Pay and walk in parks: Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority

Visakhapatnam: It’s true, everything has a cost, but what if availing fresh air and greenery in parks too comes with a price. Vizagities will have to cough up a few bucks for walking in parks and health arenas maintained by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority from April 1.  

Vuda would charge Rs150 from each walker every month for using the park spaces maintained by it.  Not even children are spared as it would charge differently as per various age groups.

A notice has been put at the entry gates of the Vuda Park and Health Arena regarding the registration fees. The notice says the walkers have to pay '5 everyday or Rs 150 for a month. The decision of the Vuda, however, received sharp criticism from people of all walks of life.

The Health Arena Walkers’ Association has launched a protest against the registration fees. “We are thankful to the Vuda authorities for bringing a beautiful amenity like Health Arena.  But at the same time we are shocked that it would collect money from the walkers too. It means public have to pay price for maintaining their good health to the government agencies,” said Pedda Somulu, honorary president, Health Arena Walkers’ Association.

Apart from senior citizens, children, women and other residents of the locality are using the facilities. “It is not possible for all to pay fee for walking. The senior citizens should be given concession and others should be given free entry to the health arena for walking or jogging,” he added.