BENGALURU: Five acres of the approximately 240 acres Lalbagh botanical garden, has been reserved for parking for decades now. In an attempt to automate the system of visitors parking their cars, cycles, two-wheelers and buses, the horticulture department is implementing a smart parking system.
Joint Director of Horticulture and Parks Department, Jagadeesh says, “We are first working on developing the existing five-acre parking space by replacing tar with cobblestones. We will add curbs that mark individual compartments, walkways for pedestrians and better lighting. After this is done, we will implement a systematic parking system similar to what we see in malls. A digital ticket is produced and without the help of any guards or local staff, visitors can locate their respective compartments and park their vehicles. Based on the time spent there, they will pay before exiting,” Jagadeesh adds.
Around Rs.70 to 75 lakh will be spent on the initiative. The physical development will take a one-and-a-half month, while the smart parking system will take three months to be implemented.
As for the benefits, the director says, "Previously, the tar road of the parking space did not allow for rainwater to percolate. Cobblestone is known to help recharge groundwater levels and prevent flooding," further adding, "The digital parking system is a first for us and it will help make the process smoother for customers. They can avoid the current hassle of waiting around to find an available spot."
The department will not be spending from their pocket, as they are receiving CSR funds. Their last work in around April was also done with a corporate fund of Rs. 30 lakh. This included eight low-level aerators and a jet in their 30-acre lake, in order to increase dissolved oxygen content in the water.