E-cycle initiative in Bengaluru's Lalbagh to be extended after overwhelming response for pilot project
The department had initially procured 15 e-cycles from an organisation called Fetch Mobility. In the first month, between June 12 and 30, a total of 682 visitors took the ride, while in July (from 1 to 28), it rose to 978, indicating an increase in interest. The cycles that run on electric batteries are eco-friendly with zero emissions.
'We have received an overwhelming response to the pilot project, and after the first two months, we have decided to extend it further. We will be procuring 15 more bikes shortly,' said M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Parks and Gardens, Horticulture Department.
Currently, visitors can take a 20-minute ride for ₹50, and the cycles are available near the Double Road Gate, near Siddapura Circle. The department is now planning to provide cycles near the Main Gate and eventually near the West Gate too. Along with the cycles, riders are also given helmets and knee braces.
The project was initiated after observing the success of similar initiatives in countries like Holland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The department plans to eventually introduce the cycles in Cubbon Park too.
'E-bikes have been introduced in Lalbagh to provide greater mobility to people. Lovely way to see plants, trees and enjoy the good weather,' a social media user recently shared on X.
50 trees QR-coded
Another programme, where 50 select trees would be equipped with QR codes to provide detailed information, was also announced on June 5. The officials of the Horticulture Department said that the QR coding of all 50 trees have been completed.
These codes will provide information about the origin, migration, common name, scientific name, and uses of the trees. 'It is a time-intensive job, and we have installed it on 50 trees. Taxonomical officers are on the job, and the codes will eventually be installed on all trees in Lalbagh,' Mr. Jagadeesh said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
Visitors to Bengaluru's Lalbagh can now hop on EV cycles to explore park at own pace
BENGALURU: After a successful two-month pilot, Lalbagh Botanical Garden launched a permanent bicycle and tricycle rental service on Wednesday to allow visitors to explore the entire park at their own pace. The horticulture department, which had initially introduced 10 electric cycles and tricycles in June on the occasion of World Environment Day, extended the trial period to July and expanded the fleet to 15. The department now has 30 electric vehicles - 10 tricycles and 20 bicycles. The service is available at two entry points -- the East Gate (Double Road) and North Gate (main gate). Visitors aged above 18 years can rent a cycle for Rs 100, while those aged between 12 and 18 will be charged Rs 50. Each ride lasts 50 minutes, giving visitors enough time to cover the 240-acre expanse of Lalbagh and also the lesser-visited sections that are usually difficult to cover at once. M Jagadeesh, Joint Director, horticulture department, said these are not conventional cycles. The fleet consists of electric cycles capable of covering up to 40 km on a single charge. To ensure a smooth ride, fully charged backup batteries will be kept ready at all times. Each bike is equipped with a battery indicator, and vehicles will be recharged in advance if needed, he added. Modelled on public cycling systems popular in Germany and Holland, Lalbagh's initiative received an overwhelming response during the trial period and is the first of its kind in any government-run park in India. This will enhance mobility within the garden but also offer a reason for locals and tourists to visit, Jagadeesh added. Guided tour to begin soon The department, which recently launched a guided tour at Cubbon Park, plans to launch this at Lalbagh in August. The 90-minute 'Lalbagh Walks' will cover lesser-known sections of the garden and highlight its ecological richness of the park.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
E-cycle initiative in Bengaluru's Lalbagh to be extended after overwhelming response for pilot project
