Shutter bagh' in protest

How would you feel if you visited the Taj Mahal and were banned from clicking pictures, especially in this age of camera-happy folk?  Or for that matter, if you were to travel and visit any spot of repute in any city and were informed that photo shoots are banned in the locations? Wouldn’t it be a dampener to the whole experience? That is exactly how Bengalureans are feeling at the moment as one of their favourite selfie and snap-happy spots in the city has recently banned commercial photo shoots according to a Department of Horticulture diktat. 

Which essentially implies that the beautiful and picturesque gardens will no   longer accommodate dreamy shoots in the lap of nature and of course, no pictures with the peeps. According to horticulture department officials, the decision was made after complaints and concerns were shared by the public who felt awkward during their walks or jogs in the morning or evening. Dr M Jagadish, the joint director, Department of Horticulture and Parks, Lalbagh explains the ban, “Normal photography using a camera is not prohibited, but it only becomes a problem when people use flashlights from professional cameras. As there are many beehives in the garden, the flash instigates bees and causes needless attacks. There have been incidents in the past where that has happened.

Another reason why we decided to ban it because in between photoshoots, many people would change costumes in the middle of the garden, of which we got many complaints and decided to ban any kind of commercial photo shoots or pictures taken by professional cameras. Only phone cameras are allowed.” Gen Y, photography enthusiasts and others from the city mull over whether the decision is justified or not!

Renesh Reghunathan, a city-based photographer,who had to cancel his appointments in Lalbagh because of the ban says, “This sure has been something that no photographer is looking forward to. Photographers  always respect locations we shoot at, would like to keep it clean, so we can use these locations for our work. This plea goes out to environmentalists. If the concern regarding shoots is about having public display of affection(PDA), then it seems mistaken. We know that Lal Bagh is filled with college students, newly married and many love birds who can be seen holding hands, and giving each other a peck on the forehead or a tight hug or kiss. It would be great if these beautiful places were open to us, which in turn can showcase the true beauty of Bengaluru.”

It is a travesty for photographers as many count on such lush, green and beautiful locations for a quick, easy and affordable photo shoot, in comparison to other venues.

Pragya Singh, another young photographer and a Jyoti Nivas College student says, “I’m not a photographer who shoots at Lalbagh a lot. My take on it would be that it shouldn’t be so much of an issue for the general public to have raised it to such a level that a ban is required for photographers. Just like people jog at the park, one should be allowed to take pictures as well. Personal photo shoots are done in Lalbagh and there is nothing repulsive about them, especially for people to have an issue. If one has an issue, then you are just being finicky. I would suggest that if the general public has so much of a problem then maybe a few areas could be restricted for just the regular joggers and walkers, but I don’t understand why a ban needs to be put into place.”

Sathish Nair, a civic activist expresses, “Banning photo shoots is a very regressive order passed by the authorities. Lalbagh is a landmark of the Garden City. Over the ages, people have taken portraits at landmark sites across the world. These pictures have been a part of their personal family albums and archives. People come as individuals, as families, or groups for tourism and picnics here. This new rule needs to be rolled back at the earliest, as it is going to directly impact the brand value of Namma Bengaluru. And that of Lal Bagh, itself.”