No private walking tours in Cubbon Park: Horticulture Dept.
For years now, many private groups organised guided walks, including heritage walks, at the park. A recent government order specified the dos and don'ts of Cubbon Park that in order to conduct any activities that involve more than 20 people, prior permission should be taken. Authorities have now said that private walking tours inside the park will not be allowed for the time being.
'I received a call three days ago from the officials of the Horticulture Department asking me to cancel the heritage walk that was organised at the park during the weekend. They asked me to refund the money to those who had made the bookings and that I did not have permission to conduct the walk. I was also told to take down all the social media posts and blogs related to the heritage walks,' said Raksha Nagaraj, founder of Bengaluru Prayana.
We did not want to discourage the public from creating awareness about the history and flora and fauna of the Cubbon Park, however it should not be organised in the form of commercial programmes, the officials said.
'The rules clearly say that prior permission should be taken before conducting commercial activities inside the park. Now even if private parties approach us to organise walks or other activities, we will not give them permission as we have to hold some discussions regarding this with our higher authorities and the Cubbon Park Conservation Committee,' said G. Kusuma, deputy director, Cubbon Park, Horticulture Department.
Ms. Kusuma said, 'We have no objections, if someone wants to do it for free. If the same people who are conducting private tours want to be integrated with our tours as guides, then we will see how we can accommodate that too. But we do not want people to make money using the name of Cubbon Park. This is not just for walking tours, we are not permitting any commercial activities in Cubbon Park, including yoga and meditation.'
The organisers of the private walking tour opined that not permitting other groups to conduct tours in the public park results in a monopoly like set up, especially since Cubbon Walks, organised by the Department, also charges ₹200.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
No private walking tours in Cubbon Park: Horticulture Dept.
After beginning its guided walking tour, Cubbon Walks, a week ago, the Horticulture Department has now halted private walking tours inside the Cubbon Park. For years now, many private groups organised guided walks, including heritage walks, at the park. A recent government order specified the dos and don'ts of Cubbon Park that in order to conduct any activities that involve more than 20 people, prior permission should be taken. Authorities have now said that private walking tours inside the park will not be allowed for the time being. 'I received a call three days ago from the officials of the Horticulture Department asking me to cancel the heritage walk that was organised at the park during the weekend. They asked me to refund the money to those who had made the bookings and that I did not have permission to conduct the walk. I was also told to take down all the social media posts and blogs related to the heritage walks,' said Raksha Nagaraj, founder of Bengaluru Prayana. We did not want to discourage the public from creating awareness about the history and flora and fauna of the Cubbon Park, however it should not be organised in the form of commercial programmes, the officials said. 'The rules clearly say that prior permission should be taken before conducting commercial activities inside the park. Now even if private parties approach us to organise walks or other activities, we will not give them permission as we have to hold some discussions regarding this with our higher authorities and the Cubbon Park Conservation Committee,' said G. Kusuma, deputy director, Cubbon Park, Horticulture Department. Ms. Kusuma said, 'We have no objections, if someone wants to do it for free. If the same people who are conducting private tours want to be integrated with our tours as guides, then we will see how we can accommodate that too. But we do not want people to make money using the name of Cubbon Park. This is not just for walking tours, we are not permitting any commercial activities in Cubbon Park, including yoga and meditation.' The organisers of the private walking tour opined that not permitting other groups to conduct tours in the public park results in a monopoly like set up, especially since Cubbon Walks, organised by the Department, also charges ₹200.