As many as 1,660 people have taken rides on the e-cycles/scooters provided by the Horticulture Department to explore the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. The initiative, which was announced on June 5, on the occasion of World Environment Day, was launched on June 12. The department had initially procured 15 e-cycles from an organisation called Fetch Mobility. In the first month, between June 12 and 30, a total of 682 visitors took the ride, while in July (from 1 to 28), it rose to 978, indicating an increase in interest. The cycles that run on electric batteries are eco-friendly with zero emissions. 'We have received an overwhelming response to the pilot project, and after the first two months, we have decided to extend it further. We will be procuring 15 more bikes shortly,' said M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Parks and Gardens, Horticulture Department. Currently, visitors can take a 20-minute ride for ₹50, and the cycles are available near the Double Road Gate, near Siddapura Circle. The department is now planning to provide cycles near the Main Gate and eventually near the West Gate too. Along with the cycles, riders are also given helmets and knee braces. The project was initiated after observing the success of similar initiatives in countries like Holland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The department plans to eventually introduce the cycles in Cubbon Park too. 'E-bikes have been introduced in Lalbagh to provide greater mobility to people. Lovely way to see plants, trees and enjoy the good weather,' a social media user recently shared on X. 50 trees QR-coded Another programme, where 50 select trees would be equipped with QR codes to provide detailed information, was also announced on June 5. The officials of the Horticulture Department said that the QR coding of all 50 trees have been completed. These codes will provide information about the origin, migration, common name, scientific name, and uses of the trees. 'It is a time-intensive job, and we have installed it on 50 trees. Taxonomical officers are on the job, and the codes will eventually be installed on all trees in Lalbagh,' Mr. Jagadeesh said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Haryana Chief Minister Highlights Van Mahotsav as Commitment to Environmental Preservation and Green Future; State-Level Van Mahotsav Symbolises Our Commitment to a Green Future: CM Nayab Singh Saini.
Kalesar (Yamunanagar): Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday reaffirmed the state's commitment to environmental sustainability, declaring the Van Mahotsav as a celebration of nature, citizen responsibility, and intergenerational well-being. Speaking at the state-level Van Mahotsav that the forest department had organised in Kalesar, Saini said: "When we plant a tree, we sow the seeds of life and hope." He urged citizens to stay rooted in nature even as rapid modernisation reshapes their lives. Before the main event, the CM visited the historical Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, inaugurated a forest department rest house, and took part in a tree plantation campaign. Record-breaking plantation Saini has announced that Haryana aims to plant 2.1 crore saplings this year under the Centre's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched on World Environment Day. The state has exceeded its phase-I target already by planting more than 1.8 crore trees. The second phase, launched on June 5, aims to add 90 lakh more saplings, along with 1.20 crore under other schemes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Green corridors, eco-tourism Saini also outlined plans to develop the Kalka-Kalesar belt into an eco-tourism hub, calling Kalesar "a treasure trove of biodiversity and a haven for nature lovers". He said the region, known for its trekking trails and rich flora and fauna, was vital to Haryana's sustainable tourism strategy. Wildlife conservation Emphasising on forest and wildlife protection, the CM said the forest department had stepped up patrols and anti-poaching efforts in sensitive zones like Kalesar National Park. Recent sightings of elephant herds, including successful rehabilitation efforts in Bansantor, reflect positive ecological outcomes. The state has also constructed dams in the Shivalik region to store water for wildlife and recharge groundwater. Scheme honours old trees In a unique move, the govt is granting an annual ₹3,000 "pension" under the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme to caretakers of trees over 75 years old. So far, ₹1 crore has been disbursed for the upkeep of 3,800 heritage trees. Since October 2014, more than 18 crore saplings have been planted across Haryana. Their survival and growth are being tracked through drone-based geo-tagging and five-year monitoring protocols. Publications released To mark the occasion, the CM released two forest ddepartment publications — Haryana Forest News and Pran Vayu Devta — aimed at educating the public on conservation efforts and native tree species. Environment and forest minister Rao Narbir Singh called the 'One Tree in Mother's Name' campaign a transformative initiative, while local MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora encouraged citizens to nurture saplings for at least a year. Additional chief secretary Anand Mohan Sharan and principal chief conservator of forests Vineet Kumar Garg were among the local dignitaries in attendance. The Van Mahotsav concluded with a message that sustainable development and ecological stewardship must go hand in hand. MSID:: 122956245 413 |
