Ooty: Tourists have a free run while locals gasp for public space

As per a notification by the Tamil Nadu horticulture department, walkers have to apply for an annual/monthly pass to access the sprawling grounds of the Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden.

Gowri R, a resident, told The Federal, "As local residents, I think it's our right to walk freely inside the Botanical Gardens. Otherwise, most of us are forced to walk through chaotic roads and crowded pavements." Further, she pointed out that it's not about having to pay a certain amount of money to enter the gardens, but it is a question of "all about our rights".

"For decades, we have been walking in the gardens. We have no idea why they have come up with such a move," said Gowri, who has been a regular walker in the gardens for many years.

To her, this move is also baffling since big cities are opening up their parks to encourage walking. "But, in a small town like Ooty, officials are trying to prevent us from pursuing walking," she added. "Earlier, we would walk on the HAPD grounds, and later that too was stopped. So, the Botanical Garden was the only option. We were a close-knit group, comprising mostly senior citizens, who used to walk and strike conversations. We have taken up the issue with officials," she added.

These gardens are a walker's delight as the extensive footpaths are ideal to walk on without any hindrance, say residents.

Residents launch online petition

With no response coming from officials, angry residents have now started an online petition demanding that the Tamil Nadu Department of Agriculture immediately suspend its plans to impose a fee on morning walkers.

“The Ooty Botanical Garden is not simply a pleasant amenity or tourist attraction, but serves as a foundation to the social, economic, environmental, and mental health of our community," read the petition. It added that free access to the Botanical Gardens can fundamentally and positively impact citizens' quality of life. Just like transport and sewage systems, public parks are also “essential public services” and the public cannot be denied access to them, it further said.

Residents are also unhappy with the newly-imposed timing restrictions. Walkers have to leave the garden by 7.30 am to make way for tourists.

"Ooty has become unlivable," rued Shobana Chandrashekar, founder of the Make Ooty Beautiful (MOB) Project.

“It’s really, really sad. Everything in Ooty has become tourist-oriented, while locals and residents have been taken for a ride. We don’t have public spaces anymore. Imagine...we don’t have a place to even walk. Every project being conceived or developed aims at wooing more tourists. Entry to locals (and tourists) was free till the 1980s at the Botanical Gardens, and later they started charging. Now, they are asking locals to pay up for their morning walks,” said Shobana, who is a “proud fifth-generation Ooty-ite”.

Udhagamandalam MLA responds

Udhagamandalam MLA R Ganesh said he is taking up the issue "with utmost seriousness".

"Yes, many residents have brought up the issue with me, and I understand their emotions. Horticulture officials say some people pluck flowers during their morning walks. I have already spoken to the minister concerned and I am waiting for his reply. I hope the issue gets resolved soon," said Ganesh.