities for unauthorized and "immoral" activities, causing discomfort to residents living nearby.
Official Rationale and Manpower Challenges
A senior official from the South city corporation explained the decision. "With fewer visitors during extended hours, parks were being misused, prompting the commissioner to withdraw the extended timings order," they said. The official highlighted that limited manpower and inadequate monitoring made it difficult to prevent such activities, adding that many local residents have welcomed the move after witnessing problematic incidents firsthand.
The revised schedule is intended to restore order and ensure public safety. Authorities have indicated that the decision may be reviewed later based on public feedback.
Mixed Reactions from Bengaluru Residents
The rollback has sparked divided opinions among citizens. KS Bhat, managing trustee of the Sarakki Lake Area Improvement Trust in JP Nagar, supported the corporation's move. He pointed to severe manpower constraints, noting that in large parks, monitoring activity all day with just three or four personnel is extremely difficult. "We often find liquor bottles strewn around inside by morning," Bhat stated.
Conversely, some senior citizens expressed their disappointment. Kesari Prasad, a resident of JP Nagar 6th Phase, called the reversal a setback. "Extended hours allowed seniors to spend more peaceful time in parks. Reverting to the old schedule limits access and affects our daily routine," Prasad said.
The policy change currently applies only to parks under the Bengaluru South city corporation's jurisdiction. Officials from the North, East, and West corporations confirmed they have not received any orders to alter park timings and have not recorded significant complaints of misuse so far, maintaining that their enforcement and security arrangements are adequate.
The Central city corporation, however, is deliberating the issue. A spokesperson mentioned receiving a few complaints about liquor consumption and bottles being strewn around inside parks, confirming that the matter is under consideration.
The original extension in June 2024 was part of a city-wide initiative covering over 1,200 neighbourhood parks under the BBMP, now the Greater Bengaluru Authority. Major parks like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh, managed separately by the horticulture department, continue to operate under their own schedules.