Hans India
28-07-2025
- Hans India
Karnataka records surge in power generation
Bengaluru: Karnataka has witnessed a significant 16.89% rise in power generation compared to the same period last year, reflecting the state's steady march towards energy self-sufficiency. With an average daily increase of 1,600 megawatt (MW) in power generation, the state is now producing surplus electricity and selling it to other states. In 2024, Karnataka had faced a severe power crisis. However, thanks to a strategic focus on both conventional and renewable energy sources, the state has now overcome the shortage. Factors such as expansion of agricultural lands, growing urbanisation, increased use of air conditioning and household appliances, and industrialisation have driven electricity demand, which the state is meeting through alternative energy sources. Last July, Karnataka generated an average of 226.25 million units (MU) per day (equivalent to 9,427 MW). This year, that number has increased to 264.25 MU per day (11,020 MW) — a growth of 38 MU or 1,593 MW. Good monsoon rainfall has led to higher inflow into reservoirs, ensuring uninterrupted power generation from hydropower plants. In July last year, hydroelectric stations produced an average of 58.17 MU per day. This year, the number has increased to 68 MU per day. Karnataka's performance in wind energy is not just commendable at the national level but also on a global scale. The state's installed wind energy capacity now exceeds that of countries like South Africa, Portugal, and New Zealand, and is close to the capacities of Sweden and Australia. Karnataka currently holds the top spot in wind power generation in India, producing 1,331.48 MW. Tamil Nadu is in second place with 1,136.37 MW, followed by Gujarat with 954.74 MW. Last year, Gujarat led the chart, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This year, Karnataka has surpassed both states to claim the first position. Despite exceeding expectations in wind power generation, Karnataka lacks adequate storage facilities. The state's current daily electricity demand stands at 264 MU, which is being met through a mix of sources — including allocations from Central Generating Stations (CGS) and renewable sources like solar and wind. To optimise supply, production at the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) has been temporarily halted. Thermal plants like Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS) and Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS) are currently generating 26.89 MU and 13.10 MU respectively, based on daily demand. Additionally, schemes like PM-KUSUM A, B, and C have provided great relief to farmers by helping solve electricity problems while offering financial savings and new income streams. With production exceeding demand, Karnataka is setting an example for other Indian states in the energy sector. Compared to last year, power generation has grown by nearly 1,600 MW, and the state has set an ambitious goal of reaching 60,000 MW of power generation capacity by the year 2030, according to Energy Minister K.J. George.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Hans India
Oil Palm Cultivation Promoted as a Path to Prosperity: Officials Highlight Benefits and Government Support in Beechupalli Training Program
Gadwal: An awareness and training program on oil palm cultivation was conducted at the TG Oilfed Nursery premises in Beechupalli, under the supervision of the Horticulture Department in collaboration with TG Oilfed. The program targeted field-level officials from the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments, including Assistant Project Officers, Engineering Consultants, Technical Assistants, Assistants, and Panchayat Secretaries. The session was organized with the goal of ensuring interdepartmental coordination to achieve the district's ambitious oil palm cultivation target. The event saw the participation of District Horticulture Officer M.A. Akbar and TG Oilfed District In-charge Nagireddy as chief guests. District's Oil Palm Target for FY 2025–26: 3,500 Acres Speaking on the occasion, District Horticulture Officer M.A. Akbar and Divisional Horticulture Officer Rajashekar stated that the government has set a target of 3,500 acres for oil palm cultivation in Jogulamba Gadwal district during the 2025–26 financial year. To meet this target, coordinated efforts are being undertaken between the Horticulture Department, TG Oilfed, and the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments. Key Benefits of Oil Palm Cultivation: The officers elaborated on the numerous advantages of oil palm farming for local farmers: Long-Term Income: Once planted, oil palm trees provide stable income for up to 30 years. Low Risk: The crop is resistant to pests and unaffected by unseasonal rains or hailstorms. Intercropping Opportunities: Farmers can grow intercrops to earn additional income. Price Assurance: Under the 1993 Oil Palm Act, companies are mandated to buy oil palm fruit at a pre-determined monthly price, ensuring farmers are protected from market fluctuations. Affordable Saplings: The government provides high-quality oil palm saplings at just ₹20. Drip Irrigation Subsidy: 100% subsidy for SC/ST farmers, 90% for small and marginal farmers, and 80% for large farmers. Annual Financial Support: ₹2,100 per acre for crop management ₹2,100 for intercropping Total of ₹4,200 per acre per year Over four years, farmers receive a total subsidy of ₹16,800 directly credited to their accounts. Additionally, there are no marketing issues, as companies purchase the produce regularly, ensuring a seamless selling process. Officials Urge Mass Adoption Field-level officials were encouraged to spread awareness among farmers and promote large-scale adoption of oil palm cultivation. Given its income potential, minimal risks, and strong government support, officials urged farmers to take up oil palm cultivation in a big way to secure a golden future for themselves and the agricultural economy. This initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable agriculture and economic stability for farmers in the region.
