HYDERABAD:“Do you know who am I?”, “My uncle is an MLA, better mind your questions.’’ These ubiquitous phrases are often used by the city’s powers-to-be, and their acquaintances, when caught breaking rules. Offended when asked to show passes or tickets before entering KBR National Park at Jubilee Hills, some netas and babus use these expression to gain access to the park, though they have passes.
But, soon the lawmakers would be forced to slide their hand into pockets and pull out passes as it will be the machines which would be checking for passes, rather than humans. An automated gate would be installed at the entrance of the park, which forces visitors to insert passes or tickets in the machine.
After scanning barcodes, any visitor can walk into the park. The idea to install the gate is approved by Telangana forest department and proposals will be worked up on soon.
Located amidst the uptown Banjara and Jubilee Hills areas, the National park provides much needed greenery and space for serving, ex-ministers, government officials to flex their muscles, jog and walk. An average footfall of 1,000 per day is recorded at the park, which surges to 1,500 on weekends.
The officials said that some higher officials say that they forgot entry pass in their vehicle, and some pass a veil threat asking, “Do you know who am I?”
The idea is everybody entering the park should show passes when asked for. The automated gates will ensure that,” said an official of the forest department.
The park issues monthly passes at Rs 400, annual passes for Rs 1,500 for adults and Rs 1,000 for senior citizens. Daily tickets are priced at Rs 20 for adults, Rs 15 for children.
In the 350-acre park, 150 acres is accessible to public, and the remaining 200 acres is conservation zone.