Visitors to Bengaluru's iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden will now need to be more careful about their activities, as authorities have introduced strict new regulations that could result in monetary penalties.
New Rules for the Historic Garden
The horticulture department has issued an official notification containing 33 specific prohibitions for visitors to the famous botanical garden. Among the newly restricted activities are several popular pastimes that have become common in recent years.
Playing with tree branches, roller skating, and shooting social media reels inside the garden premises may now attract a fine of Rs 500 for violators. The measures aim to protect the garden's delicate ecosystem and maintain its serene atmosphere.
Comprehensive List of Prohibitions
The notification, dated November 20, 2025, includes a wide range of restrictions beyond the headline-grabbing reel shooting ban. Traditional activities like begging and fortune-telling also feature among the prohibited actions.
Other notable restrictions likely include:
- Damaging plants and flowers
- Littering and improper waste disposal
- Creating excessive noise
- Commercial activities without permission
- Feeding animals improperly
The comprehensive list reflects growing concerns about preserving the 240-year-old garden's botanical collections and historical significance.
Protecting Bengaluru's Green Lung
Lalbagh Botanical Garden, spanning 240 acres in the heart of Bengaluru, serves as both a major tourist attraction and a crucial green space for city residents. The new regulations come in response to increasing visitor numbers and changing behavior patterns, particularly the rise of social media content creation in picturesque locations.
Garden authorities have noted that certain activities were causing damage to the delicate ecosystem and disturbing other visitors seeking peace and tranquility. The Rs 500 fine represents a significant step toward enforcing better visitor behavior while generating funds for garden maintenance.
The notification establishes a clear framework for garden security personnel to monitor compliance and issue penalties when necessary. Regular visitors and tour operators are expected to receive education about the new rules to ensure smooth implementation.
This move aligns with similar conservation efforts at historical sites and natural spaces across India, where balancing tourism with preservation has become increasingly important.
