Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has implemented a new policy mandating that all visitors to public gardens register their name and entry time before entering. The move follows complaints of harassment by anti-social elements in Kamatibagh and other parks. The process began on Wednesday across four major parks,  Kamatibagh, Harni Sculpture Park, Gotri Garden and Lalbagh.

According to officials, the measure aims to monitor visitors and enhance security after repeated complaints. However, the initiative has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While senior citizens have welcomed it as a positive step for safety, a large section of visitors has expressed dissatisfaction.

Several visitors questioned the privacy safeguards, asking what guarantee exists that their names and mobile numbers will not be misused in the future. Others pointed out that despite mandatory registration, the verification process remains weak.

Visitors were seen writing their own details in the registers without any ID check. In some cases, security personnel filled in the names and numbers as dictated by visitors. No mechanism was in place to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.

Speaking to the media, a youth said, “There is no need for such registration. If security is a concern, patrolling should be increased and the Municipal Corporation should install CCTV cameras. People write their own names in the register and no ID is checked, so what is the purpose? It is just a waste of time.”

Another visitor said, “This is a totally senseless decision. We come here for a walk, but this process wastes 10 minutes. If we want to walk for an hour, it becomes 50 minutes because we must stand in line and write our details. There should be no restrictions on walking in a public garden. People come here to refresh themselves, not to make entries.”

A senior citizen added, “This is a historical garden given by Maharaja Gaekwad for people to play and walk. This is not anyone’s private estate that we must submit our name and number. If anti-social elements are coming here, the authorities should use their CCTV cameras and security staff to catch them. I have not heard of any major incident recently. This decision seems hasty and has created dissatisfaction among citizens.”

The Municipal Commissioner has defended the decision, stating that it has been introduced to create awareness among visitors and enhance security after a few incidents of harassment.

Mangesh Jaiswal, Director of the Parks and Gardens Department, confirmed that registration has been initiated in four parks and will be expanded to others in the coming days. “Many people are welcoming this step, while some are opposed to it. The initiative has been taken in view of public safety,” he said. DeshGujarat