Hyderabad: In an unusual decision, the staff at Lumbini park have restricted entry of single visitors to Hussainsagar, citing issues like possible ‘suicide attempts’ by those opting for boating alone. The move has created confusion and inconvenience to the visitors as the online booking makes no mention of such stipulations.
Although there have been no recorded instances of suicide attempts from boats, officials from the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) and vendors outside the park assert that there have been many attempts during boat rides. “Umpteen suicide attempts are happening in the lake while boating. Hence, the restriction on single people,” a TTDC official told Deccan Chronicle.
Contradicting these claims, Lake police inspector M. Sathiyanarayanan stated, “There has been no single case of a suicide attempt by jumping off a boat.”
He added that till date this year, they have foiled nine suicide attempts at Tank Bund, and not from any boat.
Meanwhile, visitors who had taken solo tickets online were denied entry by the ticketing staff upon arrival. When confronted about the inconsistency between the online booking platform and the ground restrictions, staff members were silent on alternatives or repayment of the ticket money.
Chandra Reddy, HMDA official, Buddha Purnima Project (BPP) said that he was unaware of the issue. He said, “We do allow people with tickets inside. I have not received any such revised ruling. I will look into it.”
Srinivas Bellam, an activist from the city, said, "They are violating visitors' fundamental right to fun and enjoyment. Suicides are scary but the government should find other logical ways to deal with this, than presume that those coming alone are doing so to take the extreme step like jumping from a boat."
