Regular morning walkers, joggers, and yoga enthusiasts in Thiruvananthapuram were met with locked gates and a rude shock on Sunday. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has barred public entry to the popular Kanakakunnu Palace premises, citing ongoing beautification and electrical work for the upcoming Vasantholsavam festival.
Sudden Closure Sparks Public Outcry
The restriction was imposed without any prior public notice, leading to confusion and anger. Over 100 regular visitors, including many elderly citizens and women, arrived at their usual time only to be turned away by security personnel. This sudden move disrupted the routines of several groups that assemble daily for meditation and physical exercise, forcing them to return home.
The decision triggered immediate protests at the site. Walkers described the DTPC's action as arbitrary and insensitive, arguing that the palace grounds are one of the few safe, accessible, and spacious public areas in the city for daily fitness activities.
"A Prevention Centre, Not Promotion"
N N Panicker, a retired scientist and regular walker, voiced the collective frustration. He criticized the council for acting against citizens' rights. "It is nothing but against the right to move. We were informed that it was DTPC's decision. It is not District Tourism Promotion Council; it has become a District Tourism Prevention Centre," Panicker said.
The DTPC has stated that the closure will remain in effect until the conclusion of the Vasantholsavam festival, which begins on Wednesday and ends on January 4. This extended timeline has further upset the fitness community.
Safety Concerns vs. Public Access
Responding to the criticism, DTPC secretary Satheesh Miranda explained that the decision was taken on safety grounds. "A lot of electrical work and installations are going on. It is dangerous if many people walk amidst these. We are discussing the matter with the state government and will come up with a solution soon," he told TOI.
However, this explanation has done little to pacify the affected citizens. They contend that safety measures could have been implemented without a complete shutdown, especially with prior communication.
Compounding the problem is the timing. With school vacations on, the nearby Museum premises are already heavily crowded, leaving regular joggers with no viable alternative space. The situation highlights the critical shortage of dedicated public spaces for exercise and recreation in the heart of the city.
The incident has opened a debate on balancing public utility of urban spaces with the needs of event management and tourism promotion. The walkers are now awaiting the promised solution from the authorities, hoping for a swift resolution that respects their daily routine and right to health.
